Open Budget Initiative Program Officer, Latin America

Founded in 1997, the International Budget Partnership (IBP) is a nonprofit organization of economists, advocates and policy analysts fiercely dedicated to ensuring governments are responsible stewards of public funds. We connect public financial management practitioners with activists, donors and others in more than 120 countries, working together to pioneer new approaches to enable citizen oversight of government taxation and spending. With the goal of eliminating poverty, IBP works to ensure that all people, especially underserved communities, have the right and ability to understand and influence how public money – their money – is raised and spent.

The Program Officer, Latin America will work with the Open Budget Initiative (OBI) team within IBP’s Policy and Advocacy pillar. As a Program Officer on the OBI team, you will be part of the team responsible for implementing IBP’s flagship research product, the Open Budget Survey. The OBI Program Officer will manage and coordinate the implementation of the biennial Open Budget Survey (OBS) in a subset of the 120 countries assessed in the OBS with a focus on countries in Latin America and Caribbean. In addition, in two to three countries, the OBI Program Officer will co-lead the implementation of the Collaborating for Open and Accountable Budgets (COAB)) Initiative in two to three countries. This role involves a dynamic mix of research, technical assistance, and advocacy activities.

The Open Budget Survey is the only objective, comparative, and regular worldwide measure of budget transparency. The OBS assesses the three components of a budget accountability system: public availability of budget information; opportunities for the public to participate in the budget process; and the role and effectiveness of formal oversight institutions. These components are assessed in over 100 countries through a questionnaire of 145 scored indicators that are completed by independent budget experts and reviewed by an anonymous peer reviewer and the national government. The survey is used by activists, donors, and international institutions to understand and influence national budget processes.

The Collaborating for Open and Accountable Budgets Initiative, of which the Open Budget Survey is a key component, is a new project focused on building the conditions for transparent, inclusive, and accountable public budgeting by improving access to information and strengthening the ability of civil society to actively participate in budget processes. The project is comprised of three complementary components: 1) civil society capacity building; 2) the Open Budget Survey; and 3) intensive advocacy to improve country performance on the Open Budget Survey.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

Manage and coordinate the implementation of the Open Budget Survey in a subset of countries covered by the Open Budget Survey, as assigned and agreed by the team.

· Review draft questionnaires for consistency within each survey country and across all survey countries.

· Closely monitor and report on the progress of implementation of the OBS in assigned countries to the OBS Supervisor.

Provide technical assistance and support to partners in assigned countries.

Manage relationships with partners in assigned countries, including supporting research partners in their engagements with key stakeholders from civil society, government, and multilateral institutions.

As part of the Collaborating for Open and Accountable Budgets Initiative, coordinate an intensive advocacy work program in two to three countries to improve country performance on the Open Budget Survey and assist in the delivery of capacity building workshops.

Represent IBP in meetings and conferences in assigned countries/region.

Participate in developing the program strategy and priority activities of the Policy and Advocacy pillar.

Collaborate with other IBP colleagues for other priority activities under the Policy and Advocacy pillar, including piloting participation practices, promoting budget credibility, and supporting the expanded use of budget information

Participate and present at IBP Staff and OBI Meetings

Coordinate closely with the IBP administrative team for all administrative and logistical needs

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or equivalent field, required

EXPERIENCE:

• At least two to five years of experience with public financial management in a variety of country contexts, including in developing countries, or a related development field.
• At least two to five years of experience conducting and documenting results of social science research, preferably multi-year, multi-country collaborative research projects undertaken by civil society organizations.
• At least two to five years of experience giving public presentations, and contributing to and delivering training for research partners, desirable.

SKILLS:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills: ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, partners, consultants and representatives of government and other multilateral organizations.
• Strong analytical, quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in and contribute to a culture of collaboration and teamwork in a diverse work environment.
• Demonstrates a high-level of organization; a strong ability to prioritize tasks to meet multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office package required; proficiency with statistical analysis using STATA or other similar package, desirable.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish, required.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a commitment to and passion for IBP’s mission.
• Highly flexible and adaptable to shifting environments and works well under pressure.
• Motivated to learn and willing to contribute to learning initiatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• International travel may be extensive at times.
• The position supports occasional event or publication preparation which may require lifting or moving of items that weigh up to 30 lbs.

This position is located in our Washington, DC Headquarters location

Please apply with a cover letter and resume.

IBP is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.