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.

OVERVIEW OF KEY DIMENSIONS

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.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES OF THE ROLE

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.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

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

WHAT WE OFFER

By joining  Transparency International candidates can expect:

The opportunity to become part of the leading global movement against corruption and make a positive contribution to Transparency International’s mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity.
A role with purpose, working in a team of engaged and enthusiastic experts, 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 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 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 Restaurant 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 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 for 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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Transparency International please visit our website and follow us on social media:

Website: https://www.transparency.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anticorruption

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transparency-international/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transparency_international/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TransparencyInternational

Apply Online