Unlock Your Global Career: Senior Research Role in Fiscal Justice (Remote Worldwide)

About the International Budget Partnership (IBP)

The International Budget Partnership (IBP) works to make governments raise and spend public resources more fairly and effectively—ensuring that everyone has access to the public goods and services they need to thrive. In partnership with budget analysts, community advocates, and reformers across more than 100 countries, IBP generates evidence, builds capacity, and drives accountability in public finance.

Founded as a US-based nonprofit (501c3), IBP has branch offices and affiliates in Senegal, South Africa, the Netherlands, and soon Nigeria, and operates with an annual budget of approximately USD 15 million.

Amid increasing fiscal pressures, unsustainable debt, and inequitable tax systems, IBP is expanding its research and technical work on debt and taxation—ensuring fiscal reforms reflect the needs of marginalized communities.

The Role

IBP seeks a Senior Research Officer/Coordinator to lead and coordinate a growing body of work at the intersection of debt accountability and tax equity.

The successful candidate will:

• Design, oversee, and conduct high-quality applied research on debt and revenue systems
• Coordinate multi-country initiatives that link evidence to reform
• Represent IBP in global and national policy forums
• Align all research efforts with IBP's strategic goals of transparency, participation, and equity

This position suits a mid-to-senior-level researcher with a deep understanding of public finance systems—especially public debt and taxation—paired with strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.

Compensation

IBP offers competitive salaries benchmarked against the non-profit sector and adjusted for local market conditions. Indicative annual salary ranges include:

• Nigeria: USD 40,000 – 43,000
• Senegal: CFA 25,897,208 – 28,925,328
• South Africa: ZAR 781,879 – 818,721
• Indonesia: Rp 548,199,414 – 574,030,800
• Europe: €40,000 – €68,000 (country-dependent)

All salaries are payable in local currency and commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Technical Analysis (50%)

• Design and implement policy-relevant research on public debt, transparency, and accountability
• Develop analytical tools and models linking debt servicing to social and economic outcomes
• Utilize IBP's global datasets (e.g., Open Budget Survey) and other international data to produce comparative insights
• Adapt global analytical frameworks (IMF DSA, CEQ, etc.) to local civil society contexts
• Produce technical briefs, syntheses, and policy papers that inform public debate and reform
• Conduct scoping studies to identify opportunities for advancing fiscal equity

Technical Support and Engagement (30%)

• Provide strategic and technical input to IBP's debt accountability programs, particularly in Nigeria and Senegal
• Support diagnostics, policy dialogues, and reform strategies with country partners
• Collaborate with international stakeholders, including the IMF, World Bank, and CSO networks, to position IBP's research globally
• Cultivate partnerships with universities, think tanks, and advocacy organizations
• Organize learning events and webinars to disseminate findings and strengthen global learning networks

Coordination and Strategic Alignment (20%)

• Ensure research and advocacy priorities align with IBP's global strategy
• Coordinate annual research plans, budgets, and reporting across teams
• Work with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to track outcomes and share lessons learned
• Contribute to concept notes, funding proposals, and donor reports, clearly articulating research impact

Candidate Profile

Education and Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience leading applied research or program initiatives in public finance, debt management, or taxation (7+ years desirable)
• Strong grasp of public financial management systems, especially debt and revenue policy
• Demonstrated experience producing evidence-based policy analysis using both qualitative and quantitative methods
• Proven record of publishing research or technical reports for diverse audiences
• Experience collaborating in international, multicultural teams and engaging CSOs or government counterparts
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French is an advantage

Values and Commitment

• Commitment to equity, transparency, justice, and accountability
• Understanding of how fiscal systems impact marginalized groups
• Passion for democratic governance and social inclusion

Organizational Culture and Benefits

IBP's work is guided by its core values:

• Transparency and Accountability
• Justice and Equity
• Collaboration and Independence
• Diversity, Democracy, and Inclusion
• Integrity and Ethical Practice

Staff Benefits Include:

• 24 days annual leave (plus public holidays)
• Flexible and hybrid work arrangements
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Performance reviews and career advancement support
• Comprehensive travel and medical insurance for work trips
• Annual workshops and retreats to foster collaboration and learning

IBP also prioritizes safeguarding, ensuring the welfare of vulnerable groups, and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across its policies and programs.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the online application form and submit:

• A CV
• A cover letter (maximum 750 words) explaining relevant experience and how it aligns with the key priorities of this role
• Two research publications or writing samples related to debt, taxation, or public financial management (include URLs or attachments)

Deadline: 10 November 2025, 13:00 GMT
Interviews: Scheduled for the week commencing 24 November 2025

The selection process includes:

1. A panel interview
2. A one-hour written assessment
3. A potential follow-up interview if required

Why Join IBP?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a global movement for fiscal justice, strengthen the evidence base for reform, and help ensure public finance systems serve all citizens—not just the privileged few.

If you are passionate about research, equity, and accountability, IBP invites you to apply and help shape a world where budgets truly reflect public priorities.