Research Specialist – Data-Driven Anti-Corruption Research (m/f/d)

TI’s data-driven anti-corruption work is implemented through several global and regional initiatives, in collaboration with TI national chapters and external partners. These initiatives include developing digital monitoring tools and platforms for promoting transparency in political finance, strengthening detection of conflicts of interest and undue influence (using risk indicators as described in TI’s ‘how-to guide’), and promoting open data for public accountability. In particular, TI supports chapters in developing Integrity Watch platforms and other digital tools to detect corruption risks across areas such as procurement, asset declarations, lobbying transparency, public spending, and political integrity in 22 countries across the Europe and Central Asia region. TI also collaborates with the Global Data Barometer as a thematic partner of its Political Integrity Module, that takes stock of the governance and availability of open data on assets and interest declarations, lobbying, and political finance information from across the world. 

Transparency International is seeking a full-time Research Specialist – Data-Driven Anti-Corruption Research (m/f/d) to conduct and coordinate research and provide thematic expertise in support of TI’s global data-driven anti-corruption work, primarily but not exclusively focusing on promoting political integrity, using data-driven approaches.  In particular, the Research Specialist will dedicate support to Transparency International chapters in the development and improvement of Integrity Watch platforms and similar digital tools. They will support TI chapters in identifying and integrating new open data sources, developing analytical tools for corruption-risk detection, and producing research analyses that advance national, regional, and global advocacy on issues of anti-corruption and political integrity.

Role Purpose:  Conduct and coordinate research to support TI’s global work on political integrity and provide thematic expertise on open data, transparency frameworks, regulations, practices and risks.Team: Research and Knowledge Reporting Line: Head of Research and Knowledge Band: Band PF2, salary starting at €42,000 p.a.Starting Date: as soon as possible, preferably from 1 January 2026 Contract Duration: Currently we can offer an employment contract limited for a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension Working Hours: full-time [100%; 40 hours per week] Location: Transparency International Secretariat (TI-S), Berlin. Possibility of working remotely can be considered.

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

• Collaborate with chapters and developers to shape, design, test, pilot, deploy and update digital platforms, ensuring alignment with budget and timelines.
• Refine methodologies for scoping political integrity data and support the development of data-driven corruption-risk indicators.
• Prepare training materials, deliver trainings to partner researchers and guide the selection of key data.
• Conduct background research on political integrity, assess regulatory frameworks, identify gaps and best practices, and develop reform recommendations.
• Support chapters in engaging platform users through participatory workshops, investigations or hackathons.
• Work with the regional advisor on capacity building, network management and regional/global political integrity and advocacy efforts.
• Support project implementation through planning, budgeting, monitoring, reporting and preparation of project management tools.
• Contribute to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning by documenting progress, challenges and providing narrative reports.
• Stay updated on political integrity developments, support new project conceptualisation and fundraising, represent TI externally and maintain close coordination within the Research & Knowledge Team.

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
• Strong data management and analysis skills, to ensure data accuracy and integrity, interpret data and draw conclusions, and communicate them to a non-technical audience.
• Familiarity with relevant business-intelligence or data visualization tools and technologies  (e.g. PowerBI, Tableau, or similar)
• Demonstrated interest in 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, an advantage
• Experience in research coordination in a multi-country/international setting
• Experience working with 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
• Experience providing training, technical assistance and quality control on applied research projects, preferably in a multi-country/comparative context, with excellent attention to detail
• Experience in gender mainstreaming and incorporating inclusive approaches in project management
• Excellent writing, editing and communication skills
• Professional language proficiency in written and spoken English, additional languages an asset
• Proven commitment to social justice issues and the values of Transparency International