Research Specialist – Data-Driven Anti-Corruption Research (mfd)

Secretariat; Berlin; Hybrid; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading international organization in Berlin seeks a Research Specialist to coordinate research on political integrity. This role involves collaborating with partners to develop digital platforms, conducting research, and providing training. The ideal candidate has a degree in social sciences, at least 5 years of relevant experience, and strong data analysis skills. A commitment to social justice and proficiency in English are essential. The position offers a competitive salary and a flexible remote-hybrid working model.

Leistungen

30 days of annual leave

Financial contribution to language classes

Relocation package

Qualifikationen

• 5 years of relevant experience in social research.
• Strong interest in political corruption issues.
• Professional proficiency in English; additional languages are an asset.

Aufgaben

• Conduct and coordinate research on political integrity.
• Shape and pilot digital platforms with chapters.
• Prepare training materials and deliver trainings.

Kenntnisse

Data management and analysis

Research coordination

Training and technical assistance

Excellent writing and communication

Ausbildung

University degree in social sciences

Tools

PowerBI

Tableau

Jobbeschreibung

TIs 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 TIs 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.

OVERVIEW OF KEY DIMENSIONS

Role Purpose: Conduct and coordinate research to support TIs 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: PF2 salary starting at €42,000 p.a.
• Starting Date: As soon as possible, preferably from 1 January 2026
• Contract Duration: Employment contract limited to one year, with possibility of extension
• Working Hours: Full‑time 100%; 40 hours per week
• Location: Transparency International Secretariat (TI‑S), Berlin (remote work possible)

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 Team, the Research Specialist will:

• Collaborate with chapters and developers to shape, 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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) – 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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• The opportunity to become part of the leading global movement against corruption and make a positive contribution to Transparency International’s mission.
• A role with purpose working in a team of engaged and enthusiastic experts driven by the desire to fight corruption and achieve significant impact.
• A dynamic, flexible and international working environment with colleagues 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.
• Opportunities to learn and grow including regular Show & Tell meetings and visits by external experts.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Relocation package (including 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.
• Possibility of working from abroad 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.
• Pizza Restaurant checks and other lunch benefits.
• 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.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and cover letter in English merged into one PDF file via the online recruitment system by clicking the button “Apply Online”.

Closing date for external applications is December 19 2025 at 8:00 PM CET.

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 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 of applying for a work permit if needed.

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.