Economist and Open Data Specialist: Driving Fiscal Transparency and Digital Governance in PALOP-TL

April 3, 2025

11 minutes read

This Economist and Open Data Specialist position with UNDP in Cabo Verde is a full-time, fixed-term role (P4 level) within the Regional Bureau for Africa. The job is part of the Pro PALOP-TL SAI (Phase III) Programme, which focuses on strengthening Public Finance Management Systems (PFMS) and budget oversight in six PALOP-TL countries:

Angola
Cabo Verde
Guinea-Bissau
Mozambique
São Tomé e Príncipe
Timor-Leste

Key Responsibilities

The Economist and Open Data Specialist will focus on economic governance, open budget data, and transparency. The role involves capacity building for civil society organizations (CSOs) and media, promoting digitalization in public finance management, and supporting legal and institutional reforms.

Main Duties

Capacity Development for CSOs & Media
- Train civil society and journalists on budget analysis, social monitoring, and open data platforms.
- Develop training materials and digital tools for budget transparency.
- Foster South-South cooperation between PALOP-TL countries.
Advocacy & Public Engagement
- Support CSOs in designing and implementing awareness campaigns on fiscal transparency.
- Strengthen the PALOP-TL CSOs’ Digital eBudget Platform to engage the public.
- Collaborate with media to increase public finance transparency coverage.
Legal & Institutional Reforms
- Provide technical expertise to CSOs and government institutions for policy reforms.
- Promote inclusive public participation in budgetary processes.
Digitalization & Open Data Promotion
- Guide the development of digital public finance platforms.
- Ensure regular updates of fiscal data and transparency indices.
- Develop an exit strategy for the sustainability of digital platforms.
Research & Publications
- Write policy briefs, reports, and working papers on budget transparency.
- Contribute to UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub and international finance discussions.

Location & Mobility

Based in Praia, Cabo Verde, but responsible for all six PALOP-TL countries.
Travel is required across these countries.

Skills & Experience Required

✔ Education:http://🔗 UNDP Job Posting – Economist and Open Data Specialist

Master’s degree in Economics, Public Administration, or a related field (7 years experience required).
Bachelor’s degree accepted with 9 years of experience.

✔ Work Experience:@vacancyspaces.com

7+ years (Master’s) or 9+ years (Bachelor’s) in public finance transparency & budget analysis.
5+ years in budget transparency research & statistical analysis.
4+ years in data collection, surveys, and analysis.
3+ years in open budget surveys & open data initiatives.
Experience in digital tools for budget transparency (preferred).
Work experience with UNDP or UN agencies (preferred).

✔ Languages:

Fluent English required.
Portuguese is a strong asset.
Knowledge of another UN language is a plus.

Why is This Role Important?

This position is crucial for ensuring financial transparency, accountability, and digital transformation in PALOP-TL countries. By empowering CSOs, journalists, and policymakers, the role directly contributes to good governance, gender-responsive budgeting, and economic reforms in these regions.

Here’s a detailed and expanded explanation of the Economist and Open Data Specialist position with the UNDP in Cabo Verde (over 3000 words).

Economist and Open Data Specialist – UNDP (Cabo Verde)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network that supports sustainable development efforts in various countries. This particular position—Economist and Open Data Specialist—is part of the Pro PALOP-TL SAI (Phase III) Programme, which aims to strengthen public finance management (PFM), promote budget transparency, and enhance the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) and media in financial accountability across six PALOP-TL countries:

Angola
Cabo Verde
Guinea-Bissau
Mozambique
São Tomé and Príncipe
Timor-Leste

The job location is Praia, Cabo Verde, but the specialist is expected to support efforts across all six countries, with frequent travel requirements.

This role is essential for promoting open budget data, digitalization of financial processes, and institutional transparency reforms, while ensuring public engagement and participation in governance.

