Research Advisor (mfd)

The Transparency International Secretariat (TI‑S) is seeking a full‑time Research Advisor to join the Research & Knowledge Team to contribute to provision of anti‑corruption advisory services to development practitioners. Please note that this role is expected to begin in early 2026 and the opening is still subject to funding being confirmed.

Since 2003 TI has provided on-demand research services on corruption to development practitioners through the operation of Anti‑Corruption Helpdesk services. As part of these services the Helpdesk team addresses the knowledge needs of the anti‑corruption community by conducting rapid‑response desk research on a wide range of topics related to corruption.

TI expects to roll out these advisory services to new groups of development practitioners in 2026 to support them to integrate, uphold and monitor anti‑corruption measures in their operations. This will involve providing technical guidance on anti‑corruption measures to help practitioners ensure that development assistance is used effectively, targets the right beneficiaries and does no harm.

The anticipated focus centres on preventative approaches such as strengthening corruption risk management practices in donors’ investments in areas like energy, transport, health and education. This will involve producing on‑demand bespoke materials that deepen practitioners’ awareness, knowledge and skills to apply and monitor the implementation of anti‑corruption, transparency and accountability measures.

OVERVIEW OF KEY DIMENSIONS

Role Purpose: The Research Advisor will provide on‑demand advisory services to selected stakeholders and lead the development of research knowledge and training materials on corruption prevention in key sectors.

Team: Research & Knowledge Team

Reporting Line: Research Manager Knowledge Services. Close liaison with colleagues in the Policy & Advocacy team working on Strategic Objective 1: Protecting the Publics Resources.

Salary Band

According to TI‑S internal salary structure; for this position corresponding to band PF3 salary starting EUR 55,650 gross per year depending on relevant experience.

Starting Date

1 January 2026

Contract Duration

Subject to confirmation of funding we can offer an employment contract limited for a duration of 30 months.

Working Hours

Fulltime 100%; 40 hours per week.

Location

Transparency International Secretariat (TI‑S) Berlin / Germany.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce demand‑driven (predominantly desk‑based) research in a timely manner in response to requests from development practitioners on a wide range of corruption‑related topics. Relevant outputs include literature reviews, rapid evidence reviews, sector and country analyses.
• Develop thematic overviews of good governance and anti‑corruption measures in key sectors for public investment such as energy, transport, health and education. Relevant outputs include topic guides, good practice case studies, toolkits and sector‑specific guidance on corruption risk management.
• Contribute to the development of anti‑corruption training material for development practitioners. Relevant outputs include capacity building, development of curriculum, training syllabus and seminar materials.
• Present key findings and insights to development practitioners to inform policy dialogues and programmatic decision making.
• Support in‑country events and dialogues to contextualise corruption prevention strategies to local realities.
• Help with knowledge management and sharing across relevant communities of practice. Specifically identify and mobilise additional sources of thematic and local expertise. Promote and disseminate outputs through various platforms, channels and outreach activities (e.g. blogs, social media, workshops and conferences).
• Stay abreast of developments relating to corruption prevention in development assistance and liaise regularly with development partners.
• Generate ideas, develop concept notes/proposals and activities that are aligned with organisational priorities.
• 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.

Required 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 emphasis on research.
• 8 years of relevant professional experience in social science research and/or development assistance with a track record of producing operationally and policy relevant research.
• Strong qualitative research skills are required particularly in relation to desk research, interviews and case studies. Familiarity with political economy analysis especially in development settings would be beneficial.
• Expertise in governance and anti‑corruption is required. Specific knowledge of corruption risk management approaches is an advantage.
• Experience working in the field of development assistance is desirable particularly valuable if related to large donor investments in sectors such as energy, transport, health and education.
• Experience in developing, providing training and/or technical assistance would be beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, manage priorities and deliver to tight timelines.
• Solid writing, editing and communication skills.
• Professional language proficiency in written and spoken English; additional languages (in particular French, Spanish or Arabic) an asset.
• Proven commitment to social justice issues and the values of Transparency International.

What You 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.

Benefits and Compensation

• A 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.
• The possibility of working 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.
• 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.

Application Process

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 on the button “Apply Online”.

Closing date for external applications is November at 20:00 PM CET.

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

Equal Opportunity & Non‑Discrimination Statement

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, travelling 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.