Researcher / Writer Contract, Global Trade Project

The Task Force on Financial Integrity and Economic Development (the Task Force) seeks a researcher/writer to conduct research and write a report on the mispricing of global trade and an evaluation of possible steps to address the problem. The Task Force is a unique global coalition of civil society organizations and more than 50 governments working together to address inequalities in the financial system that negatively impact billions of the world’s poorest people. Launched by Global Financial Integrity in January 2009, the Task Force advocates for greatly improved transparency and accountability in the global financial system. The opacity of the financial system facilitates the flow of approximately $1 trillion in illicit capital out of developing countries each year through corruption, criminal activity and commercial tax evasion. We estimate that half the amount of illicit capital flowing out of poor nations is due to mispriced trade.

This is a six-month contract position that will require research, interviews and writing to produce a report. Travel is expected. The specifics of the position include but are not limited to the following:
The specifics of the position are as follows:

Responsibilities:

• conduct a literature survey on the issue of mispriced trade;
• conduct an evaluation of currently available data sets to establish which is preferable when trying to determine if trade mispricing has occurred in a particular jurisdiction;
• determine how current trade treaties address trade mispricing;
• identify and conduct interviews with global trade attorneys to assess the practicality and efficacy of amending commercial invoices to address trade mispricing;
• identify and conduct interviews with customs authorities and other trade experts in various countries to determine how to best address mispricing;
• provide a road map of what steps need to be taken to create a new trade invoice standard.

Qualifications:

• excellent writing skills in English;
• proven ability to conduct research and produce reports for an educated audience that are not  issue experts;
• demonstrated success in completing research/writing contracts on time and to expected standards;
• fluency in English and one other language, preferably French or Spanish;
• an ability to work with poise and professionalism using judgment and tact.  Candidate must possess exceptional interpersonal and interview skills.

The Task Force offers competitive salaries and benefits. To apply candidates should send a cover letter, resume and references to tradejob@financialtaskforce.org. Please enter ‘Research/Writer Contract’ in the subject line. The deadline to apply is September 17, 2010.

Program Director, Economic Transparency Initiative

The Task Force on Financial Integrity and Economic Development (the Task Force) seeks a Director to lead its Economic Transparency Initiative. The Task Force is a unique global coalition of civil society organizations and more than 50 governments working together to address inequalities in the financial system that penalize billions of people. Launched by Global Financial Integrity in January 2009, the Task Force advocates for greatly improved transparency and accountability in the global financial system. The opacity of the current system facilitates the flow of approximately $1 trillion in illicit capital out of developing countries each year through corruption, criminal activity and commercial tax evasion. Current international financial statistics do not provide sufficient data for analysis.

In its Economic Transparency Initiative, the Task Force seeks a director who will analyze shortcomings in global financial data and work with international institutions, governments, central banks, commercial banks, tax authorities, national statistics offices, and other organizations to generate and release more comprehensive data on cross-border financial flows affecting developing countries. This is a high level research and advocacy position that requires significant travel and excellent communications skills.

The specifics of the position are as follows:

Responsibilities:

• Conduct an in-depth analysis of the types of data sets produced by (or those that could be produced by) multilateral institutions, governments and central banks which are not available to the public and assess their benefit to the study of illicit financial flows;
• Serve as the primary public policy advocate, engaging in regular direct advocacy with multilateral institutions, governments, central banks and other institutions in support of the Task Force agenda;
• Serve as an expert information resource on illicit financial flows, data gaps and related policy issues for policymakers, financial institutions, the media and others;
• Travel, as needed, to develop and advocate for additional data in this area, establish a dialogue with target audience and ensure further discussion;
• Liaise with senior officials and their staffs to acquire financial statistics and data which will be used as the basis of future analysis by the Task Force;
• Oversee the development and implementation of the Task Force’s organizing and advocacy work plan;
• Maintain and deepen relationships with Task Force key organizational allies and partners;
• Represent the Task Force in meetings with policymakers and officials, at conferences, and in coalitions;
• Write a detailed quarterly report on the activities conducted to date and progress made on each data set.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in macroeconomics, preferably with extensive experience in economic statistics;
• Fluency in English and at least one other language, preferably French;
• Excellent writing skills in English and preferably French;
• A proven background in research and advocacy work and an ability to interact with a multitude of high-level stakeholders, and deliver outcomes;
• An ability to work with poise and professionalism using judgment and tact. Possess exceptional interpersonal skills, relationship building, presentation skills, and partnership development.

The Task Force offers competitive salaries and benefits. To apply candidates should send a cover letter, resume and references to Tom Cardamone at etijob@financialtaskforce.org. Please put “ETI Position” in the subject line. The application deadline is August 13, 2010.