Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist: Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Economic Growth

March 18, 2025

10 minutes read

This job is for a Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in São Tomé and Príncipe. The role is part of a larger initiative, the Pro PALOP-TL SAI (Phase III) programme, which supports Public Finance Management (PFM) and budget transparency in six Portuguese-speaking countries: Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste.

Key Responsibilities;http://Budget and DRM Transparency Specialist – UNDP

Capacity Development for Ministries of Finance & Tax Authorities
- Develop and conduct trainings on budget transparency, tax policy, revenue forecasting, and related topics.
- Support peer learning and south-south cooperation among PALOP-TL countries.
- Assist in implementing results-based budgeting and gender-responsive budgets.
Advocacy & Public Awareness
- Design and promote public awareness campaigns on tax efficiency, budget transparency, and open government.
- Engage with government, private sector, and civil society to build consensus on tax reforms.
Legal & Institutional Reforms
- Provide technical support for budget and tax-related legal reforms.
- Advise on policy changes to improve fiscal transparency.
Digitalization of Public Finance Management Systems
- Help develop digital platforms for fiscal and tax transparency.
- Support governments in implementing e-governance solutions.
Research & Policy Development
- Write policy briefs, reports, and case studies on budget transparency and domestic resource mobilization.
- Contribute to UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub and Tax for SDGs initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

Master’s degree in Economics, Public Finance, Law, Public Policy, Taxation, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree with more experience is also acceptable).
7+ years (or 9+ years with a Bachelor’s) experience in budget transparency and tax policy.
Experience working with ministries of finance or tax authorities.
Knowledge of international financial accountability, tax transparency, and fiscal policies.
Experience working in developing countries (especially PALOP-TL countries) is a plus.
Fluency in English is required, and Portuguese is a strong asset.

Contract Details;@vacancyspaces.com

1-year fixed term, with a possibility of extension.
Mobility required, meaning the candidate may need to travel to the different PALOP-TL countries.
Full-time position based in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe.

Who Should Apply?

This job is ideal for professionals with experience in public finance, tax policy, international development, and governance. If you have expertise in budget transparency, tax reform, or digital finance systems, and are interested in working with governments and international organizations, this role could be a great fit.

Certainly! Below is a detailed explanation of the Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist job at UNDP in São Tomé and Príncipe. I will break it down into several sections, covering everything from the role’s purpose, responsibilities, qualifications, and impact, to the importance of public finance transparency and domestic resource mobilization in development.

Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist – UNDP

1. Introduction to the Role

The Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist position is a key role in the Pro PALOP-TL SAI (Phase III) Programme. This initiative focuses on improving Public Finance Management (PFM), budget transparency, and accountability in the Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) and Timor-Leste.

This specialist will work to strengthen the financial management systems of these nations, improve tax collection processes, promote budget transparency, and support institutional reforms that lead to more effective and accountable governance.

The role is based in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe, but will involve travel to other PALOP-TL countries, including:

Angola
Cabo Verde
Guinea-Bissau
Mozambique
Timor-Leste

Why is this Role Important?

Many developing nations struggle with inefficient tax collection, corruption, and lack of public finance transparency, which leads to revenue loss and poor public service delivery.
Strengthening domestic resource mobilization is critical for governments to fund education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social programs without relying heavily on foreign aid.
This role ensures that governments, civil society, and international partners work together to create sustainable and transparent financial systems.

2. Key Responsibilities and Duties

The specialist will be responsible for several core areas of work, which can be grouped into capacity building, policy advisory, institutional reform, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement.

A. Capacity Building for Ministries of Finance and Tax Authorities

Training & Workshops
- Conduct specialized training for government officials, focusing on budget transparency, tax policy, and revenue forecasting.
- Organize peer-to-peer learning sessions between PALOP-TL countries to share best practices in public finance management.
- Support the implementation of results-based budgeting (RBB) to ensure that public expenditures align with national priorities.
Technical Assistance for Public Financial Management (PFM)
- Assist Ministries of Finance in developing and refining their fiscal policies.
- Improve the efficiency and fairness of tax collection by helping governments modernize their tax administration systems.
- Provide expertise in Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessments.
Gender-Responsive Budgeting
- Support governments in integrating gender considerations into their budgets.
- Provide training on how fiscal policies can reduce gender inequalities and empower marginalized communities.

B. Advocacy and Public Awareness Campaigns

Citizen Engagement in Budget Transparency
- Develop campaigns to educate the public on budgetary processes and the importance of tax compliance.
- Strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) and media participation in budget monitoring and oversight.
Fostering a Culture of Tax Compliance
- Promote the benefits of tax compliance through public communication strategies.
- Work with governments to simplify tax filing processes, making them more accessible and user-friendly.
Developing Open Budget Data Portals
- Assist in creating public-facing online tools that allow citizens to track government expenditures in real time.

