Budget & Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist: Enhancing Financial Governance and Economic Development in PALOP-TL
This job posting is for a Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The position is based in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe and is part of the Pro PALOP-TL SAI (Phase III) programme, which supports the Public Finance Management (PFM) system in six Portuguese-speaking countries:
- Angola
- Cabo Verde
- Guinea Bissau
- Mozambique
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Timor-Leste
Key Aspects of the Job
1. Purpose of the Role
The Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist will provide technical expertise and capacity-building support to Ministries of Finance, Tax Authorities, and other financial governance institutions in these countries. The goal is to improve budget transparency, tax administration, domestic resource mobilization, and digital transformation of public financial systems.
2. Primary Responsibilities
The specialist will work under the Pro PALOP-TL SAI (Phase III) Programme and focus on:
- Training & Capacity Development:
- Develop training materials for government officials.
- Organize workshops and courses on budget transparency, tax compliance, and revenue mobilization.
- Foster peer-to-peer learning and South-South cooperation between PALOP-TL countries.
- Policy Advocacy & Legal Reforms:
- Support countries in drafting policies and legal frameworks for public financial management and tax reform.
- Advise on laws regarding budget disclosure, tax evasion, and automatic exchange of tax information.
- Engage with government stakeholders and civil society for awareness campaigns on financial governance.
- Digital Transformation of PFM Systems:
- Assist in developing e-governance tools for financial management and tax collection.
- Identify best practices from other countries on digitalizing public finance.
- Promote open data platforms for budget and tax transparency.
- Knowledge Sharing & Research:
- Write policy briefs, case studies, and reports on fiscal transparency.
- Monitor global tax policy trends and assess their impact on PALOP-TL countries.
- Contribute to UNDP publications and represent the program in international forums.
3. Required Qualifications
- Education:
- Master’s Degree in Economics, Public Finance, Law, Public Policy, Taxation, or related fields (or a Bachelor’s with additional work experience).
- Work Experience:
- 7+ years (Master’s) or 9+ years (Bachelor’s) in budget transparency, taxation, and public finance management.
- At least 3-5 years of experience in international taxation, financial accountability, and fiscal transparency.
- Prior work experience in developing countries (especially in PALOP-TL nations) is an advantage.
- Skills:
- Strong knowledge of international tax standards, anti-tax evasion measures, and public sector finance.
- Experience in policy drafting, training delivery, and digital financial solutions.
- Fluency in English (Portuguese is a strong asset).
4. Contract & Working Conditions
- Position Grade: P4 (Mid-to-Senior Level)
- Contract Type: Fixed Term (1 year, renewable)
- Work Location: São Tomé and Príncipe, with travel to other PALOP-TL countries.
- Mobility Required: The candidate must be willing to travel frequently within the region.
Why This Role is Important
The Pro PALOP-TL SAI Programme has been running for over 8 years and has successfully improved economic governance and financial accountability in these six countries. This new phase aims to strengthen financial transparency, combat tax evasion, and enhance digital public finance systems, which are crucial for sustainable development.
If you’re an expert in public finance, tax policy, and governance reform, and you want to contribute to economic transparency in developing countries, this role is an excellent opportunity.
Sure! Below is an expanded and detailed explanation of the Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist role at UNDP under the Pro PALOP-TL SAI Phase III program. This will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the job, its importance, responsibilities, qualifications, and how it contributes to sustainable development in the PALOP-TL region.
Detailed Overview of the Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist Role at UNDP
1. Introduction to the Role and Its Importance
The Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist will play a crucial role in strengthening financial transparency, improving tax systems, and enhancing public finance management (PFM) in six Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) and Timor-Leste (TL). These countries face significant challenges in domestic resource mobilization, budget transparency, and fiscal accountability. The role is part of the Pro PALOP-TL SAI Phase III Programme, a long-term initiative aimed at enhancing good governance and financial oversight across these nations.
By supporting Ministries of Finance, Tax Authorities, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), and other relevant institutions, the specialist will contribute to:
- Improving tax compliance and revenue collection to increase financial resources for development.
