Transparency International Albania – Lead researcher for National Integrity System (NIS) project Application closing date: 23 D ecember 2014 Job start date: as soon as possible Location: Tirana, Albania Background Transparency International Albania (TIA) is the national chapter of Transparency International, the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption. Transparency International raises awareness of the damaging effects of corruption and works with partners in government, business and civil society to develop and implement effective measures to tackle it. Transparency International Albania has opened the call for recruiting a lead researcher to conduct a research assessment in the framework of the project “National Integrity System” (NIS), a regional project to be implemented by Transparency International in seven countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey. The NIS assessment will allow a nuanced analysis of the governance system in Albania, both in terms of the formal legislative framework of each sector (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Public Sector, Law Enforcement Agencies, Electoral Management Body, Ombudsman, Supreme Audit Institution, Anti-corruption Agencies, Political Parties, Media, Civil Society, and Business) and the actual institutional practice. NIS provides a detailed evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of institutions in the form of a comprehensive country report that includes a set of quantitative indicators for each institution. The reports’ results will be used as a benchmarking tool to measure progress over time, to compare performance across institutions, and to identify good as well as bad practices. Duties and responsibilities:  Research, write and deliver the NIS report and provide NIS scores within the agreed timetable and based on the standards laid out in the NIS toolkit;  Revise draft NIS report based on feedback from the organisation, advisory group and TISecretariat;  Identify and conduct interviews with key individuals and organisations (at least two interviews per pillar – one external expert and one official from the relevant institution), after consulting with the national chapter (and after notifying the government and getting any consent necessary to conduct the research, should this be required);  Manage implementation of transparency field tests;  Conduct a participatory mapping session;  Participate in monthly progress calls with the research team of TI-Secretariat, validation meetings and NIS workshops;  Participate in subsequent internal strategising and action planning workshop;  Contribute to promotional events surrounding the launch of the NIS report;  Manage, guide and train two research assistants. Requires skills and qualifications:  Background in law, political science, public administration or another related social science;  Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and in local language;  Proven expertise in political-institutional analysis, with particularly strong knowledge of the country’s governance system;  Excellent understanding of the legal framework and actual practice of the country’s major governance institutions;  Familiarity with transparency, accountability and anti-corruption discourse;  Ability to write succinctly and for a non-academic audience;  Proven commitment to practical policy reform and evidence-based advocacy in the field of anti-corruption and good governance;  Experience in working with/applying quantitative indicators and rating methodologies;  Experience using participatory research techniques. How to apply: The applicants should send a cover letter, CV, copy of diplomas and writing samples of previous research tasks experiences. Applications can be send by regular mail to the address of Transparency International Albania: Bul. “Gjergj Fishta”, Projekt 2000, Kulla V(blu), Kati 2, No.6, Tirana or by e-mail to: leginet@albaniaonline.net The closing date for applications is 23 December 2014. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified. Transparency International Albania is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about Transparency International Albania visit our website at www.tia.al