Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist
Location: Sao Tome
Country: Sao Tome and Principe
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to improve the lives of people and build resilient nations. The organization focuses on various areas, including democratic governance, sustainable development, and climate change. UNDP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination, and all selected candidates undergo rigorous background checks.

Job Overview:
The Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the Pro PALOP-TL SAI (Phase III) programme, which focuses on enhancing public finance management (PFM) and domestic resource mobilization (DRM) in six PALOP-TL countries: Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé e Príncipe, and Timor-Leste. The Specialist will provide expert advice and technical support to Ministries of Finance, Tax Authorities, and other relevant state institutions, promoting best practices and international standards for budget transparency and tax transparency. The position involves capacity development, advocacy, legal reforms, and digitalization initiatives aimed at improving fiscal transparency and accountability. The Specialist will be based in São Tomé but will cover all six beneficiary countries, dedicating 100% of their time to the programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure capacity development for Ministries of Finance/Plan and Tax Revenue Authorities by developing training materials on Budget Transparency, Domestic Resource Mobilisation, tax policy, compliance, and enforcement. Organize and facilitate trainings for relevant PFM actors.
• Identify opportunities for south-south cooperation and facilitate the building of Communities of Practice among Ministries of Finance and Tax Authorities.
• Provide expert advice and technical support for advocacy and sensitization campaigns focusing on tax efficiency and budgetary transparency.
• Support legal and institutional reforms by drafting proposals for legal frameworks and conducting policy analysis.
• Provide technical assistance for digitalization in PFM systems, mapping best practices for fiscal transparency.
• Draft papers, case studies, and policy briefs on relevant topics, contributing to project publications and reports.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to promote transparent and effective tax systems and engage in knowledge management activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Finance, Law, Public Policy, Taxation, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with additional qualifying experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience (9 years with a bachelor’s degree) working with Ministries of Finance and Tax Authorities in Budget Transparency and Domestic Resource Mobilisation.
• At least 3 years of experience in taxation, international financial accountability, and fiscal transparency.
• Experience working in developing countries, particularly in PALOP-TL countries, is highly desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of current debates regarding taxation and financing for sustainable development is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in writing analytical and communication materials is an asset.
• Proficiency in IT and digital collaboration tools is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Finance, Law, Public Policy, or Taxation. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these fields, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in relevant fields, with at least 3 years focused on taxation and fiscal transparency. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have a total of 9 years of experience. Experience working in developing countries, particularly within the PALOP-TL context, is highly desirable, along with familiarity with UNDP or UN-system operations related to taxation and fiscal policies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while fluency in Portuguese is a strong asset. A working knowledge of another UN language is desired, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across the PALOP-TL countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time, and the initial appointment is for 12 months, contingent upon successful completion of a probationary period. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities. UNDP emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment. Candidates are advised that acceptance of a staff position with UNDP may have implications for US Permanent Residents, who must relinquish their status or apply for US citizenship prior to employment.