Result of Service

The objective of this contract is to conduct substantive research, based on primary and secondary sources, as part of the NAFS work on the different components and pillars and to draft substantive inputs to NAFS reports.

Work Location

UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration

2 months

Duties and Responsibilities

As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the region, ESCWA has been implementing the National Agenda for the Future of Syria (NAFS) since 2012. Since, the NAFS Programme has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue between Syrians from all walks of life, regardless of their political affiliation, and is the only such platform to systematically assess the policy needs for a post-conflict Syria, empowering Syrians themselves to make that assessment. It has provided them a safe space where they can engage in discussions on the post-conflict development needs and trajectories of the country, to prevent and overcome a conflict trap, and strengthen the resilience of local structures over the medium and long term.

The Programme produces research and analysis that reflects the views, needs and priorities of Syrians and NAFS endeavors to share and disseminate its work as widely as possible and to convey the voices of its network of Syrians as much as possible. The programme’s outputs are aimed at Syrians both inside Syria and outside Syria, UN agencies working on the Syrian conflict, the political actors as well as the international community planning for the future of the country.

Under the supervision of the Programme Manager of the National Agenda for Syria Phase III, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

1- Conducts primary and secondary research on assigned topics using qualitative and quantitative methods.
2- Contributes to policy-oriented research on selected issues (socio-economic, governance, context analysis, livelihoods, etc…) pertinent to the conflict in Syria and its post-conflict implications.
3- Prepares comprehensive written reviews and analytical reports and summaries in Arabic and English.
4- Provides logistical and substantive backstopping to preparing background documents, briefs, and presentations, as well as workshop reports.
5- Ensures an adequate archive of all sources and outputs in both hard and soft copies.
6- Takes thorough notes during meetings and discussions in the focus group, consultation series and interviews.
7- Provides substantive assistance in the preparation for meetings.
8- Assists with other tasks as required.

Qualifications/special skills

A Bachelor’s degree in political science, social sciences, Agriculture and livelihood, law, development issues, economics, or other related field is required. A Master’s degree in these fields is desirable.

All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
A minimum of two years of experience in analysis research is required.
Previous experience in conducting research on Syria is desirable.
Knowledge of post-conflict governance policy debates and literature is desirable.

Languages

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA.

For this position, fluency in English and Arabic are required.

Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.