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Research Coordinator

POSITION AVAILABLE
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
REVENUE WATCH INSTITUTE
FEBRUARY 2011

The Revenue Watch Institute (RWI) is a non-profit policy institute and grantmaking organization that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good. With effective revenue management, citizen engagement and real government accountability, natural resource wealth can drive development and national growth. RWI provides the expertise, funding and technical assistance to help countries realize these benefits.


The Revenue Watch Institute is the only organization dedicated exclusively to addressing the special problems of oil, gas and mining-dependent countries—countries where poverty, conflict and corruption too often converge.


RWI is funded through the generous support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations, along with several other donors.

Revenue Watch promotes transparent, accountable and effective management of natural resource wealth to help countries avoid the "resource curse." We take a comprehensive approach to improving governance and development across the entire value chain—from the organization of extractive production, revenue generation and revenue management, through the expenditure processes and development outcomes in resource rich countries. Please visit our website for more information: www.revenuewatch.org


RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide assistance during the ongoing methodological review of the Revenue Watch Index by helping coordinate external input, additional internal research and drafting updates to current methodology documents in coordination with RWI Senior Policy Analyst;
• Contribute to implementation of the Revenue Watch Index 2012 and assist in managing the workflow associated to this research project: checking implementation of different milestones for researchers and peer reviewers, managing information sharing, providing initial review of research outcomes. In particular, provide quality assurance that questionnaires have been completed by external researchers in accordance with the instructions provided and check for internal consistency, review sources cited and general accuracy, and ensure methodology is consistent across countries;
• Liaise with external researchers during review process and discuss issues that require clarification. After questionnaires are finalized in consultations with relevant researchers, these will be sent to one peer reviewer who is based in the country for which the questionnaire has been completed. Research Coordinator will review comments provided by each peer reviewer and ensure consistency. In case of disagreement between researchers and reviewers, the Associate will ask for clarification and further comments each country questionnaire is finalized;
• During the process of reviewing questionnaires and during the communication process with the relevant researchers, the consultant shall routinely consult with and inform the manager of this project on progress achieved and issues that require his inputs and intervention;
• Assistance with review and analysis of project data, and writing and editing of final Index report documents, including drafting of brief region- and country-specific reports;
• Programmatic and administrative support to implement the Revenue Watch Index project, assisting in managing correspondence with researchers and peer reviewers;
• Contribute to research and draft alternative plans to improve presentation of the Revenue Watch Index results and exploring Internet based solutions and other new media tools for this objective.
• Research on resource rich countries, specifically on extractive sector reporting by governmental agencies;
• Drafting and editing materials for the Revenue Watch Index project;
• Assist in development of list of contacts of experts, researchers and peer reviewers for the implementation of this research;
• Additional institutional and research support as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate degree in relevant field (political science, economics, finance/accounting, law, or international affairs);
• Strong research, writing and organizational skills;
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint);
• Familiarity with international initiatives about transparency in the extractive industries, transparency of public budgets or international indices of good governance (e.g. EITI, IMF Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency, International Budget Partnership’s Open Budget Index, Global Integrity Index, World Bank’s Governance Indicators);
• Understanding of basic dynamics of extractive industries and their potential impact on governance, ability to analyze and understand financial reports;
• Proficiency in a foreign language is strongly preferred but not required;
• Close attention to detail in all tasks;
• Integrity and professional discretion;
• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated;
• Commitment to working as a member of a team, pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Must be dependable, a good team player and able to work independently;
• Ability to prioritize and work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;
• Pleasant, professional, and diplomatic manner in interacting with senior management, co-workers, partner, and the public.

START DATE: ASAP

COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume, cover letter and a 3-5 page writing sample with salary requirements before March 18, 2011, to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: RC/RWI

OR

Open Society Institute
Human Resources – Code RC/RWI
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 212.548.4675

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations/Revenue Watch Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.