Result of Service

The objective of this contract is to conduct background research and summaries of key reports. The Research Assistant will be expected to deliver comprehensive research, analytical summaries, legal and policy briefs, and reports focused on key public policy issues, policy and regulatory frameworks in Syria, and regional relations. These outputs will inform ongoing policy dialogues and upcoming training for Syrians.

Work Location

UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration

6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background and objectives: As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the region, ESCWA has been implementing 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 endeavours 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. 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. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Programme Manager of the National Agenda for Syria, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Conducts primary and secondary research on assigned topics. • Prepares comprehensive written reviews and analytical summaries of Arabic and English literature on specific themes. • Drafts legal briefs and comparative legal analyses to inform policy discussions and reform efforts. • Prepares comprehensive reports on the legislative and institutional frameworks governing specific sectors in Syria (e.g., recovery, decentralization, governance, public service, economic recovery). • Contributes to the research and finalization of written outputs on Syria, such as policy brief on Syria’ relations within the region. • Conducts legal research, including the review of laws and regulations pertinent to key public policy issues in Syria, and drafts legal briefs and comparative legal analyses to inform policy discussions and training efforts. • Takes detailed notes during meetings and focus groups, consultation series and interviews. • Assists with other tasks as required.

Qualifications/special skills

A Bachelor’s degree in law, political science, international affairs, or any other related field is required. An advanced university degree in these fields is desirable. A minimum of 4 years of professional work experience in research and draft reporting is required. Previous experience in conducting research on Syria or other conflict affected countries is desirable. Knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks as well as post-conflict governance policy debates and literature is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Arabic is the working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English 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.

Additional Information

Recruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location.

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.