Consultant to develop a ‘Country Context Analysis’ as an addendum to Transparency International’s ‘National Integrity Systems Assessment’ methodology
Summary
Transparency International’s Secretariat in Berlin is seeking a qualified consultant to complete a short desk-based assignment during May - July 2012. The objective of the assignment is to develop a methodology for a country context analysis, using a political economy approach, to be implemented as a new component of the National Integrity Systems Assessment. The revised methodology will be piloted in six South Asian countries from 2012-2014. The context analysis is intended to assist with the effective targeting of recommendations emerging from the NIS assessment.
Background
The National Integrity System (NIS) concept was developed by Transparency International (TI) as part of its holistic approach to countering corruption, and to explain the interdependence of integrity institutions seeking to improve governance and control corruption in any given country. The NIS consists of the principal institutions and actors that contribute to integrity, transparency and accountability in a society. The NIS methodology posits that a well-functioning NIS provides effective safeguards against corruption as part of the larger struggle against abuse of power, malfeasance, and misappropriation in all its forms. However, when these institutions are characterised by a lack of appropriate regulations and by unaccountable behaviour, corruption is likely to thrive with negative ripple effects for the societal goals of equitable growth, sustainable development and social cohesion. Strengthening the NIS promotes better governance across all aspects of society, and, ultimately, contributes to a more just society overall.
The NIS approach underpins many aspects of TI’s work, including much of the national and international advocacy undertaken by the TI movement. It provides the basis for TI’s National Integrity System assessments, which use a consultative approach, involving the key anti-corruption agents in government, civil society, the business community and other relevant sectors with a view to building momentum, political will and civic pressure for relevant reform initiatives. The NIS assessments provide a framework which anti-corruption organisations can use to analyse both the extent and causes of corruption in a given country as well as the effectiveness of national anti-corruption efforts.
NIS assessments have to date been undertaken in almost 100 countries worldwide. The NIS methodology underwent a review in 2008/2009 and has since been improved and expanded to include both qualitative and quantitative aspects. NIS assessments have been effective in identifying priority areas of institutional and systematic reform to improve governance and reduce corruption (see for example NIS Assessment Georgia (2011)). These assessments have been helpful in seeking to strengthen the integrity systems in place.
NIS assessments to date have focused primarily on an institutional view of integrity systems. Current thinking increasingly points out the need to also take account of the country’s social, economic and political context, and particularly the role of key political agents and coalitions in sustaining corruption as well as in effectively addressing it via anti-corruption efforts. Therefore, the traditional institutional analysis of the context in which the national integrity system needs to be complemented by greater understanding of the dynamics of political will and agency issues and the role of leaderships in shaping effective institutions. The adapted NIS methodology aims thus to balance an in-depth institutional analysis with a strong focus on the role of each country’s political economy and political agents in those areas which emerge as the ‘main sites’ of corruption or institutional anti-corruption failure.
Consultancy Assignment
In order to balance the NIS’s in-depth institutional analysis with a strong focus on the role of each country’s political economy and political agents in those areas which emerge as the ‘main sites’ of corruption or institutional anti-corruption failure, TI wishes to recruit a consultant to develop an additional component to the NIS methodology. The outputs of this new methodological component should provide a better understanding of the political economy drivers of (anti-)corruption and further insights into which actors can investigate and block anti-corruption change, as well as equipping TI national chapters (TI’s accredited country offices) and other stakeholders with the necessary evidence to identify potential channels and coalitions of reform.
The consultant chosen to assist in the development of the third generation of NIS assessment should have proven experience of developing solid and advocacy-oriented research methodologies. The methodology will be developed in close collaboration with the TI Research Department based at TI Secretariat in Berlin, which has been at the forefront of developing methodologies to measure corruption and assess governance using a range of diagnostic tools, but also understands the need to focus on tools that are useful for TI national chapters and other actors in the anti-corruption movement to use in their efforts to seek effective and sustainable reform.
Activities
The consultant will develop an addendum to the NIS assessment tool to map, analyse and assess a country’s social, economic and political context, and particularly the role of key political agents and coalitions in sustaining corruption as well as in effectively addressing it via anti-corruption efforts.
The resulting tool will be adapted and then piloted by in-country teams in six South Asian countries – Pakistan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The work of the consultant(s) will take place between May and July 2012 and will entail the following:
• Becoming familiar with TI’s National Integrity System Assessment Tool and TI’s overall approach to evidence-based advocacy (May 2012)
• A thorough review of existing political economy applied analytical tools such as the ‘Drivers of Change’ tools used by DFID (May 2012)
• Develop a concept note outlining the general approach to understanding and assessing a country’s political, economic and social context to be piloted in the South Asian context but with a global application in mind (May 2012). The concept note should also consider how the context analysis component will fit into the broader NIS assessment methodology:
o Will it be integrated or added on?
o At what stage in the NIS assessment process should this aspect of the assessment take place?