1. Overview of the Role

The Economist and Open Data Specialist will be responsible for analyzing, advocating, and implementing economic governance strategies, with a strong emphasis on open data and digital transparency tools. The specialist will work closely with CSOs, government institutions, media organizations, and regional partners to:

Enhance public access to budgetary information
Strengthen civil society engagement in fiscal governance
Promote legal and institutional reforms for financial transparency
Support the digitalization of budget processes and oversight tools
Provide technical expertise for data analysis, research, and advocacy

As a high-level expert, the specialist will contribute to the development of strategies, policies, and tools that facilitate inclusive, participatory, and transparent budgetary governance.

2. Key Responsibilities & Duties

2.1 Capacity Development for Civil Society and Media

One of the specialist’s primary roles is to build technical and institutional capacities for CSOs, journalists, and media professionals to analyze and report on budget transparency issues. Key activities include:

✅ Training and Capacity Building

Design and conduct training workshops for CSOs, media professionals, and other stakeholders on budget analysis, social accountability, and financial transparency.
Develop guidelines, manuals, and e-learning materials for CSOs and journalists to strengthen their ability to monitor public expenditures, procurement, and government financial management.
Introduce innovative digital tools to facilitate financial oversight.

✅ Public Participation and Awareness Campaigns

Collaborate with CSOs and media organizations to enhance public understanding of financial governance through campaigns, public discussions, and media programs.
Strengthen partnerships between government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society to improve budget oversight mechanisms.
Establish and promote the use of online platforms for citizens to access and analyze budget data.

✅ South-South Cooperation in PALOP-TL Countries

Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practices among civil society organizations across PALOP-TL nations.
Organize regional training programs, conferences, and networking events to support cross-border collaboration on budget monitoring initiatives.

2.2 Advocacy and Public Engagement in Budget Transparency

The specialist will actively support advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting public participation in fiscal decision-making. Responsibilities in this area include:

✅ Developing Advocacy Strategies

Work closely with CSOs, NGOs, and advocacy groups to implement strategies that promote open budgeting and citizen engagement in public finance processes.
Guide public consultations and help develop participatory budgeting mechanisms.

✅ Media Engagement and Public Awareness

Support media organizations in developing investigative reports, documentaries, and articles on financial transparency and accountability.
Organize press briefings and policy dialogues to facilitate discussions between journalists, policymakers, and civil society actors.
Encourage greater citizen engagement in budget tracking initiatives through interactive platforms and digital tools.

2.3 Legal and Institutional Reforms for Open Budgeting

The specialist will support policy development and institutional reforms that align with international best practices in public financial management (PFM). This involves:

✅ Technical Assistance for Governments

Provide expert guidance to governments and parliaments in drafting and implementing fiscal transparency laws.
Work with policymakers to develop and adopt open data policies that enhance public sector accountability.
Support the creation of legal frameworks that strengthen access to financial information.

✅ Capacity Building for Government Officials

Conduct workshops and advisory sessions for government agencies on public finance digitalization, fiscal transparency, and citizen engagement strategies.
Develop policy briefs and guidance documents that inform budgetary decision-making.

✅ Monitoring and Evaluation of Policy Reforms

Track progress in public finance transparency reforms across PALOP-TL nations.
Develop evaluation tools and reports to assess the effectiveness of budget transparency policies.

2.4 Digitalization and Open Data Promotion

A key focus of the role is to support the development and expansion of digital platforms that improve public access to fiscal information. The specialist will:

✅ Enhance Digital Budgeting Platforms

Guide the design and implementation of open budget portals that allow citizens to access and analyze government spending data.
Ensure that these platforms include real-time updates, user-friendly dashboards, and interactive data visualizations.

✅ Support Data Transparency Initiatives

Develop strategies for regularly updating and maintaining government financial datasets.
Assist in implementing open data standards and promoting data literacy among civil society and government actors.

✅ Exit Strategy and Sustainability Planning

Develop long-term sustainability plans for digital transparency initiatives to ensure they remain operational beyond project funding cycles.
Train local institutions on managing and maintaining digital budget platforms independently.

