Senior Researcher

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

The Revenue Watch Institute (RWI) is a nonprofit policy institute and grant-making organization that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good. Working in over thirty resource-rich countries, RWI pursues this goal through research, advocacy, capacity development programs, and technical advice to governments and civil society actors. RWI began as a program of the Open Society Foundations before becoming independent in 2006 and employs its staff in New York and London.

Purpose of Position

The senior researcher will lead the production of the Resource Governance Index, which assesses the quality of oil, gas, and mining sector governance in a wide selection of resource rich countries. S/he will contribute to shaping and executing the organization’s broader research agenda. The individual will join the Data and Analysis Team, reporting to the Head of Data and Analysis and will work closely with senior management and project teams in the execution of research projects.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.  OSF/RWI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Leading the design of the RGI methodology including identifying and implementing improvements for the 2015 edition;
• Overseeing the data collection process which includes the recruitment and supervision of researchers and peer reviewers, the online data collection system, and quality control strategies;
• Leading the analysis of RGI data and the drafting of RGI publications, coordinating inputs from Revenue Watch team members;
• Working, along with other staff, to develop of a network of partner organizations based in resource rich developing countries who will work with Revenue Watch on the research process;
• Coordination and in some cases supervision of other RGI contributors, including the members of staff and consultants who help execute the project;
• Identifying and managing the collection of secondary data (e.g. broader governance indicators, economic and sector data) to complement the RGI’s primary data;
• Developing and managing a network of external experts who can advise on the RGI’s design and methodology, and possibly other Revenue Watch research efforts;
• Collaboration with advocacy and communications colleagues to identify main messages, design global and country dissemination strategies, and develop the optimal set of print and online materials;
• Working with data visualization and other web/print design consultants to convey the RGI’s findings in a powerful and accessible manner;
• Presentation of research findings at events and other dissemination activities including training programs organized by Revenue Watch for civil society and government audiences;
• Staying abreast of the academic and policy literature relevant to the RGI and the evolving thinking on Index methodology, and integrating these into Revenue Watch products;
• Identifying and executing additional research projects that advance the Revenue Watch mission;
• Advancing the organization’s intellectual growth and productivity by offering insights and contributions to other research projects, including nascent efforts to collect and utilize extractive sector data and the future evolution of the Natural Resource Charter among others;
• Travel may be required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree and several years’ relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Advanced degree or equivalent in relevant field preferred;
• Several years of relevant research experience;
• Strong research expertise and academic background in a relevant subject, likely in the fields of economics, political science or development studies;
• Knowledge of extractive industries, regulatory and institutional standards, and/or transparency and accountability issues, as is experience in developing countries.

Skills Required

• Excellent data management and quantitative analysis skills;
• Experience managing large and complex research projects;
• A background of working with non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, multi-national companies and civil society;
• Ability to produce high quality written materials;
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, and manage simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment;
• Foreign language skills preferred;
• Effectively manage to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, with strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail, budget and reporting;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research and database management;
• Exercise good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with skills and experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

Please send a cover letter and CV before February 10, 2014, to:recruitment-nsp@opensocietyfoundations.org and include job code in subject line: RWI SR.