**Description** **Purpose:** Under this contract, the consultant will conduct research and develop a policy brief outlining potential measures cities and other subnational government units can take to combat kleptocracy, particularly focused on investments from foreign kleptocrats. The research will focus on subnational locales in the ‘host country’ contexts where looted wealth tends to be invested or spent. The policy brief is part of a series which seeks to elucidate measures subnational governments can implement to counter kleptocracy - a first brief (https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/LRG%20Kleptocracy%202024\_FINAL.pdf) in the series explores measures to combat illicit financial flows. As outlined in a recent NDI and OGP article (https://medium.com/ogp-horizons/screening-investments-for-kleptocracy-risk-at-the-local-level-0ed23878d649) , subnational governments face increasing risks and have a special role in safeguarding their communities from potential illicit investments from kleptocrats. Screening for these risks and focusing on transparency, participation and accountability can help address the challenges raised by foreign kleptocratic investments. NDI is seeking the consultant to identify where specific actions that address investments from foreign kleptocrats are being discussed or have already been implemented, as well as to suggest potentially new measures/best practices as a result of the research. The types of measures to be analyzed may include: a) transparency; b) regulatory reform at subnational level; c) early-warning systems, investment screening and investigations; and d) local-level civic mobilization/pressure on national decision makers. Any evidence of impact is encouraged to be included in the report. **The objectives** for this brief are to: + Elucidate investment screening measures subnational governments can implement to counter kleptocracy + Identify subnational governments implementing or planning to implement investment screening protocols and develop guidance to that effect + Inform future project design at NDI and other similar institutions The final product will be a standalone report. **Scope of Work/Deliverables:** 1. The Consultant will develop a written policy brief of approximately 15-20 pages on actions cities and subnational governments (e.g. states, provinces, counties, etc.) can implement to counter kleptocracy with a focus on screening investments from foreign kleptocrats. The brief should be guided by the below illustrative outline, subject to adaptations in discussions with NDI. + Executive Summary: ~2 pages + Intro: Purpose, scope and definitions + Types of measures currently implemented + Information on anti-kleptocracy measures to address investments from foreign kleptocrats implemented/being debated at the subnational level with specific examples, ideally from a diverse range of geographic contexts + Include information on benefits or challenges of these measures’ implementation + Additional measures that could be implemented (that there is not evidence of current implementation) + Include information on potential benefits of these measures’ implementation + Policy recommendations + Conclusion + Areas for future research/unanswered questions 1. Consultant should include new research questions generated during this project (that fall outside the scope) in this section 2. Participation in a 90 minute promotional event, discussing key findings and recommendations from the paper **Calendar:** + The Consultant will provide NDI with an outline/inception report by October 28, 2024 + The Consultant will provide NDI with a draft of the brief by November 25, 2024. + NDI will provide the consultant with feedback within two weeks. + The consultant will provide the final version of the report by December 20, 2024. **Terms of the Consultancy:** + All work conducted under this agreement will take place from October 15 to December 20, 2024. + Compensation for this project will be up to $9,500 with 30% to be paid upon receipt of the first draft. The final payment will be made upon completion of the final version of the report. **Application Instructions:** Interested bidders should submit an application package by September 30, 2024 to rchristel@ndi.org . Complete application packages include: + Resume/CVs of all consultant(s) working on the project + A no more than 3 page document explaining the consultant’s understanding of the project, suggested refinements to the project, and a condensed outline of the proposed research plan + Examples of research projects on related topics + A budget proposal Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)