Based in the Research & Knowledge Team and reporting to the Head of Research & Knowledge, and working closely with the Global Movement and Projects Teams, the Thematic Specialist will:

• Support the scoping of political integrity data in the Western Balkans and Turkey by facilitating the co-creation of a standardised scoping methodology; prepare training materials and deliver training sessions with researchers from project partners to support its implementation; and provide guidance and feedback on considerations for the final selection of key datasets to be used in the project
• Work in close collaboration and ensure ongoing communication with partner chapters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey, to support the design and implementation of research, policy and capacity building activities
• In collaboration with software developers, support bilateral and collective consultations with involved chapters to discuss the shape and functionality of their domestic platforms throughout the project, from their planning (adjusting where necessary to ensure compliance with the budget and timeline) through the design, development, testing, target-user feedback integration, piloting, deployment, and updates
• Support the assessment of political integrity regulatory frameworks (laws, bylaws, rules) and their implementation in the Western Balkans and Turkey, to identify best practice, regulatory and practice gaps, and recommend reforms to strengthening political integrity systems in the region
• Support involved chapters in engaging prospective and target users of Integrity Watch platforms through user-driven participatory workshops, investigations or hackathons
• Provide guidance for the setting up of multi-stakeholder Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs) in each country and support their convening and engagement in bilateral regional exchanges
• Together with the regional advisor, collaborate on capacity building, network management, integration with regional and global work on political integrity, and regional advocacy efforts related directly or indirectly to the project
• Support day-to-day work implementation of research activities, including providing support in the preparation of relevant project management tools, coordinating the work planning, budget management, monitoring, and reporting of TI-S deliverables under this project and striving for high-quality, gender-responsive research outputs and the greatest possible impact of project activities together with other TI-S teams including Research & Knowledge, Global Movement, Projects, Policy and Advocacy, and Communications
• Contribute to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning by documenting relevant developments and challenges and providing regular narrative reporting on the activities conducted
• Stay abreast of developments relating to political integrity and be available to respond to on-demand internal and external stakeholder needs
• Represent the organisation at relevant fora within area of expertise as needed; build relationships and form alliances with external counterparts, communities of practice and stakeholders
• Contribute to the overall functioning of the Research & Knowledge Team by providing proactive and ad hoc support where necessary, and regularly coordinate with the Political Integrity policy lead

In order to succeed in this role, candidates will need to meet the following:

• University degree in a relevant field of the social sciences, such as political science, sociology, economics, public administration or a related field, with an academic emphasis on research
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in social research with a track record of developing tools and methodologies and producing operationally and policy relevant research
• Solid understanding of political corruption issues, and integrity-related areas such as campaign finance, use of state resources in elections, conflicts of interests, lobbying, public consultation, parliamentary oversight, or similar
• Substantial experience in research coordination in a multi-country/international setting
• Experience managing donor-funded projects in the civil society field and familiarity with donor rules and regulations (in particular European Commission) is advantageous
• Solid understanding of monitoring and evaluation, and particularly results-based management approaches
• Understanding of relevant regional (Western Balkans and Turkey) context a strong advantage
• Experience providing training, technical assistance and quality control on applied research projects, preferably in a multi-country/comparative context, with excellent attention to detail
• Strong knowledge and experience in the design, customisation and roll-out of accountability and anti-corruption practical knowledge resources
• Experience in gender mainstreaming and incorporating inclusive approaches in project management
• Experience in organising major events with diverse international partners, in-person and remote
• Excellent writing, editing and communication skills
• Professional language proficiency in written and spoken English, additional languages (in particular languages spoken in the Western Balkans or Turkish) an asset
• Proven commitment to social justice issues and the values of Transparency International

Joining the Transparency International Secretariat candidates can expect:

• the opportunity to become part of the global movement against corruption and make a positive contribution to the work of TI in the field of transparency and accountability working on a wide range of relevant and challenging issues
• a role with purpose, working in a team of engaged and enthusiastic colleagues experts in the field of anti-corruption and driven and united by the desire to fight corruption and achieve significant and large-scale replicable impact
• a dynamic, flexible and international working environment with peers representing 45+ different nationalities
• a high degree of collaboration and autonomy in a lean and agile organisation with flat hierarchies, streamlined decision- making processes and a shared leadership culture with servant leadership philosophy
• opportunities to learn and grow, including regular Show & Tell meetings and visits by external experts

Staff at TI-S enjoy a competitive compensation & benefits package designed for staff well-being and work life balance, incl.:

• a relocation package sponsorship of work permit if needed and financial contribution to German language classes
• generous time off with 30 days of annual leave per year and flexible working times around core hours
• the possibility of Work from Abroad for periods of time (currently for up to 10 working days at a time for a maximum of 20 working days per calendar year), currently being piloted in an ongoing effort to increase virtualisation of work and foster highly collaborative remote work using MS Teams throughout the organisation
• Sodexo Restaurant Checks with plenty of options nearby the office for reduced prices for meals
• selection of fruits and hot drinks, summer and winter parties, and ‚Social Fridays’ with complimentary snacks and drinks
• reduced membership fees with Urban Sports Club
• a centrally located office in a vibrant metropolitan city with excellent public transportation connectivity at the river Spree