Syria Analyst

Syria analyst Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is a non-governmental organization working to transform the way societies deal with conflicts. We have acquired over 30 years of experience in peacebuilding and are based in 53 local offices worldwide. SFCG first worked in Lebanon in 1996, and we opened up our office here in 2008. The issues we address are multiple, such as conflicts arising within Lebanon's diverse society, tensions resulting from the increasing influx of Syrian refugees, security sector reform, as well as women’s socio-economic empowerment. In each project we seek to engage all stakeholders and strengthen local capacities in order to create sustainable change and increase social cohesion. Summary of Position The Syria analyst will be responsible for providing analysis and insights into the context and conflict dynamics in Syria to the project and management team during the implementation of an 18-month project which aims to strengthen the capacities of Syrian agents of change in mediation and conflict resolution. The Syria analyst will work closely with the project coordinator and CVE analyst to inform decision making for the roll out of the project activities. This includes providing a regular presence with stakeholders and networking contacts with participants, local actors as well as community stakeholders. S/he will also collaborate closely with the team in Beirut, the MENA team, and local contacts. Responsibilities -       Research into the current political situation in Syria, drawing on multiple sources including experts, secondary literature, new and traditional media and human sources and provide in depth analysis of the context, conflict and developments of the overall situation in Syria as well as in the specific communities of intervention -       Drawing on this knowledge to inform other areas of work and to input into written documents including proposals and reports as needed -       Initiative results gathering from community officers, associates and staff and analysis thereof into intelligible reports on collation into intuitive -       Contribute to the overall analysis of the political and security context inside Syria, including the impact of regional and international development on the dynamics on the ground inside of Syria -       Provide specific analysis briefs about the situation in each of the targeted communities from the information received from focal points inside Syria -       Supporting manager on larger, project-scale report writing -       Implementing and complying with policies/ procedures for risk and safety management -       Oversee the monitoring of personnel in Syria – verifying that check-ins are conducted at scheduled times -       Assist with facilitating security briefings for staff in Lebanon, Turkey and Syria -       Assist with organising necessary security training for staff  and purchase of security equipment if required -       Support with ongoing updates to the Lebanon and Syria Security Operation Manual (particularly areas pertaining to in country situation) -       Assisting in the Recruitment of field staff – drafting TORs with instruction, collecting and appraising CVs, following procedures etc. -       Independently able to draft a competent project progress narrative report for donor’s communication, compliant with style and quality requirements -       Extending contact network to include not less than two new expert practitioners in fields relating to civil society in Syria -       Developing good working relationships with key project stakeholders, focal points, heads of local councils and leaders of civil society organizations -       Developing a network of information exchange with community members -       Developing knowledge of participants’ backgrounds and roles in their communities -       Conduct research into the current political situation in Syria, drawing on multiple sources including experts, secondary literature, new and traditional media and human intelligence and provide project team and management with weekly reports on developments and dynamics at play in the targeted communities -       Drawing on this knowledge to inform other areas of work and to input into written documents including proposals and reports as needed -       Supporting project coordinator on larger, project-scale report writing As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties. Requirements and Qualifications -          Master’s Degree in a related area, preferably in Middle Eastern studies, conflict resolution, international studies, peace-building, human rights or related area. -          Minimum of five (3) years of related research experience, including both academic and project oriented research. -          Familiarity with the practice of conflict resolution and the Lebanese/Syrian context. -          Previous experience working with Syrian civil society and in similar project is a plus Skills • Proven ability to negotiate multiple relationships with various partners for research purposes. • Demonstrated writing and analytical skills. • Dynamic leader with creative problem solving skills, particularly in challenging situations • Excellent interpersonal and networking skills • Spoken and written fluency in English and Arabic. • Strong oral and written communications skills. • Cultural sensitivity and adaptability. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel. • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.