World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.
Working for WHO Global Service Centre (GSC), Kuala Lumpur, the consultant contributes to establishing first level support to 500+ US tax filers of WHO and partner entities (UNAIDS, UNITAID, ICC and IARC) by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders involved in the process and in collaboration with UN Income tax unit for seamless execution of administrative process steps that are the responsibility of WHO.
Background
United States does not exempt its nationals and permanent resident holders from taxation on the salaries and emoluments paid to them by the United Nations (UN) or specialized agencies of the UN Common System.
To ensure equality within the UN common system between nationals from different countries, UN/WHO reimburses its US Nationals and permanent residents, taxes paid by them on their UN/WHO earnings.
WHO GSC has partnered with UN Income Tax unit (UNIT), New York to facilitate the tax reimbursement process for US tax filers.
For the end to end process to work seamlessly, all the three stakeholders – staff member, GSC tax service under Payroll Services and UN Income Tax Unit must perform their tasks on time correctly.
Role of Global Service Centre, Kuala Lumpur is key in ensuring that staff members understand their roles and responsibilities and necessary information is rendered to UN Income Tax timely by WHO.
Deliverables
Contribute to providing first level support to US Tax filers by developing a presentation to all new staff to ensure their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in filing taxes vis-a-vis the role of WHO and UNITS.
Expected by: end of month 2.
Develop a report to perform regular reconciliations to ensure all US tax filers on record have their Tax Advances prepared by UNITS in a timely manner and ensure updates made to UNITS on a regular basis for any new hires.
Expected by: monthly.
Assist in establishing a process for the identification of new joiners - US citizens and Permanent residents.
Expected by: end of Month 4.
Contribute to the enrollment of IARC staff members (outside WHO ERP system).
Expected by: on need basis.
Complete the registration process of WHO and supported entities into UN Income tax system (including IARC).
Expected by: end of contract.
Assist with the communication of UN Index numbers to staff members via email.
Expected by: monthly.
Establish reports for the transmission of data to UNITs.
Expected by: monthly.
Establish reports for the transmission of Earnings data (Payroll results) to UNITs.
Expected by: monthly.
Working with focal point at WHO GSC Malaysia contribute to the timely distribution of Tax cheques from UNITs for Tax Settlements and Quarterly Advance Payments.
Expected by: quarterly.
Develop an appropriate recording/tracker by staff member of all tax advances paid in calendar year.
Expected by: monthly.
Assist with the following year-end activities:
Request from staff members for additional information on Foreign Housing Costs
Submit last HR data as at 31 December
Adjustments/reconciliation of earnings data for the year-end
Preparation of accrual for unpaid US Income taxes
Follow up on Annual statement of taxable earnings on behalf of Staff members
Assist in providing feedback/information from staff members on queries related to US Income Tax forUN staff members thru email.
Assist with the follow up and closure of old cases with PAHO (prior to calendar year 2016)
Respond to staff queries or forward to UNITs/ PAHO.
Expected by: within 48 hours of receipt.
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:
Essential:
A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, mathematics, business administration or a related field from a recognized university.
Desirable:
CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
Experience
Essential:
At least 5 years of experience in United States taxation matters preferably in United Nations Environment.
Skills/Knowledge:
Sound knowledge of US Tax laws
Ability to prepare clear, concise and complete analyses
Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical and conceptual skills
Strong professional oral and writing skills
Ability to exercise sensitivity, tact and respect and to maintain the confidentiality of the information processed.