Job Details

Job Description

Temporary Research Assistants

Position: Research Assistants X2
Line of Reporting: Advocacy, Policy and Research Manager
Location: Lusaka, Zambia.
Employment Type: Temporary

1.0 Background
TI-Z is a local chapter of the global civil society movement Transparency International. It is a non-profit making non-governmental organization with a registered office in Lusaka; dedicated towards the fight against corruption and the promotion of transparency, integrity, accountability and generally good governance in the discharge of public functions. TI-Z has a Vision statement of having A Zambia anchored on citizens and institutions of integrity, and Mission statement being a leading anti-corruption crusader contributing to Zambia’s development based on a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability through the promotion of good governance and zero tolerance to corruption.

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has a vibrant and expanding research department responsible for the Zambian case study of the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and supporting the joint implementation of the Zambia Bribe Payers Index Survey in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission. Recently, the department published reports on the progress of implementing the 2023 National Decentralization Policy, the use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and the Cost of Elections in Zambia, among others.

2.0 Job Description
The Research Assistants will be responsible for providing research and analytical support on four ongoing research studies, including assessing the State of the Civic Space in Zambia,  conducting a Corruption Vulnerabilities study in Tax Governance and Tax Compliance in Zambia,   conducting a situational analysis on responsible mining and human rights abuses in the extractive sector and the development of the responsible mining and Human Rights framework, as well as a Corruption Vulnerability Assessment on the Social Cash Transfer Programme.

2.1      Main Responsibilities.
The Research Assistants is responsible for supporting the research process through the following tasks:

Conducting desk-based research on chosen governance and policy topics and delivering high-quality written reports and summaries.

Conducting qualitative interviews, including key informant interviews (KIIs), leading focus group discussions, and analysing transcripts using content and thematic analysis with NVivo or other qualitative data analysis software.

Collecting quantitative data using suitable tools and data collection software, as well as analysing the quantitative data with STATA, Excel, or other SPSS.

Participating in the methodology and inception report meetings to guide the development of approaches and research methods.

Conducting analysis of public policies on different government actions, laws, and programmes
Carry out additional duties as assigned by the Advocacy, Policy and Research Manager.

3.0 Duration of Engagement
This engagement will be for 40 working days.

4.0 Required Attributes, Experience, and Qualifications.
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, including Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field.

Relevant professional experience of at least 2-3 years working as a researcher, public policy analyst, or research associate in a reputable civil society organisation or think tank.

Ability to use data collection software such as STATA, SPSS, and NVivo, and to manage data collection processes.

Proven understanding and practical use of research methods and tools, in both quantitative and qualitative research.

Extensive knowledge of the political, governance, and anti-corruption landscape, including international treaties and conventions, relevant regional and national actors, domestic laws and regulations, as well as public finance management processes such as budgeting and taxation.

Excellent analytical, facilitation, teamwork, written, and oral communication skills.

A proactive problem-solving mindset directed towards results delivery.

5.0 Application Procedure
Applications should be submitted no later than Monday 25th August 2025 and should be emailed under the subject: Research Assistant to [email protected] . The complete application packet must be submitted a single document:
Cover letter

Detailed CV highlight relevant qualifications, experience and knowledge (not more than 4 pages)

Applications received after the specified date will be considered late and will be considered only at the discretion of TI-Z. TI-Z reserves the right to make an offer based on initial submission. TI-Z reserves the right to make no offer if the applications submitted do not satisfy the organization’s needs.

6.0 Notification of Selection
NB: TI-Z will notify the successful applicants in writing.
All prospective applicants are advised to follow the application procedure and guidelines provided.