Report author / analyst

Background

This National Corruption Survey (“NCS”) project is a countrywide survey being conducted by Integrity Watch Afghanistan on Afghan perceptions of and experiences with corruption and an assessment of how corruption impacts the lives of individuals and communities. The first National Corruption Survey was conducted in 2007, this will be the sixth biannual survey of its kind undertaken by Integrity Watch.

Research Objectives and Questions

This will be an important indicator of the impact that this new government has had on people’s perceptions concerning corruption. As such, this survey is expected to offer valuable insights to high level government authorities, political leaders, CSOs, senior representatives of various embassies and international organizations, as well as Afghan policy makers and public officials about perceptions concerning corruption in Afghanistan.

The survey’s main focus is on perceptions of administrative corruption such as bribery, obstruction and nepotism. This project, which has sampled 137 districts in 34 provinces, was designed to answer the following key questions:

The main research topic areas will include the following:

1. The level of concern regarding corruption as among other social problems;

2. Understanding of the various forms of corruption;

3. Types of corruption reported to have been experienced in various sectors;

4. Reports of personal experiences of people with corruption; and

5. Reported individual behaviour in dealing with or fighting corruption.

Duties and responsibilities

Objective of the assignment:

Integrity Watch Afghanistan is currently conducting the National Corruption Survey in Afghanistan. The NCS data has been gathered through a countrywide survey. The next step, and the principal role of the analyst and report writer, will be to analyze this data and to conduct desk research and a literature review. The objective of the assignment will be to prepare a report which synthesizes an analysis of the quantitative data with key observations based on the literature review in order to prepare a policy-oriented assessment of the perceptions concerning corruption and recommendations appropriate for remedial action by the Afghan government.

The author of this NCS report will be expected to prepare a report of 15,000 – 21,000 words together with such charts and graphs as may be necessary and appropriate to illustrate certain key points. IWA will expect a well-written (in English), thought-provoking and evidence-based first draft within 4 weeks, after which and based upon comments from senior management of IWA, representatives of IWA’s Board and other external reviewers, the author will have a further 10 days to finalize this report based on comments from the afore-mentioned individuals. During the extent of this consultancy, the selected author will work under the supervision of IWA’s Head of Research

Tasks:

· To review and analyze all relevant quantitative and qualitative data from the recently conducted survey and for IWA’s past NCS projects (for comparative purposes) as well as related literature and research.

· To analyze the data and to prepare a comparative and well-balanced report.

· The report should include an executive summary of the key insights from the whole report, a section that provides an overview of corruption generally from an Afghan and a global perspective, and a section that reviews corruption and measures to ameliorate corruption under the National Unity Government.

· Liaise closely at all times with the IWA research team.

· Write up a high-quality and profession report summarizing the findings of the National Corruption Survey (between 15,000 – 21,000 words long)

· Incorporate internal, peer and board reviewer’s comments in the report (even if the comments fall beyond the contract duration).

· Prepare a short presentation from the main findings of the report.

Key Deliverables

· A draft report within 30 days from the start of the project.

· A final report within 40 days that incorporate recommendations and feedbacks from the IWA research team and management.

· Complete data-set after analyses and interpretation.

· Complete NCS data-set in SPSS and Excel formats.

· Presentation (minimum 20-30 slides)

Education and Experience

· At least a master’s degree in social sciences, policy and/or other related fields.

· Minimum eight to ten years of experience in public policy research and/or report writing and editing and quantitative data analysis at the international level.

· Substantial experience of analyzing and evaluating quantitative data, indexes and indicators.

· Deep knowledge of key issues in corruption at the Afghanistan and global level.

· A track record of writing, editing or publishing thought leadership, reports, articles and research on corruption issues would be an advantage.

Skills

· Advanced quantitative and qualitative data analysis and synthesis skills.

· Expert knowledge of corruption on a global level specifically on Afghanistan and regional level.

· Advanced written communication and presentation skills in English.

· Solid research and analytical skills, understanding of global corruption and of the major concerns and constraints of the Afghan government.

· Ability to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

Fees/Compensation

Fees and a payment schedule will be in accordance with Integrity Watch policies.