Senior Researcher

The Berghof Foundation is seeking a highly skilled Researcher in Lebanon to lead the research components of the organization’s projects in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and other selected countries across the MENA region with a main focus on regional security and political dynamics (an understanding in the fields climate change, migration, and social cohesion is an added value). The researcher will support the establishment of the Conflict Transformation Research presence in the region and will be responsible for designing and implementing research methodologies, overseeing fieldwork, and the engagement of key stakeholders on research-related matters. The person will also serve as the main point of contact for research related activities to ensure data quality and will lead and contribute to the development of relevant products and outputs for the region, such as comprehensive reports, conflict analysis and new research proposals. The position also includes the development of a network of enumerators, building their capacity, and leading training initiatives.

Key Responsibilities: 

Lead Research Efforts:   

• Design and support with conducting research primarily on security sector reform, regional dynamics, in addition to climate change, migration, peacebuilding and social cohesion in the above-mentioned countries with a focus on conflict analysis and policy recommendations.   

• Coordinate desk research, fieldwork, and the collection of qualitative and quantitative data through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and other relevant data collection methodologies. 

• Ensure the research aligns with Berghof’s broader objectives and contributes to policy influencing and peacebuilding efforts at both the local and regional levels. 
• Lead and contribute to the drafting and development of relevant conceptual products and outputs for the region, including comprehensive reports, conflict analysis and research proposals. 

 Stakeholder Engagement:   

• Serve as the focal point for conducting KIIs with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders across the selected countries in the MENA region within the above-mentioned thematic areas and additional outlined areas in the future.  

• Engage with authorities, civil society organizations, and international actors to gather insights, facilitate dialogues, and build collaborative relationships. 
• Support fundraising efforts of the organization by developing new research proposals and relevant stakeholder engagement.

 Collaboration and Coordination:   

• Act as the main contact point of the organization for outsourced research activities for the MENA region, ensuring the quality of data collected and overseeing the production of reports.   

• Work closely with Berghof’s Conflict Transformation Research (CTR) team to ensure methodological rigor and alignment with broader research goals, as well as visibility of local and regional research needs at HQ level.

•  Support knowledge management efforts of the organization’s regional portfolio by contributing to the effective collection, consolidation and dissemination of knowledge within and between relevant teams in the region and Berlin.  

 Enumerator Network Development:   

• Develop a network of enumerators to support data collection.   

• Deliver training and capacity-building activities to enumerators, ensuring they are well-equipped to conduct high-quality research.   

• Monitor the performance and effectiveness of enumerators in the field to maintain data integrity. 

 Qualifications & Preferred Skills 

Education:   

• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in conflict analysis, political science, international relations, or a related field. 

Experience:   

• 5-7 years of proven experience in research in Lebanon, Iraq or Syria and possibly other countries in the MENA region within a relevant field

• Experience in designing and conducting field-based research in fragile or conflict-affected environments.   

• Strong experience in training and capacity-building for field research teams.   

• Experience with participatory research methodologies and working with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and international organizations. 

 Skills:   

• Strong network of researchers and academic institutions in Lebanon, Iraq or Syria and the MENA region.   

• Proven ability to conduct high-level KIIs and FGDs with a wide range of stakeholders.   

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic (Kurdish is a plus).   

• Strong organizational, reporting, and coordination skills. 

• Ability and availability to travel to MENA region and Europe for collaborations and trainings