Anti-Corruption Researcher - IQ Talent Marketplace

• Title of Individual Consultant: Anti-Corruption Researcher
• Assignment: Support ACAI Project with research and research-related activities on civic engagement and civil society in Iraq, including finalizing the NIS report.
• Duration of assignment: 6 months
• Engagement modality: Daily
• Level/Band: B-ICS / High (International Consultancy Services, Specialist)
• Duty station: Homebased with travels to Baghdad
• **Start Date:**1 November 2024

1.Background

This assignment will support the implementation of the EU funded “Support to Justice Initiatives Curbing Corruption and Promoting Commercial Dispute Resolution” Project.

Strengthening accountability and tackling corruption are essential pre-requisites for Iraq’s long-term stability, economic recovery, and development. Both Iraqi and regional Kurdish governments have recently initiated steps to drive an ambitious anticorruption agenda. However, significant gaps remain in legislative and strategic framework, investigation and adjudication, enforcement, and recovery of stolen assets. A comprehensive review of the anti-corruption legal framework in Iraq, at both the federal and KRI levels, has been conducted by UNDP and identified significant compliance gaps with UNCAC.

The project titled “Support to Justice Initiatives Curbing Corruption and Promoting Commercial Dispute Resolution” Project (hereinafter, Anti-Corruption & Arbitration in Iraq, ACAI) is funded by the European Union for a period of four years. The project works closely with the Prime Minister Office in Baghdad and directly supports the Commission of Integrity, the Higher Judicial Council and the Legal and Integrity Committees of the Council of Representatives. In Erbil, the project follows a similar mechanism of collaboration.

The Project addresses strategic and legislative gaps in fighting corruption, judicial integrity, investigation and adjudication capacity, strategic communication, public outreach and engagement with media.

Under output 1, the Project aims to sustain policy dialogue on anti-corruption, accountability and transparency notably through research and advocacy that inform key government policies. Under output 2, the Project aims to sustain civic engagement to fight corruption and improve public accountability of institutions fighting corruption.

2.Objectives

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Anti-Corruption Specialist and the overall oversight of the Project Manager, the Anti-Corruption Researcher will be responsible for supporting the process of finalizing the Iraqi National Integrity System (NIS) report and prepare it for launching and publication. As well as, conducting research on Iraqi civic engagement and civil society in relation to the task of fighting corruption.

The Anti-Corruption Researcher will work closely with all office/ programme and projects’ personnel and UNDP CO team to ensure relevant requirements are fulfilled in a timely manner with required quality, following the highest standards in line with UNDP guidelines and procedures.

3. Key Tasks and Responsibilities

The Anti-Corruption Content Researcher will act as a consultant with the following responsibilities:

a. Support in Finalizing NIS Report

• Review, adjust, and finalize the NIS report to ensure it meets publication standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to incorporate feedback and validate findings.

b. Publication and Launch Preparation

• Support preparing the finalized NIS report for publication, including coordinating design, formatting, and any required translations.
• Develop a strategy for the launch of the report, including organizing launch events, preparing promotional materials, and engaging with media.

c. Research and Analysis

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of civic engagement and civil society involvement in anti-corruption efforts in Iraq.
• Provide detailed research findings on the barriers and enablers for civil society organizations working in the field of transparency and accountability.
• Provide feedback and stratigic support for the ACAI where needed.

d. Collaboration and Coordination

• Liaise with UNDP teams and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of the research with broader project objectives.
• Participate in project meetings, providing updates and strategic guidance on content management.

The assignment will be managed under the Anti-Corruption Specialist and the overall oversight of Project Manager.

4. Duration

The contract is effective from the date of signature by UNDP Iraq and the consultant. Estimated duration of the contract is 6 months.

5. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Qualifications, skills, and professional experience of the Anti-Corruption Content Management Specialist should include the following:

1. Hold at least master’s degree in the field of sociology, international relations or a relevant field.
2. Minimum of 5 years of work experience with proven knowledge and experience in leading, managing and coordinating research, and advocacy, including in the field of anti-corruption, in MENA region.
3. Expertise in using research tools and methodologies of Transparency International, ideally on NIS.
4. Previous work experience with MENA region government and civil society entities, academia and the media.
5. Fluent Arabic and English.