The role

Transparency International (UK) are looking for a Research Officer

This role is responsible for delivery of tasks to support our research and advocacy efforts around corruption in the defence and security sector, including quality control of data, liaison with expert researchers, and consolidation of research inputs.

The role contributes both practically and intellectually to the successful delivery of high-end research and advocacy with a focus on effecting change.

The Research Officer will report to Head of Research and perform this within the (Defence and Security Programme).

Main responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of TI-DS’s research agenda by undertaking qualitative and mixed-methods research projects under the guidance of the Head of Research

• Produce and facilitate literature reviews, synthesis studies and case-based studies on the key topics set-out to contribute to support the development of our expertise on defence and security sector corruption and the overall achievement of our strategic objectives

• Collect and analyse secondary data, and produce primary data as needed, to provide new insights into corruption risks in the defence and security sectors

• Contribute to high quality research tasks across the work conducted through the Government Defence Integrity Index (GDI)

• Undertake detailed rigorous review and fact-checking of GDI country assessments and sources from a variety of experts, including assessors, peer reviewers, government reviewers, and institutional partners

• Review GDI assessment process and provide suggestions for improvements in methodology

Who we are looking for

• Educated to Masters’ level in a relevant field of the social sciences, such as security studies, political science, or governance; or of business studies with an interest in defence and corruption

• First rate research skills and familiarity with a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies;

• Demonstrated self-starter with ability to successfully undertake and complete a project, while working across teams and making a positive contribution to collective outcomes.

• Strong written communication and verbal presentation skills with ability to deliver high quality briefings, reports and presentations with minimal supervision.

• Great interpersonal skills being able to build relationships internally and externally.

• Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across teams

• Strong critical-thinking skills being able to apply sound judgement, problem solve, identify risks and suggest improvements.

• Strong analytical skills with experience in qualitative and mixed-methods research. Experience in quantitative analysis and applying rigorous fact-checking and source validation.

• Ability to produce clear concise literature reviews supported by good understanding of governance and corruption risks

• High standard of written communications and able to tailor writing to the audience

• Expertise in developing qualitative and mixed-methods research frameworks and structuring case studies.

Why TI-UK?

Transparency International is a global movement sharing one vision: a world in which government politics, business and the daily lives of people are free of corruption. Transparency International UK is the UK national chapter of this movement. We work with the UK and devolved governments, parliamentarians, civil society and the private sector to tackle corruption at home, addressing the UK’s global corruption footprint and helping multinational companies prevent corruption by operating with integrity. We are also home to two major global programmes tackling corruption in the Defence and Security and the Global Health sectors on behalf of the wider Transparency International movement.

What can you expect from us?

• A collaborative, flexible and friendly working environment where you will be provided with:

• A competitive salary for our sector

• Up to 6% contributory pension

• A 35-hour working week for full-time roles with flexibility to support your work/life balance. Our approach to blended working (full details on our website) allows you to benefit from regular connection and collaboration. You can also request a formal change to your working pattern and work location.  

• Generous annual leave: 28 days plus statutory public / bank holidays as well as discretionary a gifted winter holiday break of three to four days each December between Christmas and New Year

• Enhanced leave beyond statutory requirements to support your parental or caring responsibilities

• Family friendly policies

• Additional leave to support your volunteering or community service

• Employee Assistance Programme (Aviva) to support your physical, mental & financial health.

• Training and Development related to your role

• Season ticket loan/ Cycle to work scheme

How to apply:

We use a recruitment platform called Applied. This promotes fairness, inclusivity and diversity. With anonymised applications and predictive, skill-based assessments, the system aims to address bias and provide a positive and efficient recruitment process. You can find more details on their website.

After you apply, answers go through our sift process: all are anonymised, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. Your CV does not form part of the sift process and you should therefore take the time to answer the specific questions fully and where appropriate with your relevant evidence.

The platform also asks some demographic questions before you start your application.  We will not see individual responses to these questions. Only summary statistics are provided to help us ensure our candidate pool is balanced and if everyone has an equal chance to get hired irrespective of their background. If you prefer, you can easily opt out of answering these questions.

Closing date to apply : Monday 12th January at midday

Shortlisting process for this role:

As we are expecting a large number of applicants we have added some initial screening questions based on skills needed that are required for the role. These skills will be assessed and tested throughout the interview process but if you do not possess these, we will reject the application.

We also reserve the right to do an initial shortlist based on the first question only. This means that if you are not successful in securing an interview, you may not receive feedback on all your responses.

You can view the full job description on our website as well as read more details of what working at TI-UK provides and the diversity and inclusion that we value.  We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles.

We aim to ensure our recruitment process takes into consideration and adjust for any disability or long-term condition.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this role as we will be shortlisting and interviewing on an ongoing basis.

This role is based in the UK and requires you to have right to work currently in place.