• Based on feedback from TI, develop a first draft outline of the tool including guidance for its practical implementation and present this in a video meeting to TI (to be completed by beginning of June 2012)
• Incorporate comments and input by TI and other stakeholders and produce a full draft of the tool (to be completed by mid-June 2012)
• Revise, refine and finalise the draft tool after further consultation with TI (to be completed by beginning of July 2012)
• Develop brief and concise training materials and a short manual in how to apply the tool (to be completed by beginning of July 2012)
TI’s Research Department will support the work of the consultant by providing a list of existing political economy assessment tools as well as full information on the NIS methodology, approach and lessons learned from its applications at country-level. TI will also be available to clarify any questions which arise during the review and tool development process.
Outputs
• Comprehensive methodology document detailing context analysis tool to be implemented as part of the NIS Assessment
• Relevant materials and guidelines for training on and implementation of the methodology
Budget
The total budget available for this assignment is 10,000 Euro.
Profile & Experience
Applicants are expected to have the following profile:
• Advanced university degree in a relevant field (e.g. Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies)
• Significant experience in designing applied research projects in the field of governance and anti-corruption
• Solid understanding of political economy analysis and experience in developing applied tools in this field
• Familiarity with participatory research methods and consultative action-research processes
• Experience and familiarity with governance systems in South Asia and/or in different regions world-wide would be an advantage
• Spoken and written fluency in English.
Application process
Applications must be sent to Maren Thompson, South Asia Programme Coordinator, TI Secretariat mthompson@transparency.org by 18:00 GMT on Wednesday 2nd May 2012, with the following elements attached:
• Curriculum Vitae with full description of the applicant’s profile and expertise
• A brief summary proposal on how the applicant(s) intend(s) to take on the assignment, including proposed work plan/ time schedule, deliverables, composition of team and division of roles (if applicable) and key aspects of methodological approach envisaged
• A writing sample on a relevant topic, ideally on an issue related to corruption/anti-corruption assessments
• Contact details for at least two independent referees with in-depth and proven knowledge of the applicant’s expertise and relevant work experience.
Please indicate “Expression of interest – National Integrity Systems Context Analysis Tool” in the subject line of your email application.
Applications from consultancy companies or groups of consultants are also accepted, provided that the consultants who would work on this assignment are clearly identified in the application package.
For more information on Transparency International, please visit www.transparency.org.
Transparency International’s Secretariat in Berlin is seeking a qualified consultant to complete a short desk-based assignment during May - July 2012. The objective of the assignment is to develop a methodology for a country context analysis, using a political economy approach, to be implemented as a new component of the National Integrity Systems Assessment. The revised methodology will be piloted in six South Asian countries from 2012-2014. The context analysis is intended to assist with the effective targeting of recommendations emerging from the NIS assessment.
Background
The National Integrity System (NIS) concept was developed by Transparency International (TI) as part of its holistic approach to countering corruption, and to explain the interdependence of integrity institutions seeking to improve governance and control corruption in any given country. The NIS consists of the principal institutions and actors that contribute to integrity, transparency and accountability in a society. The NIS methodology posits that a well-functioning NIS provides effective safeguards against corruption as part of the larger struggle against abuse of power, malfeasance, and misappropriation in all its forms. However, when these institutions are characterised by a lack of appropriate regulations and by unaccountable behaviour, corruption is likely to thrive with negative ripple effects for the societal goals of equitable growth, sustainable development and social cohesion. Strengthening the NIS promotes better governance across all aspects of society, and, ultimately, contributes to a more just society overall.
The NIS approach underpins many aspects of TI’s work, including much of the national and international advocacy undertaken by the TI movement. It provides the basis for TI’s National Integrity System assessments, which use a consultative approach, involving the key anti-corruption agents in government, civil society, the business community and other relevant sectors with a view to building momentum, political will and civic pressure for relevant reform initiatives. The NIS assessments provide a framework which anti-corruption organisations can use to analyse both the extent and causes of corruption in a given country as well as the effectiveness of national anti-corruption efforts.
NIS assessments have to date been undertaken in almost 100 countries worldwide. The NIS methodology underwent a review in 2008/2009 and has since been improved and expanded to include both qualitative and quantitative aspects. NIS assessments have been effective in identifying priority areas of institutional and systematic reform to improve governance and reduce corruption (see for example NIS Assessment Georgia (2011)). These assessments have been helpful in seeking to strengthen the integrity systems in place.
