International consultant on good governance and anti-corruption research design and methods

Background:

The OSCE within its second dimension on environmental and economic issues assists the governments of participating States in strengthening their national anti-corruption practices, advising on improving the relevant institutional framework and building up national capacities. The OSCE participating States have recognized that “corruption represents one of the major impediments to the prosperity and sustainable development of the participating States that undermines their stability and security and threatens the OSCE’s shared values” (see Ministerial Council Decision No. 11/04). In line with the OSCE documents, specifically Ministerial Council Decision No. 6/20 and Ministerial Council Declaration No. 3/18, the role of women and youth is of vital importance for achieving results in combating corruption. On the basis of its mandate, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) supports all efforts aimed at decreasing the risks emanating from corruption and further strengthening capacities to effectively combat corruption at all levels.

Corruption is still a major challenge for Tajikistan, recognised by the National Development Strategy of Tajikistan until 2030. In September 2021, Tajikistan adopted the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2021-2030 and the Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy for the period 2021-2025. The main goals and objectives of the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy are to increase the anti-corruption awareness of the population and create an atmosphere of intolerance to corruption, eliminate the causes and conditions conducive to corruption, and in general reduce the intensity of corruption.  

1. In order to combine efforts in implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy for the period until 2030 and the related Action Plan for 2021-2025, the POiD will support the Agency for State Financial Control and Fight against Corruption (Anti-Corruption Agency), in organizing a comprehensive sociological survey with target of 10,000 respondents (citizens) on the state of corruption and the effectiveness of measures to prevent and combat it. This activity will be conducted in co-operation with relevant ministries and agencies (see item number 69 of the Action Plan to implement the National AC Strategy) and the Coalition of Civil-Society Organisations of Tajikistan on Transparency and Anti-Corruption (Coalition). The results of the survey will be used to establish the level of corruption in the respective branches of government and to determine and adjust anti-corruption policies in the Republic of Tajikistan;
2. A two-day workshop for civil society on how to conduct and design research related to alternative monitoring is planned. The workshop is part of the POiD’s efforts, in co-operation with the Coalition and with the backing of the Anti-Corruption Agency, to support and strengthen the monitoring role of civil society.  To increase the participation of women and youth in the fight against corruption, the POiD is supporting a nationwide awareness-raising campaign in the form of lectures and panel discussions on aspects of combating corruption, in which the international consultant will participate. The awareness-raising campaign is run in co-operation with the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Coalition or any other national partners.

Objective of Assignment: 

1. The international consultant will provide guidance and support in the development of the methodology and draft questionnaires based on international best practices for a comprehensive sociological survey on the state of corruption and the effectiveness of measures to prevent and combat it; 
2. The international consultant will conduct a two-day workshop on research methods related to alternative monitoring for participants from civil society to familiarize civil society activists in a structured way with research design and methods of qualitative and quantitative research on good governance and anti-corruption issues;
3. The international consultant will contribute to the anti-corruption awareness-raising campaign with special focus on youth and women.

Duration of Assignment:

9.5 days 

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Good Governance Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Conducting introductory/preparatory meetings with the Anti-Corruption Agency, Coalition, OSCE POiD to discuss details of the sociological survey, development of the survey methodology and draft questionnaires, guidance process (0.5 day on-site, May 2024). Designing the schedule of the guidance process (0.5 day on-site, May 2024);
2. Reviewing, advising and commenting on draft methodology and questionnaire based on best international practices, per E-Mail communication and, if appropriate, telecommunication, in Russian language (1 day on-site, 1 day on distance, May 2024); 
3.  Addressing feedback, replying to questions/comments from Anti-Corruption Agency, Coalition, OSCE POiD, providing review on final methodology and questionnaire, per E-Mail communication and, if appropriate, telecommunication, in Russian language (1.5 days, May - June 2024);
4. Developing training materials for the two-day workshop on research methods related to alternative monitoring for participants from civil society in Russian language (agenda, handout materials, presentation, pre- and post-tests) (2 days, May 2024);
5. Conducting the two-day workshop on research methods related to alternative monitoring for participants from civil society in Dushanbe in Russian language (2 days on-site, May 2024);
6. Delivering a two-hour public lecture or participate in a panel discussion on sociological research on good governance and corruption within the framework of the anti-corruption awareness-raising campaign (0.5 day on-site, May 2024);
7. Drafting a technical report on activities conducted (0.5 day, June 2024).

Deliverables:

• Introductory /preparatory meetings with the ACA, Coalition, OSCE POiD is conducted;
• Schedule of guidance is discussed, agreed and drafted;
• First round of comments to draft methodology and questionnaire is provided;
• Questions, comments, feedbacks were addressed; review of final drafts of the methodology and questionnaire were provided;
• Training materials are prepared and submitted (agenda, handout materials, presentation, pre- and post-tests);
• Conducted two-day workshop on research methods related to alternative monitoring for participants from civil society in Dushanbe in Russian language;
• Delivered a two-hour public lecture or participated in a panel discussion on sociological research on good governance and corruption within the framework of the anti-corruption awareness-raising campaign;
• Technical report about conducted activities, including a list of contacts and, if applicable, comprehensive documentation attached.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, please see: http://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-dushanbe 

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in law, economy, public administration, social sciences or related field;
• At least 6 years of professional experience in good governance, including minimum 4 years of practical experience in designing and/or conducting research and surveys on anti-corruption or good governance issues;
• Experience in conducting trainings, workshops, courses on good governance issues or combating corruption;
• Professional experience in designing and/or conducting large-scale surveys will be an asset;  
• Professional experience in the context of Tajikistan or any other post-Soviet country will be an asset;  
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, proved by authorship of analytical report and/or publications
• Excellent written and spoken Russian and English;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.