DEPUTY DIRECTOR: INTERNATIONAL & PROPERTY TAX DESIGN REF NO: S116/2026 Division: Tax And Financial Sector Policy (TFSP) Purpose: To initiate and contribute to the optimal design of international (cross- border) and financial sector tax legislation and provide necessary support in respect of tax treaty engagements in the international and regional coordination of tax issues, while working closely with the International & Property Tax Analysis team.

This vacancy is for a Deputy Director: International & Property Tax Design within the Tax and Financial Sector Policy division of the National Treasury, based in Pretoria. The role sits at the heart of South Africa’s tax policy development, focusing specifically on the optimal design of cross-border and financial sector tax legislation. The successful candidate will also provide essential support in tax treaty engagements and work closely with the International & Property Tax Analysis team to ensure coherent, well-researched policy positions. This is a senior technical and advisory post, requiring both deep legal and economic understanding of international tax frameworks and the ability to navigate complex multilateral coordination processes.

Candidates must hold a Grade 12 certificate plus a Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 7 in Law, Accounting, or International Tax. A minimum of four years of relevant experience is required, with at least two years at Assistant Director level or equivalent, gained specifically in international tax and business tax law practice. The role demands proven knowledge and experience of international tax treaties, including treaty negotiation and the drafting of agreements. In addition, the incumbent must be skilled in editing drafter notes and compiling legal documents, reflecting the role’s strong emphasis on producing precise, policy-ready texts for both public release and internal decision-making.

The duties are wide-ranging and grouped around several strategic pillars. Under international tax amendments, the Deputy Director will assist in developing design policy options for cross-border legislation, covering areas such as transfer pricing and controlled foreign company rules. This involves researching ways to refine taxation of cross-border activities, contributing to draft documents and discussion papers, and gathering stakeholder input to inform policy development. In relation to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, the role requires initiating research and analysis on the adoption of the BEPS Action Plan, helping ensure South Africa’s anti-avoidance legislation remains fit for purpose, supporting peer review mechanisms, and contributing to future developments on the Two-Pillar approach and its local implementation. The financial sector component focuses on reviewing and refining tax legislation affecting banks, insurers, and securities transfer tax, as well as assembling exchange control information and conducting research to support stakeholder decisions.

Another key dimension is international and regional coordination. The Deputy Director will provide inputs to engagement processes within SADC, the OECD, the G20, G24, ATAF, Official Development Assistance Agreements with donors, and the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation and its protocols. On tax treaties, the role provides a platform for negotiation support, researches background information on potential stakeholders, scrutinises treaty networks and trade and investment flows, and contributes to the signature process and control measures.

Applicants should note that this is a Senior Management Service position. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme is a requirement before appointment. Psychometric assessments may also be conducted for a limited number of candidates, and all appointments are subject to qualification, criminal, and citizenship verifications. The National Treasury uses an e-Recruitment system for applications, and profiles must be fully completed. The department has indicated that artificial intelligence may not be used in completing assessments, and candidates should be aware that personal information will be processed in line with POPIA. Foreign qualifications must be verified by the applicant. This is an opportunity for a seasoned tax policy professional to make a significant contribution to South Africa’s international tax architecture.