Terms of reference for researcher: Methodology for measuring the impact of beneficial ownership transparency on public procurement

Terms of reference (ToR) for researcher: Methodology for measuring the impact of beneficial ownership transparency on public procurement

Open Ownership seeks an experienced consultant to support the development of a programme of work that accelerates the measurement of economic and social impacts of BOT reforms. The purpose of the research is to develop a methodological foundation for linking effective implementation of BOT with measurable policy impacts in the area of public procurement. This work should build on prior studies, such as Measuring the economic impact of beneficial ownership transparency: a landscape study. It should identify short-term opportunities to make tangible progress on demonstrating the impact of BOT, while considering pathways towards a more ambitious, long-term measurement framework for the impact of BOT reforms; for example, pursuing a shared measurement approach.

This project is expected to result in the following concrete output:

1. A report setting out a methodological grounding for measuring the impact of BOT in the area of public procurement at the national or sub-national level, with the consideration that this may be revised or expanded in the future for other policy areas. The methodology paper should be practically oriented, supporting use by Open Ownership, government counterparts, civil society organisations (CSOs), and research collaborators, ensuring adaptability across different technical and policy contexts.
2. Roadmap for how Open Ownership can practically advance this programme of work, including identification of impact measurement research opportunities in the short term.

Both organisations and independent consultants will be considered for this contract. The appointed candidate will work closely with the Open Ownership team, with the contract being managed by its Senior Manager for Policy and Research. Although knowledge of transparency and accountability policy reforms would be an advantage, this is not essential as we primarily seek an experienced researcher with a background in methods for policy impact measurement.

Full details: Read the full Terms of Reference.

Assignment details

At this stage, we anticipate this opportunity involving an estimated 20-25 days between 23 May 2025 and 30 June 2025 for which a maximum budget of GBP 15,000 is available. The project timeline may be subject to negotiation for applicants located in a region with a peak holiday period at this time.

Please note that the contracting party for this work will be Global Impact, the fiscal sponsor of Open Ownership. Global Impact is an American non-profit and the selected contractor will have to clear their due diligence process before the work can start.

Application process

Timeline

Deadline for submissions of proposals: 18 May

Interviews and award of tender: 22 May

Due diligence and contracting: 30 May

Project kick off meeting: 4 June

Final report: 30 June

Roadmapping workshop: By 30 June

Content of proposals

To apply, qualified contractors should send:

• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• A written proposal of 500-1,000 words on how you will successfully deliver on this contract, including a budget detailing your time and/or other anticipated costs.
• Please highlight your most relevant professional experience and skills for this contract, if possible linking to available research assignments that you have conducted.

Please send the above to [email protected] before 23:59 UTC on 18 May 2025. You will hear back from us with confirmation that your application has been received. And you will be notified of how long it will take us to review applications and when to expect to know about the outcome of the process – this typically is within 10 working days whatever the outcome.

Apply