C. Institutional & Legal Reform Support

Policy Development for DRM and Fiscal Transparency
- Conduct in-depth research to identify weaknesses in tax policies.
- Develop policy recommendations to increase government revenue collection efficiently and fairly.
Legal Framework Modernization
- Support governments in reviewing and amending tax laws to align with international best practices.
- Advocate for reforms that reduce opportunities for tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
Strengthening Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs)
- Assist in reinforcing independent auditing institutions to ensure proper oversight of public expenditures.

D. Digital Transformation in Public Finance Management

Supporting the Digitalization of PFM Systems
- Promote e-governance solutions, such as digital tax payment platforms and automated budgeting systems.
- Assist in the implementation of Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS).
Transparency and Open Government Initiatives
- Develop and support open data platforms for fiscal transparency.
- Encourage governments to publish budget reports, tax revenues, and expenditure tracking data for public access.

3. Required Qualifications & Competencies

Education

Master’s degree in Economics, Public Finance, Public Administration, Law, Taxation, Public Policy, or a related field.
A Bachelor’s degree may be accepted with additional years of experience.

Experience

At least 7 years (or 9 years with a Bachelor’s) of experience in:
- Public finance management
- Budget transparency initiatives
- Tax policy and revenue administration
- Governance and institutional reforms
Experience working with ministries of finance, tax authorities, or international organizations.
Knowledge of international financial accountability standards, tax transparency frameworks, and fiscal policies.
Previous work experience in developing countries, particularly PALOP-TL nations, is a strong asset.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required.
Portuguese language skills are highly desirable.
Knowledge of French or Spanish is an added advantage.

4. Expected Impact of the Role

By working as a Budget and DRM Transparency Specialist, the candidate will contribute to:

Stronger governance and public finance institutions in PALOP-TL countries.
Increased domestic revenue collection through better tax policies and reduced tax evasion.
More transparent budgets, ensuring that citizens know how public funds are used.
Improved social services, as governments will have more resources to invest in health, education, and infrastructure.
Greater citizen participation in fiscal decision-making.

This role directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting transparency and accountability.
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering stable financial systems.
SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring fair taxation policies.

5. Contract Details

Type: Fixed-term contract (1 year, renewable based on performance and funding).
Location: São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe.
Travel: Required across PALOP-TL countries.

6. Who Should Apply?

This position is ideal for:

Economists, policy analysts, tax specialists, and finance professionals with experience in budget transparency, tax reform, and public finance management.
Candidates with strong research skills, policy-making experience, and familiarity with international fiscal frameworks.
Professionals interested in international development, governance, and economic growth.

If you have experience in strengthening public institutions, working with governments, and driving reforms in developing countries, this role is a perfect fit!

7. Next Steps: How to Apply

Prepare a tailored CV highlighting your experience in public finance management, tax policy, and budget transparency.
Write a strong cover letter explaining your interest in fiscal transparency and governance reforms.
If you need help with resume optimization or interview preparation, let me know!

Would you like me to help you draft a strong cover letter or CV

Absolutely! Let’s expand even further on this role, its impact, key challenges, and opportunities, along with insights on domestic resource mobilization (DRM) and budget transparency in development.

Deep Dive into the Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist Role at UNDP

This section will go beyond the job description and provide additional insights, including:

The importance of DRM and budget transparency in governance.
The biggest challenges facing PALOP-TL countries in financial management.
The role of technology and innovation in improving tax systems.
How this role contributes to long-term economic growth and stability.

1. The Importance of Budget Transparency and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM)

A. Why Budget Transparency Matters

Budget transparency is essential for good governance and economic stability. A transparent budget:

Ensures accountability: Citizens and oversight institutions can track how governments use public funds.
Reduces corruption: Openness in budgeting prevents the misallocation of resources.
Encourages investor confidence: International investors and organizations prefer countries with clear, accountable public finance systems.
Improves public service delivery: A well-planned budget helps fund essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Many developing countries, including the PALOP-TL nations, face challenges in ensuring budget transparency. Problems such as limited public access to budget information, lack of citizen engagement, and weak oversight institutions hinder effective governance.

B. What is Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM)?

DRM refers to a country’s ability to generate revenue through taxes and other internal sources to finance public services without relying heavily on external aid.

