Background

The Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) is a coalition established in 2004 to bring together civil society organizations at national and district levels to influence government decisions on resource mobilization and utilization for equitable and sustainable development.

CSBAG annually runs a six-month Economics Graduate Trainee Program aimed at equipping economics graduates with hands-on training and practical skills in economic analysis, policy research, and public finance management.

To date, CSBAG has implemented over 12 cohorts of this program, with many former trainees securing employment at CSBAG, government institutions, and the private sector.

Program Benefits

• Gain practical experience in economic research, budget analysis, and public finance management
• Actively participate in policy research and advocacy initiatives
• Build strong skills in data analysis, report writing, and policy review
• Engage in national and sub-national economic policy dialogues
• Receive mentorship from experienced economists and policy analysts
• Improve employability and professional readiness at CSBAG and beyond

Target Group

• Fresh graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (completed within 2–3 years)
• Master’s degree holders or candidates awaiting graduation in Economics or related disciplines
• Postgraduate training in Public Policy (added advantage)
• Highly motivated graduates with strong analytical and research skills

Program Duration

The program runs for a period of six (6) months on a full-time basis at the CSBAG Secretariat.

Expectations of the Graduate Trainee

• Demonstrate strong commitment to economic research and policy analysis
• Use analytical tools such as STATA, SPSS, or E-Views
• Deliver high-quality research outputs within agreed timelines
• Participate actively in CSBAG programs, meetings, and policy engagements
• Exhibit professionalism, teamwork, integrity, and ethical conduct

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct economic research, data collection, and analysis
• Analyze national budget documents and economic policies
• Support development of research reports, policy briefs, and advocacy materials
• Participate in national and local policy dialogues and stakeholder engagements
• Analyze macroeconomic data and contribute to pro-poor policy proposals
• Write articles on topical economic issues for publication

Expected Results

• Improved competence in economic research and policy analysis
• Production of quality research reports, policy briefs, and articles
• Meaningful contribution to CSBAG’s evidence-based advocacy
• Enhanced readiness for employment in economics and public policy

How the Program Works

Graduate Trainees work closely with CSBAG Economists under guided supervision. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through practical assignments, mentorship, and active participation in real policy processes.

Performance is assessed based on quality of outputs, engagement level, and a final evaluation at the end of the program.

To support consistent attendance, trainees are provided with daily transport facilitation.

• Conduct economic research, data collection, and analysis
• Analyze national budget documents and economic policies
• Support development of research reports, policy briefs, and advocacy materials
• Participate in national and local policy dialogues and stakeholder engagements
• Analyze macroeconomic data and contribute to pro-poor policy proposals
• Write articles on topical economic issues for publication

• Strong analytical and research skills
• Proficiency in analytical tools such as STATA, SPSS, or E-Views
• Data analysis
• Report writing
• Policy review
• Professionalism, teamwork, integrity, and ethical conduct

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics (completed within 2–3 years)
• Master’s degree holders or candidates awaiting graduation in Economics or related disciplines
• Postgraduate training in Public Policy (added advantage)