Transparency International Ireland: Advocacy and Research Coordinator – deadline 21 April

Transparency International Ireland (“TI Ireland”) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to stopping corruption and promoting integrity in Irish institutions. Its vision is an Ireland that it is open and fair – and where entrusted power is used in the interests of everyone. TI Ireland is a fully accredited chapter of the international coalition, Transparency International, with representation in over 100 countries

Our National Integrity Systems (NIS) assessments have been essential in identifying and sharing information on weaknesses in our legal and institutional frameworks. They have helped inform public debate and influenced Government commitments on anti-corruption legislation, lobbying regulation, party political finance as well as the Open Government Partnership.

TI Ireland is now seeking an Advocacy and Research Coordinator to lead a new project titled the National Integrity Index which will measure the commitment of public bodies against three key criteria: transparency, accountability and integrity.

Building on our National Integrity Systems and Speak Up analysis which find that local government is among the sectors most vulnerable to corruption, the first National Integrity Index will examine 31 local authorities across Ireland. The Index will be published using an online platform – similar to http://samosprava.transparency.sk/ - that will allow users to interact with data against key criteria and comment on our findings through social media. The project will initially last for twelve months.

JOB SPECIFICATION

Applications are sought from individuals with proven experience of research and project management as well as excellent written and communication skills.

The Advocacy and Research Coordinator’s Overall Responsibilities

The main responsibility of the Advocacy and Research Coordinator is to coordinate the National Integrity Index project for a twelve-month period to April 2018. This will require the Coordinator to refine and finalise the research methodology, gather information using desk research and interviews, and analyse the data with the help of TI staff and advisors. The Coordinator will report to the TI Ireland Chief Executive.

Other responsibilities will include:

• Project planning and administration
• The coordination and development of an online platform to publish the research
• Coordinating social and traditional media engagement around the project
• Working to build the financial sustainability of TI Ireland’s research programme
• Recruiting interns, volunteers and advisors to provide support to the Coordinator

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are seeking someone who has the following attributes.

Knowledge and Experience

• Post-graduate research experience – a research MA or PhD in social sciences is considered an advantage
• Experience of managing a project, particularly a start-up initiative
• Knowledge of Irish public affairs and institutions
• Experience of public speaking and/or media relations
• Working knowledge of analytical research tools and MS Office packages

Attitude, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Proven management, organisational and administration skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and confidently to different audiences
• Evidence of interest in Irish politics and government
• Engaged by the missions of Transparency International and Transparency International Ireland
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrable patience, perseverance, sound judgement and moral imagination
• Ability to work on one’s own initiative or in a team, flexible, respectful and courteous
• Fully fluent in English, with excellent writing skills and clear writing style
• Willingness to travel in Ireland and overseas occasionally

Remuneration

The successful candidate will initially be engaged on a full-time staff contract for 12 months with flexible working hours (based on a 37.5-hour week). The starting salary will be between €36,000 and €42,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. See our pay-scales here.

An offer of full-time, permanent employment with TI Ireland may be offered subject to sufficient revenues having been secured to sustain the research programme and satisfactory performance during the probationary period and initial 12-month contract.

The National Integrity Index – Local Authorities project is funded by the Community Foundation for Ireland

Application Closing Date: 21 April 2017

Please send a CV and covering letter to admin@transparency.ie by 6pm on Friday 21 April 2017.   It is essential that the covering letter concisely addresses (in no more than two pages):

• Motivation for applying for the position; and
• Relevant experience for the role.

The CV should ideally be two pages long.  CVs longer than three pages will not be considered.  Experience should be presented in reverse chronological order and the names and positions of two referees should be provided.  Contact details of referees are not necessary at this stage.