A strong DRM system:

Reduces dependency on foreign aid: Countries can fund their development priorities without external conditions.
Strengthens financial independence: Nations can allocate resources based on local needs rather than donor priorities.
Encourages economic growth: Stable and predictable tax policies boost business confidence and investment.

However, many PALOP-TL countries struggle with:

Low tax revenue collection due to inefficient systems.
Tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
A large informal economy, where many businesses and workers do not pay taxes.

This is where a DRM specialist plays a crucial role in designing effective tax policies, reducing leakages, and modernizing revenue collection systems.

2. Key Challenges in Public Finance Management (PFM) in PALOP-TL Countries

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand the biggest obstacles these countries face in managing public finances.

A. Limited Fiscal Space

Many PALOP-TL nations face high debt burdens.
Governments lack enough funds to invest in essential sectors.
There’s an overreliance on commodity exports, which makes revenues unpredictable.

B. Weak Revenue Collection Systems

Tax evasion is widespread due to loopholes in tax laws.
Corruption in tax administration reduces collections.
Informal businesses do not contribute to the formal tax base.

C. Lack of Public Trust in Taxation

Citizens often believe that tax revenues are misused, leading to low compliance.
Complex and inefficient tax filing systems discourage voluntary tax payments.

D. Insufficient Transparency and Oversight

Governments may fail to publish full budget data.
Limited involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) in budget oversight.
Weak supreme audit institutions (SAIs) that struggle to hold authorities accountable.

A Budget and DRM Transparency Specialist directly tackles these issues by:

Strengthening tax policies and enforcement mechanisms.
Introducing digital solutions to streamline tax collection.
Promoting citizen engagement in budget transparency.

3. The Role of Technology in Enhancing DRM and Budget Transparency

Technology is transforming public finance management, making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible.

A. Digital Tax Systems

E-filing platforms simplify tax payments for citizens and businesses.
Automated tax audits help detect fraud and tax evasion.
Data analytics can improve tax forecasting and policy adjustments.

B. Blockchain for Transparency

Blockchain technology can create tamper-proof records of government transactions.
Smart contracts can ensure tax revenues are allocated efficiently.

C. AI and Machine Learning in Tax Administration

AI can help identify tax evaders by analyzing transaction patterns.
Automated systems can reduce bureaucratic delays and corruption risks.

A DRM specialist will work closely with governments to introduce these innovations and train officials on how to use them.

4. The Impact of Strong Public Finance Management

Improving DRM and budget transparency has long-term benefits for economic growth and social development.

A. More Revenue for Essential Services

A well-functioning tax system allows governments to invest in:

Education (building schools, hiring teachers).
Healthcare (hospitals, vaccines, healthcare workers).
Infrastructure (roads, energy, clean water).

B. Economic Growth and Job Creation

Clear tax policies encourage business investment.
Governments can provide incentives for entrepreneurship.

C. Greater Trust in Government

Transparent budgeting helps citizens see how their taxes are spent.
Reducing corruption leads to greater public trust in authorities.

D. Strengthened Democracy

An informed public can hold leaders accountable.
Independent audit institutions can prevent mismanagement.

This is why the Budget and DRM Transparency Specialist role is vital—it builds the foundation for sustainable, self-sufficient economies.

5. Key Partnerships for Success

For this role to be effective, it requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders:

A. Government Institutions

Ministries of Finance: To reform tax policies.
Tax authorities: To improve revenue collection systems.
National Audit Institutions: To strengthen oversight.

B. International Organizations

IMF, World Bank, OECD: To align fiscal policies with global best practices.
African Union & EU: To implement transparency standards.

C. Civil Society and Media

NGOs and watchdog groups: To promote budget literacy.
Journalists: To investigate and expose financial mismanagement.

D. Private Sector

Businesses: To comply with tax laws and advocate for fair policies.
Tech companies: To develop digital tax solutions.

A Budget and DRM Transparency Specialist will be at the center of these partnerships, ensuring effective coordination and implementation.

6. Career Growth and Opportunities in DRM and PFM

This role opens doors to numerous career paths in:

International development organizations (World Bank, IMF, UNDP).
Government advisory roles (Ministries of Finance, Tax Authorities).
NGOs focused on governance and transparency.
Academia and research on fiscal policy and public finance.

7. Final Thoughts – Why This Role is Crucial

The Budget and DRM Transparency Specialist position is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to reshape governance and economic policies in developing nations.

By ensuring fair taxation, transparent budgeting, and effective resource mobilization, this role directly contributes to: ✅ Economic stability
✅ Poverty reduction
✅ Sustainable development

Would you like me to help you with a cover letter or CV tailored for this position? Let me know how I can assist!

March 18, 2025

10 minutes read