The specialist will play a crucial role in conducting research and producing analytical reports on fiscal transparency, governance, and economic policies. Responsibilities include:

✅ Policy Research and Publications

Conduct in-depth research on budget transparency, social accountability, and open data governance.
Publish policy briefs, working papers, and reports that contribute to UNDP’s global knowledge base.
Provide technical input into the UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub and international discussions on economic governance.

✅ Performance Monitoring and Reporting

Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to fiscal transparency and open data initiatives.
Develop monitoring frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of budget transparency efforts in PALOP-TL countries.

3. Required Qualifications and Skills

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

3.1 Education

✅ Master’s degree in:

Economics
Public Administration
Development Studies
Finance
Or a related field

(7 years of relevant experience required with a Master’s degree).

✅ Bachelor’s degree in similar fields will be accepted with 9 years of experience.

3.2 Work Experience

✅ Minimum 7 years (with Master’s) or 9 years (with Bachelor’s) of experience in:

Public finance transparency, governance, and accountability
Budget analysis, policy research, and open data promotion
Training and capacity development for CSOs and government actors
Developing and implementing digital financial tools

✅ Additional experience requirements:

5+ years in budget transparency research and statistical analysis
4+ years in data collection, surveys, and fiscal oversight
3+ years in open budget surveys and digital budget initiatives
Previous experience with UNDP, UN agencies, or international development organizations (preferred)

3.3 Language Requirements

Fluent in English (mandatory)
Portuguese language proficiency is a strong asset
Knowledge of an additional UN language is a plus

4. Why This Role is Critical

This position is at the heart of economic governance and financial transparency in PALOP-TL countries. By empowering civil society, improving digital financial systems, and advocating for policy reforms, the specialist will contribute to sustainable development, democracy, and public sector accountability.

Would you like help with your application, resume, or interview preparation?

5. The Strategic Importance of This Role

The Economist and Open Data Specialist plays a pivotal role in fostering good governance, economic transparency, and public participation in budgetary decision-making across PALOP-TL countries. This position directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – by promoting transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering collaboration between governments, civil society, and international organizations to improve financial governance.

Given the regional scope of this job, the specialist will influence policy discussions at the national and transnational levels—impacting budget planning, government accountability, and digital transformation in public finance management.

6. Key Challenges in the Role

While this position presents exciting opportunities, it also comes with significant challenges. The specialist must navigate complex economic and political landscapes, balancing the interests of governments, civil society, and international donors.

6.1 Resistance to Budget Transparency

Many governments in the PALOP-TL region have historically maintained limited transparency in budgetary matters, with institutional resistance to open data initiatives. The specialist must:

Develop diplomatic advocacy strategies to engage policymakers.
Build multi-stakeholder coalitions to push for financial transparency reforms.
Leverage international pressure (such as UNDP and donor influence) to encourage compliance with budget openness and accountability standards.

6.2 Digitalization and Data Accessibility Issues

Despite advances in open data and digital governance, many government institutions in PALOP-TL nations lack the necessary infrastructure and expertise to fully implement digital budgeting platforms. The specialist must:

Address technological gaps by providing technical assistance for digital transformation.
Ensure user-friendly and accessible platforms for budget data.
Train government agencies and civil society on how to analyze and interpret open financial data.

6.3 Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability

Many donor-funded programs face the risk of short-term impact, with reforms fading once funding ends. The specialist must:

Design strategies that institutionalize financial transparency within national governance systems.
Work with governments to create self-sustaining financial oversight mechanisms.
Support capacity-building initiatives that ensure CSOs, journalists, and citizens continue engaging in budget monitoring and advocacy beyond the program’s duration.

7. Expected Outcomes and Impact

By successfully implementing public finance transparency and open data initiatives, the specialist will contribute to several key outcomes, including:

7.1 Increased Public Engagement in Budget Processes

Citizens, CSOs, and journalists will have greater access to fiscal data.
Public participation in budget formulation and monitoring will improve.
Open budget portals and digital tools will facilitate real-time budget tracking.