- Promoting budget transparency and accountability to reduce corruption and ensure effective use of public funds.
- Enhancing digital transformation in public finance systems to modernize financial administration.
- Strengthening legal and institutional frameworks related to financial governance.
The ultimate goal is to help governments in PALOP-TL countries achieve financial self-sufficiency, reducing their reliance on external aid while ensuring that public funds are used effectively, transparently, and fairly.
2. The Pro PALOP-TL SAI Programme (Phase III)
The Pro PALOP-TL SAI Programme is a long-standing UNDP initiative that has been supporting PALOP-TL countries in public financial management (PFM), governance, and accountability since 2014. The program is now in its third phase, focusing more on:
- Transparency in budget allocation and execution.
- Domestic resource mobilization (DRM) and tax policy improvements.
- Strengthening supreme audit institutions (SAIs) and financial oversight.
- Enhancing digitalization of PFM systems.
The participating countries in the program include:
- Angola
- Cabo Verde
- Guinea-Bissau
- Mozambique
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Timor-Leste
These countries have diverse economic structures but share common challenges in tax collection efficiency, financial governance, and public spending transparency. The Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist will work across these nations, helping governments develop more effective policies, legal frameworks, and institutional mechanisms to improve domestic resource mobilization and financial transparency.
3. Key Responsibilities of the Specialist
The role encompasses a wide range of technical, policy, and advisory functions. Below are the main areas of responsibility:
A. Technical Assistance in Budget Transparency and PFM
- Provide technical support to governments and financial institutions in strengthening public financial management (PFM) systems.
- Assist in the development of national budget transparency strategies aligned with international best practices.
- Work with Ministries of Finance and other financial authorities to enhance public access to budgetary information.
- Support the creation of online portals and open data platforms for improved public engagement in budget monitoring.
B. Enhancing Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM)
- Develop policy recommendations for improving tax collection efficiency and increasing government revenue.
- Provide guidance on progressive taxation, fair tax policies, and reducing tax evasion.
- Assist tax authorities in implementing digital tax collection mechanisms and improving taxpayer compliance.
- Promote capacity building for tax administration officers in areas such as automatic exchange of tax information (AEOI), anti-money laundering (AML), and tax audits.
C. Legal and Institutional Reforms
- Assist governments in drafting tax laws and fiscal policies that promote transparency and economic growth.
- Support legal frameworks that prevent illicit financial flows (IFFs) and encourage corporate tax compliance.
- Work with anti-corruption agencies and supreme audit institutions to strengthen financial oversight mechanisms.
D. Digital Transformation in Public Finance
- Advocate for e-governance solutions in tax administration and public expenditure tracking.
- Support the adoption of digital financial management information systems (FMIS) to improve efficiency in public sector financial administration.
- Assist in developing automated reporting tools that enhance real-time financial transparency.
E. Training, Capacity Building, and Knowledge Sharing
- Conduct workshops, seminars, and training sessions for government officials on PFM best practices.
- Facilitate regional knowledge exchanges between PALOP-TL countries to share successful tax and budget reforms.
- Develop training manuals and toolkits for tax authorities and financial regulators.
- Support universities and academic institutions in developing curricula related to fiscal governance and public finance.
F. Research and Policy Development
- Conduct policy research and case studies on tax administration, fiscal policy, and DRM.
- Draft policy briefs, reports, and recommendations on budget transparency and tax efficiency.
- Contribute to UNDP publications on financial governance and development finance.
Table of Contents
4. Required Qualifications and Skills
To qualify for this role, candidates must meet the following academic, professional, and technical qualifications:
A. Education
- A Master’s degree in Economics, Public Finance, Public Policy, Law, International Development, or a related field.
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with additional work experience may be accepted in place of a Master’s degree.
B. Work Experience
- 7+ years of professional experience in public finance, taxation, or budget transparency (for Master’s degree holders).
- 9+ years of experience for Bachelor’s degree holders.
- Proven expertise in international tax policy, fiscal transparency, and public sector reform.
