Spotlight on Corruption
Spotlight on Corruption has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to lead our work on defending UK democracy, by pushing for reforms that will enhance public trust in government, create stronger institutional resilience, and prevent foreign interference in UK politics.
Deadline for applications is 23.30 on Sunday 16th March
About Spotlight
Spotlight on Corruption is a small team with outsized impact that shines a light on the UK s role in corruption at home and abroad.
We build the evidence base for reform through investigative research and extensive engagement with experts and frontline staff, and act as policy entrepreneurs, developing innovative and pragmatic solutions. We disseminate our work through hard-hitting reports and briefings for decision-makers and the general public and follow through with dogged advocacy to shape the narrative, as well as working in a highly collaborative manner to build consensus for reform.
Our Defending Democracy work seeks to build the resilience of key UK institutions that provide crucial checks and balances on executive power and prevent corruption. We have a particular focus on advocating for concrete reforms to:
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tighten political finance rules in order to prevent undue and foreign influence,
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improve the lobbying transparency regime to ensure the public have a fairer say in government decision-making,
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boost the powers of regulators responsible for overseeing politicians standards of ethics and integrity,
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stop lawfare that silences internal critics and opposition, and
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strengthen procurement rules to prevent misuse of public spending.
About the role
The ideal candidate will be someone with exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a meticulous eye for detail, and a flair for digging out juicy information that provides a compelling case for reform. We are looking for someone who is highly strategic, excellent at building relationships with multiple stakeholders, deeply collaborative and who can work in a dynamic fast-paced environment.
Spotlight on Corruption is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all staff feel respected and valued. We conduct anonymous long-listing to help promote fairness and diversity, and encourage candidates from different backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Key responsibilities:
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Overall oversight for delivering this area of work
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Conducting pieces of research and investigation in line with the themes and developing Spotlight s policy response and messaging, including through producing blogs and comment for the media
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Coordinating closely with team members to scope and maximise key political opportunities for reform
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Maintaining and building Spotlight s relationships with external stakeholders
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Ensuring that key outputs to meet grant requirements are delivered to a high standard and on time
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Managing expert consultants and ensuring they deliver high quality work to support Spotlight s work
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Supporting Spotlight s fundraising and helping identify new fundraising opportunities
Person specification – Essential:
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Very strong team player to work within a small friendly team
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Superb written and verbal communication skills
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Proven policy and research expertise preferably in one of the listed themes
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Ability to work in a highly collaborative way
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Strong skills in information-gathering, research, data analysis and investigation with a meticulous eye for detail and a rigorous approach to maintaining records
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Proven ability to work remotely and on own initiative while maintaining strong communication with team members
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Proven ability to prioritise while working in an agile way in response to political opportunities
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Strong organisational and administrative skills including IT proficiency
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A passion for fighting corruption and a strong understanding of the issues
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Remote flexible working but must be able to meet in London regularly and at short notice
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Eligibility to live and work in the UK
Person specification – Highly desirable:
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Knowledge of how to do Freedom of Information requests
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Experience of investigative techniques
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Experience of data analysis
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Advocacy experience
Working arrangements:
Full-time, 35 hours per week. 30 days of annual leave (plus public holidays). Remote working from home required, with regular meetings – sometimes at short notice – in London. Flexible working, including nine-day fortnight.
Responsible to
: Executive Director
Start date
: As soon as possible