7.2 Strengthened Public Financial Management (PFM)

Governments will adopt more transparent budgeting practices.
Public spending will be better monitored to prevent mismanagement and corruption.
PFM institutions will be equipped with modern digital tools for effective oversight.

7.3 Improved Legal and Institutional Frameworks

Countries will adopt progressive budget transparency laws and policies.
Institutional reforms will align with international standards for fiscal openness.
Regulatory frameworks will ensure sustainable implementation of open budget policies.

8. Tools and Methodologies Used in the Role

The specialist will utilize a range of technical tools, methodologies, and best practices to fulfill their responsibilities:

8.1 Digital Tools for Budget Transparency

Open Budget Portals – Platforms providing real-time access to government expenditures, revenues, and procurement data.
GIS and Data Visualization Software – Used to create interactive dashboards and geospatial representations of public spending.
Mobile and Web-Based Citizen Engagement Platforms – Allowing citizens to track and report on government expenditures.

8.2 Research and Policy Analysis Frameworks

Open Budget Index (OBI) – A key international metric for assessing budget transparency performance.
Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Framework – A tool for analyzing public finance management (PFM) systems.
Fiscal Incidence Analysis – Used to evaluate how government spending impacts different social and economic groups.

8.3 Capacity-Building and Training Approaches

Participatory Budgeting Techniques – Ensuring citizen involvement in financial decision-making.
CSO and Media Training Workshops – Equipping non-state actors with the skills to analyze and report on public budgets.
Cross-Border Knowledge Exchange – Facilitating learning between PALOP-TL nations through joint forums, study tours, and shared best practices.

9. Future Growth and Career Pathways

This role provides significant career advancement opportunities, both within UNDP and in the broader international development sector. Potential career pathways include:

9.1 Advancing Within UNDP and UN Agencies

Senior Economist – Working at a regional or global level within UNDP.
Public Finance Governance Expert – Specializing in global fiscal governance policies.
Open Data and Digital Governance Specialist – Focusing on digital transformation in public administration.

9.2 Transitioning to Other International Development Organizations

Positions in World Bank, IMF, OECD, or regional development banks focusing on fiscal transparency and economic governance.
Advisory roles in international NGOs or think tanks specializing in budget transparency and open data initiatives.

9.3 High-Level Government and Policy Roles

Chief Economist or Policy Advisor within government finance ministries.
Senior roles in national budget offices or anti-corruption agencies.
Leadership positions in public sector innovation and digital governance units.

10. Application and Selection Process

10.1 Key Competencies and Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed based on the following:

Technical Expertise in Fiscal Governance – Proven experience in budget transparency, PFM, and open data promotion.
Strategic Leadership and Advocacy Skills – Ability to influence policy reforms and build partnerships.
Digital Transformation and Open Data Knowledge – Familiarity with modern tools for financial oversight and citizen engagement.
Strong Research and Analytical Skills – Experience in policy research, budget analysis, and data-driven advocacy.

10.2 Stages of the Hiring Process

Application Review – Shortlisting based on qualifications and experience.
Technical Assessment – May include a written test on budget transparency policies and open data tools.
Interviews – Evaluating problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and leadership abilities.
Final Selection and Contract Offer – Based on performance in assessments and interviews.

11. Conclusion: Why This Role Matters

The Economist and Open Data Specialist is a high-impact role that directly contributes to democratic governance, economic development, and public financial transparency. The specialist will:

Drive policy reforms that promote open governance.
Strengthen citizen participation in public finance oversight.
Enhance government accountability through digital transformation.

This is an excellent career opportunity for professionals passionate about public finance, digital governance, and social accountability. If you’re interested in applying, I can help review your CV, draft a cover letter, or prepare for the interview. Let me know how you’d like to proceed! 🚀

April 3, 2025

11 minutes read