Transparency International (TI) is a global civil society organisation focused on combating corruption. Through its international secretariat in Berlin and more than 100 national chapters worldwide, TI works with government, business and civil society partners to address the damaging effects of corruption. Transparency International Seeks Political Finance Experts for New Africa-Wide Research Consultancy The Transparency International Secretariat is seeking a qualified expert or team of experts with demonstrated expertise in political party, candidate and election campaign financing in Africa. The assignment will support TI’s contribution to African Union efforts to develop Guidelines and a Model Law supporting implementation of Article 10 of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. The consultancy will contribute to a regional assessment of the integrity of political finance across 16 African countries. The selected expert(s) will support data collection and analysis, map institutions and organisations influencing political finance reforms, and provide technical advice to inform TI’s engagement with African Union processes. The assessment will examine both the quality of regulatory frameworks and their implementation in practice, using TI’s updated CRINIS / NURU (II) methodology. The methodology covers transparency, clean money and prevention of illicit funding or conflicts of interest, state neutrality, oversight, a level playing field and gender equality.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-09-11
Key Responsibilities
- Customise the political finance assessment questionnaire and survey tool for the African regional context.
- Advise and coordinate Transparency International National Chapters during data collection.
- Promote methodological consistency, high-quality data and ethical research practices.
- Conduct quality control and additional research where required.
- Cross-check information against relevant national and international sources.
- Consolidate collected data into a single database.
- Analyse the dataset to identify key findings and regional trends.
- Present research findings to TI, oversight agencies and other stakeholders.
- identify public institutions, organisations and groups that influence political finance standard-setting and reform across Africa and provide profiles assessing their interests and level of influence.
- Upon request, the expert(s) will provide technical advice, briefings and other support to Transparency International’s advocacy relating to African Union Guidelines and a Model Law supporting implementation of Article 10 of the AU Convention.
Requirements
- A postgraduate degree in social sciences or a related field.
- At least 10 years of experience working on political finance issues from an anti-corruption perspective.
- At least five years of relevant experience in Africa.
- Substantive experience providing technical assistance to election stakeholders, including election management bodies, legislatures and election observation organisations.
- Experience with international election assistance or election observation organisations in Africa is desirable.
- Practical knowledge of political party and candidate reporting requirements.
- Knowledge of audit and verification mechanisms used by election management or political finance oversight bodies.
- Experience with electronic or web-based systems supporting political finance reporting.
- Experience with disclosure platforms aimed at the public, media, watchdog organisations and government.
- Strong knowledge of research methodologies and their application to policy.
- Experience working with advocacy-oriented civil society organisations and government agencies in Africa.
- Fluency in English and proficiency in French, both written and oral.
Salary
EUR 17,000 VAT included, if applicable
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
About the Company
Transparency International e.V. (TI) is a German registered association founded in 1993 by former employees of the World Bank. Based in Berlin, its nonprofit and non-governmental purpose is to take action to combat global corruption with civil societal anti-corruption measures and to prevent criminal activities arising from corruption. Its most notable publications include the Global Corruption Barometer and the Corruption Perceptions Index.
Website: https://www.tizim.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications, certifications, or education are typically needed for the Research on the Integrity of Political Finance in Africa consultant role?
A master's degree in political science, economics, law, or a related field is typically required, with a strong emphasis on research methods and anti-corruption topics. Experience in political finance analysis, preferably in an African context, is highly valued. Certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or training in data analysis tools (e.g., Stata, R, SPSS) can strengthen an application.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for this consultancy position?
You will design and conduct research on political finance laws, campaign financing, and illicit money flows across African countries, collecting data from public sources, interviews, and court records. Regular tasks include drafting policy briefs, preparing presentations for stakeholders, and collaborating with Transparency International’s regional offices to ensure findings are actionable. You may also support capacity‑building workshops for civil society partners in Zimbabwe and other countries.
What is the local work culture and what expectations should I have if based in Zimbabwe?
In Zimbabwe, research consultancies often operate with a flexible schedule but expect high self‑motivation and timely delivery of outputs, especially when working with international partners. Communication is typically formal in written reports, while meetings may blend English with Shona or Ndebele depending on the audience. Demonstrating respect for local hierarchies and building trust with government and civil society contacts is essential for successful fieldwork.
What career progression or growth paths can I expect after working in this role?
Starting as a consultant on this project can lead to senior research analyst or team leader roles within Transparency International or similar governance NGOs. Continued publishing of peer‑reviewed articles or policy reports can open opportunities for advisory positions with international donors or regional bodies such as the African Union. Many consultants also transition into academia or policy‑making roles in Zimbabwean universities or ministries after gaining regional expertise.
What typical benefits (leave, medical aid, pension, etc.) are offered for this type of consultancy in Zimbabwe?
Consultancy contracts usually provide pro‑rated annual leave based on the duration of the assignment, along with sick leave in line with Zimbabwean labour law. While medical aid and pension contributions are not always standard for short‑term contracts, some employers offer access to group health schemes or allow consultants to arrange their own coverage at a negotiated rate. It is common to negotiate for reimbursement of work‑related travel, accommodation, and data‑access fees as part of the contract.
How should I apply for this role and what do employers in Zimbabwe look for in candidates?
Applications are submitted online through the Transparency International careers portal, requiring a CV, cover letter highlighting relevant research on political finance or corruption, and two professional references. Employers in Zimbabwe prioritize candidates who demonstrate familiarity with the local political finance landscape, strong analytical writing skills, and the ability to work remotely while coordinating with regional teams. Showing prior experience with donor‑funded projects or knowledge of Zimbabwe’s electoral finance laws will strengthen your candidacy.