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Energy Transition and Corruption Research - Remote / Work from Home

Transparency International Australia

1. Background

Transparency International (TI) is the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption. Through more than 100 chapters worldwide and an international secretariat in Berlin, Germany, TI raises awareness of the damaging effects of corruption and works with partners in government, business and civil society to develop and implement effective measures to tackle it.

TI’s Accountable Mining Programme is led by Transparency International Australia (TIA). The Accountable Mining Programme is seeking a consultant to undertake research into corruption risks in the licensing, approvals and permitting process in mining in the energy transition.

The Accountable Mining Programme, led by a Global Programme Team within TIA, is one of Transparency International’s global specialised centres of thematic expertise. The Programme seeks to enhance the contribution of mining to sustainable economic and human development through a focus on enhanced transparency and accountability in awarding mining-related permits, licences and contracts across a range of countries. The programme focuses specifically on corruption risks at the approvals stage of the mining value chain, as well as issues of corruption affecting compliance with conditions imposed or guarantees given at the approvals stage throughout the project life cycle.

The programme engages with a wide range of actors to create an enabling environment for change, and to positively influence improvements in government and business practices in the mining sector. Participating TI Chapters and their local partners work together to support:

  • Civil society and affected communities in accessing, interpreting and monitoring information and decisions relating to the allocation of mining permits, licences and contracts;
  • Mining companies and industry associations in adopting, implementing and enforcing transparency and accountability standards; and
  • Governments in adopting, enabling and enforcing effective transparency and accountability policies, procedures and practices.

Twenty-three TI Chapters around the world have completed the research using the Mining Awards Corruption Risk Assessment tool. Participating Chapters have been implementing their three-year National Action Plans which detail their proposed strategies to address the corruption risks identified. More information is available on our website.

The Global Programme Team has identified areas of strategic focus for 2021 and beyond. The energy transition is one area of focus. We are now seeking to better understand how corruption affects licensing, contracting and permitting for minerals and metals necessary for the energy transition and are looking for a consultant to undertake research to assist us to do that.

2. Objectives

The overall objectives of the research is to:

  1. Identify and analyse priority corruption risks in mining approvals, licensing and permitting for energy transition minerals and, in particular, identify whether there are specific corruption risks due to the method of licence allocation, the mining process, the economic environment or any other reason. Note that we are looking to the consultant to propose the breadth of the analysis including which minerals should be the focus of the research.
  2. Make recommendations as to what should be the priority areas for intervention by the Accountable Mining Programme and what types of interventions the Programme should make. In particular we want to understand what elements of the nexus between the energy transition, mining and corruption warrant the most attention by the Programme and what needs to be done to address those issues.

3. Methodology

This research is to be based on a clear framework involving desk-based research. The consultant is ultimately responsible for the overall methodological approach and design of the report.

Note that the research is not to be limited to those countries in which the Accountable Mining Programme is currently being implemented and should be global in scope.

The consultant is expected to refine the scope and methodology of this research during the initial scoping phase for agreement with the Global Programme Team in TIA

4. Expected Deliverables and Timeline

The consultant is expected to deliver:

  • A concept note outlining the proposed scope of the research for approval by the TIA Global Programme Team.
  • A draft report including a literature review for comment by the TIA Global Team
  • A final research report including a literature review

The final report should not be longer than 20 pages, excluding the annexes and the executive summary. All report deliverables are to be submitted in English, in electronic form, in accordance with the deadlines stipulated and agreed between the parties. The consultant is responsible for editing and quality control of language.

5. Selection Criteria:

Applicants should have the following skills and experience:

  • A proven research background including highly developed analytical skills, with a track record of undertaking secondary research
  • Highly developed technical knowledge of mining sector governance, and ideally of the mining approvals process, across multiple countries
  • An understanding of corruption risks and challenges
  • Regional experience and good understanding of political, socio-economic and human rights issues in Africa, Asia and/or Latin America
  • Experience with advocacy and social change work
  • A demonstrated commitment to integrity and independence with the ability to analyse complex information from diverse stakeholders and provide unbiased independent insights and recommendations
  • Excellent command of English to a native speaker’s level. Spanish and French an asset

6. Remuneration and Costs

The Consultant should provide a detailed breakdown, before any tax or other charges, of all their estimated costs, including but not limited to; total fee as a lump sum or standard daily or hourly rates, (if applicable), work materials and other associated costs. It is not intended that the Consultant undertake any travel for this consultancy.

7. Logistics and Work Plan

The consultancy is due to start in late April and end by early- mid May 2021. The consultancy should take a maximum of 15 days. A detailed timeline will be agreed at the beginning of the assignment.

Preparation/ Scoping Phase: Preliminary desk review and analysis. Concept note outlining countries and commodities within the research scope, the proposed methodology and timeframe for completion of activities –to be discussed and agreed with TIA Global Team.

Implementation: Research including drafting of literature review.

Documentation: Draft report. Final report.

A position description is attached.

How to apply

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