- Experience working with government agencies, financial institutions, or international organizations.
- Prior experience in PALOP-TL countries or other developing economies is an advantage.
C. Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of tax administration, domestic resource mobilization, and public finance management.
- Familiarity with international tax compliance frameworks (OECD tax standards, BEPS, AML regulations).
- Expertise in digital public finance tools (such as FMIS, e-tax systems, and blockchain-based tax compliance solutions).
D. Language and Communication Skills
- Fluency in English is required.
- Portuguese proficiency is highly desirable, as the job involves working with PALOP countries.
5. Expected Impact of the Role
The Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist will have a significant impact on:
- Strengthening tax systems to improve domestic resource mobilization.
- Enhancing public trust by increasing fiscal transparency.
- Promoting economic growth by ensuring fair and efficient tax collection.
- Supporting digital transformation in financial governance.
By helping PALOP-TL countries improve revenue collection, minimize corruption, and strengthen fiscal oversight, the role will contribute to long-term economic stability and sustainable development.
6. Conclusion
The Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist position is a high-impact, strategic role that supports economic governance, financial accountability, and transparency in PALOP-TL countries. It requires a combination of technical expertise, policy advisory skills, legal knowledge, and digital finance capabilities. If you are passionate about tax justice, fiscal governance, and development finance, this role presents a unique opportunity to drive meaningful policy changes and contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Africa and Timor-Lest
Certainly! Here’s a more in-depth exploration of the Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist role, expanding on its impact, challenges, and contributions to sustainable development in the PALOP-TL region.
7. Deep Dive into the Role’s Strategic Importance
A. Why Budget Transparency and DRM Matter in Developing Economies
Budget transparency and domestic resource mobilization (DRM) are at the heart of economic self-sufficiency. Many developing economies, including those in the PALOP-TL (Portuguese-speaking African Countries and Timor-Leste) region, struggle with limited financial resources, which affects their ability to fund essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist plays a critical role in helping governments mobilize and utilize domestic resources efficiently by:
- Ensuring that government revenue (from taxes, duties, and other sources) is collected fairly and efficiently.
- Encouraging public participation in financial oversight to build trust and reduce corruption.
- Implementing digital solutions for modern tax collection and financial management.
- Enhancing collaboration between revenue authorities, tax agencies, and supreme audit institutions (SAIs).
- Reducing reliance on foreign aid by strengthening internal revenue mechanisms.
By improving budget transparency, government accountability, and tax systems, the specialist helps countries achieve financial independence while ensuring citizens benefit from public funds.
B. The Global Context: Linking the Role to International Development Goals
The UNDP has aligned its Pro PALOP-TL SAI Programme with major global frameworks, including:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 16: Promote peace, justice, and strong institutions by enhancing financial transparency and governance.
- SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation for domestic resource mobilization to reduce dependency on external aid.
- SDG 8: Foster sustainable economic growth by ensuring fair taxation and investment in public services.
- African Union’s Agenda 2063
- Supports the goal of an economically self-sufficient Africa by promoting efficient tax collection, reducing illicit financial flows (IFFs), and improving fiscal governance.
- The Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) on Financing for Development
- Calls for improved domestic revenue mobilization as a way to fund development goals without over-reliance on international donors.
The Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist contributes directly to these international commitments by:
✅ Helping PALOP-TL governments strengthen tax systems and reduce tax evasion.
✅ Enhancing public finance management (PFM) frameworks to ensure public funds are spent efficiently.
✅ Promoting accountability in how governments raise and allocate financial resources.
This means the specialist’s work has far-reaching consequences, affecting national economies, governance, and social development.
8. Challenges and Solutions in Budget Transparency & DRM
A. Common Challenges in PALOP-TL Countries
The PALOP-TL countries face multiple financial governance challenges, including:
1. Weak Tax Systems and Low Revenue Collection
- Tax collection rates are low, leading to revenue shortfalls.
- Informal economies dominate, meaning many businesses and individuals do not pay taxes.
- Corruption and tax evasion reduce government income.
