Syria Thematic Expert

Organization

iMMAP is an international nongovernmental organisation that provides information management services to humanitarian and development organizations. Through information management, we help our partners target assistance to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Our core philosophy is that better data leads to better decisions and that better decisions lead to better outcomes. iMMAP’s critical support to information value chains helps to solve operational and strategic challenges of our partners in both emergency and development contexts by enabling evidence-based decision-making for better outcomes.

Background

iMMAP is implementing an ECHO funded project structured in 3 components: 1. Return Context Monitoring in Syria; 2. Covid-19 Coordination in Northeast Syria; and 3. Mine Action coordination in Northeast Syria.

The Thematic Expert will work with the iMMAP Research and Analysis (R&A) team to provide in-depth quantitative and qualitative analytical support to the Returns Context Monitoring (RCM) component. The RCM project is focused on providing high quality contextual analysis on refugee and IDP return and reintegration dynamics inside Syria. This research is designed to fill existing information gaps at both the programmatic and donor/strategic levels. Key deliverables under the RCM include Area Profiles examining return dynamics within a specific geographic context as well as Thematic Reports that examine specific topics pertaining to return and reintegration across Syria.

Roles may include, but are not limited to, conducting research interviews, Arabic and English language desk research, analysis of local stakeholders and governance structures, and conducting follow-up research with field staff. The position will be expected to contribute research, analysis, and writing to project deliverables. The position will report to the Senior MENA Analyst/Coordinator.

Description of Duties

This role is responsible for

1. Providing additional analysis of field report from the existing Field Research Consultant team currently on the project,

2. Seeking and providing supplementary research and analysis outside of this network that can be used to further triangulate inputs and strengthen findings and conclusions.

In order to fulfil this function, the individual filling this role must be a Syria subject matter expert with extensive research experience and networks that extend into at least one or more region of Syria, as well as overall awareness and understanding of conditions at the WoS level.

This function will specifically contribute to RCM Thematic Reports which examine specific conditions related to return at a multi-regional or WoS level. The first of these reports will explore returnees’ access to social services. The topics of the remaining two reports are to be finalized in October. Accordingly, Thematic Experts are expected to contribute to deliverable planning based on their understanding and expertise. The Thematic Expert may also contribute to RCM Area Profiles. These deliverables are centered on the return and reintegration dynamics of IDPs and refugees in specific areas: Eastern and Western Deir Ezzor, Qamishli, Idlib City, and Jabal Zawiyye (based on relevance to expertise and project needs). Specific key functions under this role include:

• Reviewing and strengthening the key findings from the Field Research Consultant inputs:

o Working within the broader RCM team to identify gaps and inconsistencies in field inputs amidst the broader research goals;

• Conducting follow up and triangulation via the Thematic Expert’s own external information networks.
• Contributing writing and analysis to the RCM deliverables
• Supporting in development of outlines key research goals;
• Contributing to group analysis throughout the research cycle;
• Contribution drafting to report sections as tasked and appropriate;
• Reviewing profile drafts for accuracy, providing substantive content edits and feedback.
• The candidate identified to fill this function must have extensive research experience in the NW Syria, possess specific expertise on specific topics and/or geographic locations, and possess extensive networks covering these topics and locations with the capacity to implement the described functions without delay.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in politics, economics, international relations or related field required;
• Master’s degree in politics, economics, international relations or related field preferred.

Experience

• Four or more years conducting research and context analysis on Syria;
• Experience authoring long-form in depth research and analysis reports in English;
• In-depth expertise in governance structures, stakeholder mapping, qualitative service mapping, security dynamics, social cohesion, tribal dynamics, and/or economic structures in one or more areas of control in Syria;
• Strong awareness of conditions and context across other areas of Syria;
• Prior experience with displaced populations and reintegration issues an asset.

Soft skills

• Ability to operate in cross-cultural environment and work independently

Technical

• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word;
• Knowledge of Open Data Kit surveying an asset;
• Knowledge of ArcGIS an asset;
• Ability to work on SharePoint and MS Teams.

Guiding Principles

Personnel is expected to conduct itself in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and iMMAP’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all Countries.

iMMAP has zero-tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, human trafficking, child abuse and exploitation. Any violations of these principles and policies will be treated as serious misconduct.

iMMAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background.