Here are the 1,596 vacancies announced by TRA

Others are human resource management, legal services, procurement, research and planning, finance, internal audit, risk and compliance, and security.

“TRA seeks competent, qualified, and ethical individuals for these roles. We invite applications from eligible Tanzanians,” reads part of the statement.

TRA’s director of taxpayer services and education, Mr Richard Kayombo, explained that these recruitments are designed to enhance tax collection efficiency, especially in underserved regions with growing business activities.

“This is part of our five-year strategic plan to boost revenue collection by reinforcing previously understaffed areas,” he said.

Mr Kayombo also mentioned that the recruitment would address staffing shortages, such as patrol boat operators monitoring lakes and coastal areas.

“We urge applicants to be cautious and avoid fraudsters. Applications should only be submitted through the official TRA portal. No payments are required. If anyone asks for money, it is not TRA,” he cautioned.

Applications can be viewed through: https://tra.go.tz/vacancies and submissions should be done via the TRA recruitment system: [https://recruitment.tra.go.tz/tra; careers/User/UserHome.aspx](https://recruitment.tra.go.tz/tra and careers/User/UserHome.aspx

Business community welcomes the move

 Kariakoo Business Chairperson Severine Mushi views the announcement as a response to calls from business leaders, including the National Business chairperson Khamis Livembe, who has advocated for increased TRA staff.

“This will address delays in service delivery, particularly for business owners who often endure long queues,” said Mr Mushi.

He added that more staff would bring TRA officers closer to business owners and suggested creating five designated service points in Kariakoo to reduce congestion in TRA offices.

Another businessperson, Mr Venace Nyeri, welcomed the move, noting that more staff would improve service quality and ease workloads.

“With additional staff, duties can be better distributed, reducing fatigue that often leads to poor service or miscommunication,” he said.

However, he emphasised the need for adequate training for new employees to foster smoother interactions between the TRA and business owners.

Experts weigh in

Economic expert, Dr Donath Olomi, pointed to the connection between increased tax collection and adequate staffing levels.

“These positions may replace those who left due to resignation, retirement, or other reasons. As the country grows, so does the need for more tax collection points, requiring additional staff,” he said.

Dr Tobias Swai from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) emphasised that efficient service delivery depends on an appropriate staff-to-taxpayer ratio.

“The demand for jobs is high, and tax collection requires knowledge and expertise. More staff in tax administration is essential,” he noted.

He also highlighted that economic expansion necessitates more tax offices and personnel in underserved areas.

Prof Abel Kinyondo of the Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) argued that effectiveness is more important than sheer numbers.

“Other countries use technology to reduce corruption. While hiring more staff is important, proper training is essential to ensure efficiency,” he said.

Announced job categories

TRA has advertised vacancies in the following categories and their respective positions in brackets: Tax Management Officer Grade II (573); Customs Officer Grade II (232); Tax Management Assistant Grade II (253); Customs Assistant Grade II (154); Assistant Lecturer (15); Data Management Officer Grade II (20); Human Resource Officer Grade II (11); Administration Officer Grade II (3); Transport Officer Grade II (5); Property Officer Grade II (15); Engineer Grade II (12); Geologist Grade II (2); Accounts Officer Grade II (12); Accountant Grade II (2); Internal Affairs Officer Grade II (10); Risk Officer Grade II (8); Economist Grade II – (6); Statistician Grade II (4); Lawyer Grade II (6); Procurement and Supply Officer Grade II (5); Laboratory Officer (3); Librarian Grade II (4); Academic Officer Grade II (2); Internal Auditor Grade II (2); Security Officer Grade II (2) and Public Relations Officer Grade II (5).

Others are training assistant (2); personal secretary Grade II (12); Laboratory Technician Grade II (4); Assistant Accounts Officer (10); Records Management Assistant Grade II (10); Masonry and Electrical Technicians Grade II (10); Security System Operator Grade II (9); Captain Grade II (8); Boat Technician (8), Assistant Librarian Grade II (2); Assistant Captain Grade II (2); Receptionist Grade II (20); Driver Grade II (105) and Office Assistant Grade II (27).