🔹 Solution:
- Introduce progressive taxation policies that ensure fair contributions from citizens and corporations.
- Develop digital tax systems that minimize human interference and prevent tax fraud.
- Strengthen enforcement of tax compliance through audits and automated reporting.
2. Lack of Budget Transparency
- Government budgets are often not publicly accessible or understandable.
- Public participation in budget planning is limited.
- Weak oversight institutions fail to detect mismanagement of funds.
🔹 Solution:
- Implement open budgeting platforms that allow citizens to track government spending.
- Train civil society organizations (CSOs) and journalists to monitor public expenditures.
- Strengthen the role of supreme audit institutions (SAIs) to improve accountability.
3. Digital Transformation Gaps
- Many PALOP-TL countries still rely on manual financial management systems.
- Limited use of electronic tax filing (e-filing) systems leads to inefficiencies.
- Cybersecurity risks threaten financial data integrity.
🔹 Solution:
- Invest in Financial Management Information Systems (FMIS) for real-time tracking of public funds.
- Promote e-taxation platforms that simplify taxpayer compliance.
- Implement blockchain technology for enhanced financial security and transparency.
By addressing these challenges, the Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist helps governments modernize financial systems, ensuring sustainable economic growth.
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I couldn’t locate a current job posting for a Budget and Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Transparency Specialist with UNDP. However, UNDP regularly updates its career opportunities, which you can explore here: UNDP
Additionally, similar positions have been available with other UN agencies. For instance, UNICEF recently advertised a Domestic Resources Mobilization Specialist role in Tanzania: UN Talent+1UNjobnet+1
For a broader search of resource mobilization roles across UN agencies, you can visit: UNjobs
Regularly checking these platforms will help you stay informed about new opportunities in this field.
9. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Success
To measure impact, the Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist can track the following KPIs:
A. Budget Transparency Indicators
✅ Increase in public access to national budget information (e.g., open budget data portals).
✅ Greater citizen participation in budget consultations.
✅ Stronger financial reporting standards and oversight mechanisms.
B. Domestic Resource Mobilization Indicators
✅ Growth in tax revenue as a percentage of GDP.
✅ Reduction in tax evasion and illicit financial flows (IFFs).
✅ Higher tax compliance rates due to improved digital tax systems.
C. Institutional Strengthening Indicators
✅ Implementation of new financial laws and reforms supporting transparency.
✅ Capacity-building programs for tax officials, auditors, and finance ministries.
✅ Improved rankings in international transparency indices (e.g., Open Budget Index, Corruption Perceptions Index).
Tracking these KPIs ensures that the specialist’s work leads to real, measurable improvements in governance and finance.
10. Career Growth and Opportunities in this Role
This role serves as a stepping stone for professionals looking to advance in public finance, governance, and international development. Some possible career pathways include:
✅ Senior Public Finance Expert (UN, World Bank, IMF, African Development Bank)
✅ Director of Fiscal Policy at a National Ministry of Finance
✅ Chief Technical Advisor for PFM & Taxation at an international NGO
✅ Professor or Researcher in Public Finance and Economic Governance
By gaining extensive experience in tax policy, budget reform, and financial transparency, the specialist will be well-positioned for high-level advisory roles in global financial governance.
11. Final Thoughts;Vacancies
The Budget & DRM Transparency Specialist role is highly strategic, focusing on long-term economic transformation in PALOP-TL countries.
Why is this role important?
✅ It helps governments mobilize domestic resources effectively, reducing dependency on external donors.
✅ It ensures that public funds are managed transparently, strengthening democracy and governance.
✅ It fosters economic stability, enabling sustainable development.
This job is perfect for professionals who are passionate about:
💡 Tax justice and fiscal policy reforms.
💡 Anti-corruption and public financial transparency.
💡 Economic development and governance in emerging economies.
By taking on this role, the specialist becomes a key driver of financial reform and transparency, making a lasting impact on economic growth and sustainable development.
Would you like additional insights on a specific aspect, such as real-world case studies, potential employers, or salary expectations?
