Koordinator*in für Forschung und Politik, korrupte Geldströme (m/w/d)

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Transparency International Secretariat is currently seeking a Research Coordinator to conduct and coordinate research to support TI’s strategic priority of combatting corrupt money flows. The Research Coordinator will more specifically contribute to a project focused on advancing this agenda in the European Union’s (EU) Southern Neighbourhood (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Israel).

The “Transparency Now: Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts in the EU Southern Neighbourhood” project is funded by the European Commission and implemented jointly with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). It aims at strengthening the prevention, reporting, investigation and prosecution of acts of cross-border corruption, facilitating the seizure and confiscation of assets and supporting the establishment of effective asset recovery mechanisms in the EU Southern Neighbourhood countries.

As part of this agenda, the Research Coordinator will be responsible for compiling a report on preventing and prosecuting cross-border corruption and improving the seizure and confiscation of assets linked to corruption with the view to providing recommendations for policy change in the EU Southern Neighbourhood.

They will also provide expert technical advice to policymakers in drafting of policies aimed at preventing acts of corruption such as policies to incentivise ethical conduct and the reporting of corruption, policies to strengthen administrative sanctions against those involved in unethical conduct, policies on strengthening financial disclosure systems, as well as the sanctioning mechanisms.

The role requires a highly motivated researcher with expertise in anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and illicit financial flows to

(1) conduct and coordinate research activities on cross-border corruption, asset recovery and illicit financial flows,

(2) provide technical advice and

(3) support the development of policy recommendations and the dissemination of findings in relevant fora to meet the objectives of the project.

The Research and Policy Coordinator will also support the establishment of dialogue spaces within the TI Movement and with relevant partners to exchange knowledge, solutions and good practices related to anti-corruption, illicit financial flows, asset recovery and their connection with inequality reduction in the target region.

The position is currently estimated to start in June 2024 for 18 months.

IMPORTANT: This project proposal has been invited for grant preparation, so is in pre-approval stage with the donor. The confirmed funding and actual start date for this role is therefore still subject to final, formal contracting.

OVERVIEW OF KEY DIMENSIONS

Role Purpose: The Research and Policy Coordinator will conduct and coordinate research activities on cross-border corruption and illicit financial flows, provide technical assistance, support the development of policy recommendations and the dissemination of findings in relevant fora to meet the objectives of the project Team: Research and Knowledge Reporting Line: Head of Research and Knowledge Salary Band: salary according to TI-S internal salary structure; for this position corresponding to band PF2 a salary starting EUR 42,000.00 gross per year depending on relevant experience Starting Date: Immediately Contract Duration: Currently we can offer an employment contract limited for a duration of 18 months Working Hours: full time [100%; 40 hours per week] Location: Transparency International Secretariat (TI-S), Berlin – with some international travel

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES OF THE ROLE

• Based in the Research and Knowledge Team, and in close collaboration with the Policy and Advocacy and Global Movement teams, the Research Coordinator will:
• Provide thematic support to chapters involved in the project to generate evidence on cross-border corruption, illicit financial flows and asset recovery in the targeted countries.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge materials, tools and methodologies to meet the objectives of the project, including providing research and policy support to local CSOs related to cross-border corruption, illicit financial flows and asset recovery.
• Undertake and coordinate cross-country research as needed and develop knowledge materials, including providing quality control of the research outputs.
• Support the development of policy positions on issues related to cross-border corruption and corrupt money flows.
• Write blogs and produce evidence needed for advocacy campaigns and communications activities.
• Establish and/or nurture spaces for exchange and dialogues within the TI Movement and with external partners on issues related to cross-border corruption, illicit financial flows and asset recovery.
• Generate ideas, develop concept notes/proposals and undertake activities to advance the objectives of the project and TI’s agenda on corrupt money flows
• Contribute to day-to-day work implementation, including work planning, budget management, monitoring and
• reporting, ensuring that all phases are consistent with the design and delivery schedule and internal processes and
• procedures.
• Stay abreast of developments relating to the area of work 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 work of the Dirty Money strategic objective.
• Contribute to the overall functioning of the Research and Knowledge team by providing proactive and ad hoc support where necessary.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

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

• Masters degree [ER1] or equivalent 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, preferably with an international NGO or an international organisation
• Extensive knowledge and expertise of anti-corruption required, with demonstrated research/policy experience in anti-money laundering and illicit financial flows
• Strong knowledge and experience in policy-relevant research design, development of tools and methodologies
• Substantive experience in research coordination in a multi-country/international setting
• Exposure to policy development[ER2] and advocacy an advantage
• [ER3] Extensive knowledge and expertise on anti-corruption, with demonstrated research/policy experience in anti-money laundering and illicit financial flows
• Regional expertise on the EU Southern Neighbourhood an advantage
• Demonstrated project management skills with strong organisational skills and the ability to successfully manage priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and delivering to tight timelines
• Solid writing, editing and communication skills
• Professional language proficiency in English required, Arabic strong advantage
• Ability to work in a team as well as independently, particularly at distance communication
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork and intercultural communication skills, particularly at distance communication
• Commitment to the values and principles of Transparency International

WHAT WE OFFER

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 experts in the field of anti-corruption, 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 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 incl. sponsorship of work permit if needed and eligible
• financial contribution to German language classes
• generous time off with 30 days of annual leave per year and flexible working times around core hours
• Remote-hybrid working model from within Germany
• 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)
• Friday afternoons alternately free or meeting-free during the summer months
• Pluxee Restraurant Checks with plenty of options nearby the office for reduced prices for meals
• reduced membership fees with Urban Sports Club
• Mental wellbeing and counselling support by OpenUp
• a centrally located office in a vibrant metropolitan city with excellent public transportation connectivity at the river Spree

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and cover letter in English, merged into one PDF file, via the online recruitment system clicking on the button ‘Apply Now’. 

Closing date for applications is extended until Monday, September 30th.

Only applications duly completed and received through the online recruitment system will be considered.

Transparency International is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where diversity is valued and where there is equality of opportunity. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and therefore welcome and strongly encourage applications from qualified candidates of all regions, countries, cultures and backgrounds. Existing permission to work in Germany is not a selection criterion and TI-S supports successful candidates in the process for applying for a work permit, if needed and eligible.

Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis and we do not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, colour or ethnic background, religious belief, sex, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation, marital or family status, age or ability. We kindly ask applicants to refrain from including in their application information relating to the above as well as from attaching photos.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that Transparency International does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment and selection process (whether at application, processing, testing, interviewing, traveling or otherwise), nor does Transparency International require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants. Transparency International will also not ask you to join any group or account on social media or elsewhere.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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