Terms of Reference: Consultants for Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) Researcher Pool

July 15, 2024

Background and Overall Objectives

The Open Government Partnership (OGP) Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) is currently searching for individuals to join its pool of independent researchers with policy research and linguistic expertise on one or more of the following:

• Brazil
• Cabo Verde
• United States
• Italy
• Western Balkans

OGP is a broad partnership that includes 75 countries and 150 local governments, along with thousands of civil society organizations. Through the Partnership, these powerful forces work together to promote transparent, participatory, inclusive and accountable governance through two-year action plans with concrete steps – commitments – across a broad range of issues. This unique model ensures that civil society organizations or direct citizen engagement has a role in shaping and overseeing governments.

The IRM works primarily by conducting independent assessment and reporting for each OGP participating member. IRM reports assess the development and implementation of action plans, and develop technical recommendations. By tracking and publicizing progress, it promotes strong accountability between member governments and citizens.

Duties

• Completion of online and offline desk research and writing to assess the design and implementation of OGP action plans. Thematic research areas vary from country to country and can include a wide range of topics such as anti-corruption, transparency in extractive industries, participatory budgeting, oversight of public service delivery, etc.
• Follow the IRM methodology and approach to assessing and coding various indicators about OGP action plans (in relation to ambition of commitments, their early results etc.), providing analysis, justification and evidence.
• Conduct independent research using interviews, and document review and/or focus groups.
• Clear, regular communication with IRM staff.

Requirements

To be eligible, the candidate must not have contributed to developing the OGP action plan to be assessed, and must not have been employed by the government anytime in the 12 months preceding application. Candidates currently working for multilateral organizations (i.e. Bretton Woods institutions, OECD, regional development banks, etc.) are not eligible to apply. Candidates must be willing to conduct research and communicate findings in a non-partisan, objective fashion.

The following qualifications are required for consideration:

• Ability to conduct research, facilitate stakeholder interviews, and institutional analysis across non-profit, public, and private sectors. Experience of conducting monitoring and evaluation strongly preferred.
• Outstanding level of attention to detail and analytical thinking skills.
• Experience working on public policy issues related to governance, transparency, accountability, and/or public participation is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to solicit, incorporate, and respond to official and public comments.
• Ability to carry out research and draft reports within a strict time frame, and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to communicate findings in a non-partisan, objective fashion.
• Ability to commit to the role for a duration of two years. The number of days for this consultancy can vary from 40 to 60+ over that time frame, depending on the length of the action plan to be assessed. Each IRM report may take up to 6 months to complete from start to finish.
• Excellent English language writing and speaking skills required, including demonstrated ability to write concisely about complex governance issues in English for an international audience.

Payment

The IRM offers consultants an hourly rate of 40 to 45 USD on a cost reimbursement basis, as well as a limited budget for additional expenses related to the research work, as approved by IRM staff.

How to Apply

Interested consultants should submit their CV and cover letter to irm@opengovpartnership.orgby 31 July 2024.