Closing date: 19 Sep 2019
Project Background – Syria Essential Services (SES) II
SES II is a three-year programme funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Blumont. The Goal of the SES II programme is to stabilise conflict-affected communities in Syria, and its two primary objectives are as follows:
Restore essential services (including electricity, water, health, and education);
Strengthen governance institutions primarily through technical, material and engineering assistance.
The primary focus of the programme in year 1 was opposition-held areas of Dar’a, Quneitra and Rif Damascus. In July 2017, SES II expanded to include SDF-controlled areas of North-East Syria (with a focus on Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor). Integrity’s role on the SES II programme is to provide research that informs programme planning and USAID policy, and to act as a ‘third party’ independent monitor and evaluator of the programme to increase its accountability and effectiveness.
Terms of Reference
Based on a Desk Review of historical economic data for Syria and the subsequent identification of key sectors to research, the Economics Specialist will support the design of the Year 4 Q2 study on the economic sectors in North East Syria. The consultancy will take up approximately 30 days and will be based remotely.
The study will answer the following main questions:
- What are the economic characteristics of the sample sectors in North East Syria that are considered suitable for donor funded engagement (including approximately: 3-4 non-agricultural sectors and 2-3 major agricultural sub-sectors)?
- What are the conflict and political economy characteristics of these sectors?
- How should USAID and other donors design programming to consider these characteristics and thereby have maximum impact?
The specialist will also support in drafting recommendations to USAID to inform programming and opportunities for employment growth within the sector.
Start date: 22 September 2019
End date: 22 December 2019
Key responsibilities of the Economics Specialist will include the following:
- In coordination with the research team; design, draft and modify the research methodology framework;
- Develop data analysis plan that links to recommendations and methodology framework;
- Work with the research team on designing the data collection tools in line with the data analyses plan, at the following levels: Firm-level surveys; Semi-structured key informant interviews (KIIs) with business owners and investors; KII with relevant authorities in North East Syria, experts, Syria researchers, and SES II contacts;
- Review and assess the quality of the data from various informants and provide feedback to the research team during data analyses and report drafting phases;
- Technical Quality Assurance to the final report.
Your Experience and Expertise
You are a professional with the following qualifications and experience:
- Strong coordination and organizational skills to meet tight deadlines under pressure;
- 10+ years of technical experience delivering economic research and analyses, including leading on sector level research and analysis studies in conflict-affected contexts;
- A minimum of a MA degree in Economics;
- Innovative and analytical thinking, considering the challenges related to research in north east Syria;
- Excellent English writing skills and experience in report writing for international clients;
- Arabic language skills an advantage.
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form at www.integrityglobal.com/apply and attach a CV and Cover Letter at the bottom of your application.
The closing date for applications is 19 September 2019. However, we will review candidates on a rolling basis and the vacancy may be filled before this deadline. We encourage early applications. Please be advised that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Integrity is an equal opportunities employer. And positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We will respect your confidentiality and abide by UK data protection laws.