Syria Analyst

Search for Common Ground (Search) is a non-governmental organization working to transform the way the world deals with conflict. We have acquired over 35 years of experience in peacebuilding and are based in over 30 countries around the world. Search first worked in Lebanon in 1996, addressing multiple issues arising within Lebanon's diverse society. In each project we seek to engage all stakeholders to work together to address shared challenges and develop joint solutions.

Summary of Position

The Syria Analyst will assist in a 9 months project that aims to promote the collaboration between Syrian Civil Society actors and strengthen the capacities of Syrian agents of change in mediation and conflict resolution.

In this position, the successful candidate will work closely with the project manager and the management team on context analysis, peace building initiatives, and conflict analysis, updating on a regular basis the safety and security matrix, contributing to contingency planning and risk mitigation measures. More specifically, the Syria analyst will support day-to-day operations, ensuring that activities and the operation team are aware if of the rapidly changing context.

Key Responsibilities

• Research the current political situation in Syria and previous activities by other organizations targeting civil society, drawing on multiple sources including experts, secondary literature, media and human sources and provide in depth analysis of the context, conflict and developments of the overall situation in Syria.
• Contribute to the overall analysis of the Search regarding the political and security context in Syria, including the impact of regional and international developments on the dynamics.
• Gather and analyze results and formulate them into case studies.
• Draw on this knowledge to inform other areas of work and provide input into written documents, including proposals and reports for donors, as needed.
• Implement and comply with policies/ procedures for risk and safety management.
• Assist in facilitating security briefings for Search staff.
• Provide analysis in regards to Search programming and conflict dynamics.
•  Produce monthly briefs reports and presentations covering most relevant conflict and peace building and conflict transformation related events in the region.
• Produce ad hoc researches/contextual analysis and contribute to thematic reports.
• Produce weekly report, detailing the scope, direction, and impact of the regional conflict.
• Conduct contextual briefings for Search staff.
• Monitor media outlets, get information about the conflict dynamics and Stay well informed with political, security, humanitarian and economic developments.
• Translate, synthesize, and analyze primary qualitative data related to local political, economic, and social trends.

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 responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Middle Eastern studies, conflict resolution, international studies, peace-building, human rights or any related area.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related research experience, including both academic and project-oriented research.
• Familiarity with the Syrian conflict and civil society networks.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills required, including demonstrated ability in writing briefing papers and other information products, and fluency in Arabic.
• Able to read, digest and accurately analyze large amounts of information, provide succinct summaries and explain the significance of that information.
• Previous experience working with Syrian civil society and in a similar project is considered an advantage.
• Proven ability to negotiate multiple relationships with various partners for research purposes.
• Demonstrated writing and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
•  Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and education, with benefits. 

starting date :as soon as possible.