NIS assessments to date have focused primarily on an institutional view of integrity systems. Current thinking increasingly points out the need to also take account of the country’s social, economic and political context, and particularly the role of key political agents and coalitions in sustaining corruption as well as in effectively addressing it via anti-corruption efforts. Therefore, the traditional institutional analysis of the context in which the national integrity system needs to be complemented by greater understanding of the dynamics of political will and agency issues and the role of leaderships in shaping effective institutions. The adapted NIS methodology aims thus to balance an in-depth institutional analysis with a strong focus on the role of each country’s political economy and political agents in those areas which emerge as the ‘main sites’ of corruption or institutional anti-corruption failure.
Consultancy Assignment
In order to balance the NIS’s in-depth institutional analysis with a strong focus on the role of each country’s political economy and political agents in those areas which emerge as the ‘main sites’ of corruption or institutional anti-corruption failure, TI wishes to recruit a consultant to develop an additional component to the NIS methodology. The outputs of this new methodological component should provide a better understanding of the political economy drivers of (anti-)corruption and further insights into which actors can investigate and block anti-corruption change, as well as equipping TI national chapters (TI’s accredited country offices) and other stakeholders with the necessary evidence to identify potential channels and coalitions of reform.
The consultant chosen to assist in the development of the third generation of NIS assessment should have proven experience of developing solid and advocacy-oriented research methodologies. The methodology will be developed in close collaboration with the TI Research Department based at TI Secretariat in Berlin, which has been at the forefront of developing methodologies to measure corruption and assess governance using a range of diagnostic tools, but also understands the need to focus on tools that are useful for TI national chapters and other actors in the anti-corruption movement to use in their efforts to seek effective and sustainable reform.
Activities
The consultant will develop an addendum to the NIS assessment tool to map, analyse and assess a country’s social, economic and political context, and particularly the role of key political agents and coalitions in sustaining corruption as well as in effectively addressing it via anti-corruption efforts.
The resulting tool will be adapted and then piloted by in-country teams in six South Asian countries – Pakistan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The work of the consultant(s) will take place between May and July 2012 and will entail the following:
• Becoming familiar with TI’s National Integrity System Assessment Tool and TI’s overall approach to evidence-based advocacy (May 2012)
• A thorough review of existing political economy applied analytical tools such as the ‘Drivers of Change’ tools used by DFID (May 2012)
• Develop a concept note outlining the general approach to understanding and assessing a country’s political, economic and social context to be piloted in the South Asian context but with a global application in mind (May 2012). The concept note should also consider how the context analysis component will fit into the broader NIS assessment methodology:
o Will it be integrated or added on?
o At what stage in the NIS assessment process should this aspect of the assessment take place?
• Based on feedback from TI, develop a first draft outline of the tool including guidance for its practical implementation and present this in a video meeting to TI (to be completed by beginning of June 2012)
• Incorporate comments and input by TI and other stakeholders and produce a full draft of the tool (to be completed by mid-June 2012)
• Revise, refine and finalise the draft tool after further consultation with TI (to be completed by beginning of July 2012)
• Develop brief and concise training materials and a short manual in how to apply the tool (to be completed by beginning of July 2012)
TI’s Research Department will support the work of the consultant by providing a list of existing political economy assessment tools as well as full information on the NIS methodology, approach and lessons learned from its applications at country-level. TI will also be available to clarify any questions which arise during the review and tool development process.
Outputs
• Comprehensive methodology document detailing context analysis tool to be implemented as part of the NIS Assessment
• Relevant materials and guidelines for training on and implementation of the methodology
Budget
The total budget available for this assignment is 10,000 Euro.
Profile & Experience
Applicants are expected to have the following profile:
• Advanced university degree in a relevant field (e.g. Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies)
• Significant experience in designing applied research projects in the field of governance and anti-corruption
• Solid understanding of political economy analysis and experience in developing applied tools in this field
• Familiarity with participatory research methods and consultative action-research processes
• Experience and familiarity with governance systems in South Asia and/or in different regions world-wide would be an advantage
• Spoken and written fluency in English.
Application process
Applications must be sent to Maren Thompson, South Asia Programme Coordinator, TI Secretariat mthompson@transparency.org by 18:00 GMT on Wednesday 2nd May 2012, with the following elements attached:
• Curriculum Vitae with full description of the applicant’s profile and expertise
• A brief summary proposal on how the applicant(s) intend(s) to take on the assignment, including proposed work plan/ time schedule, deliverables, composition of team and division of roles (if applicable) and key aspects of methodological approach envisaged
• A writing sample on a relevant topic, ideally on an issue related to corruption/anti-corruption assessments
• Contact details for at least two independent referees with in-depth and proven knowledge of the applicant’s expertise and relevant work experience.
Please indicate “Expression of interest – National Integrity Systems Context Analysis Tool” in the subject line of your email application.
Applications from consultancy companies or groups of consultants are also accepted, provided that the consultants who would work on this assignment are clearly identified in the application package.
For more information on Transparency International, please visit www.transparency.org.
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