Terms of Reference (ToR)
Title:
Consultant for Policy Research on Early Recovery, Youth Leadership, and Civic Engagement in today’s Syria
Location:
Remote/ potential fieldwork in Syria subject to security and access considerations.
Duration:
Over a 3-month period (August – October 2025)
Reporting to:
Syria program manager and communication and advocacy lead, Action Aid Arab Region
1. Background.
This policy paper explores the shifting dynamics in Syria following the devastating February 2023 earthquake and the political turmoil, with a focus on the compounded effects of humanitarian need, the beginnings of early recovery, and recent political shifts, including changes in regime dynamics. As Syria enters a new phase marked by both fragility and potential transformation, the paper highlights how youth-led initiatives are emerging as powerful agents of resilience, civic engagement, and recovery. Young people are not only responding to urgent needs but also actively shaping their communities and contributing to inclusive governance and social cohesion.
It examines opportunities to support inclusive reconstruction, strengthen civic spaces, and foster community participation, offering policy recommendations for international actors to invest in sustainable development, youth empowerment, and long-term peacebuilding in a transitioning Syria.
2. Objectives
- Analyze the current landscape of early recovery efforts in Syria, with a focus on youth-led initiatives.
- Assess the impact of youth civic engagement on community resilience and governance structures.
- Identify barriers and opportunities for enhancing youth participation in recovery processes.
- Develop policy recommendations to support youth leadership and civic engagement in Syria’s recovery and peacebuilding efforts.
- Examine the long-term effects of the 2023 earthquake on youth-led recovery initiatives and assess how the disaster has shaped youth roles in community rebuilding and resilience efforts.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will:
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review of existing research on early recovery and youth engagement in Syria.
- Design and implement qualitative research methods, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with youth leaders, civil society organizations, and local governance actors.
- Analyze collected data to identify trends, challenges, and best practices in youth-led recovery initiatives.
- Draft a policy paper (Maximum 7000 words) that provides actionable recommendations for international stakeholders and partners.
4. Methodology
The consultant(s) will propose a detailed methodology during the inception phase, which will be refined in an inception report. The methodology must adhere to international ethical standards and be adapted to the Syrian context.
Expectations include:
- Desk Review & Scoping: Review secondary data and coordinate with partner organizations to avoid duplication and enrich context understanding.
- Inception Workshop: Collaborate with staff and stakeholders to finalize research questions, scope, and tools.
- Mixed-Methods Approach: Use both qualitative and quantitative data collection for triangulation.
- In-Country or Remote Data Collection: Conduct field visits where possible or propose alternatives for remote data collection.
Tools and Techniques:
- Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): With staff, implementing partners, local authorities, youth leaders, and humanitarian actors.
- Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): With diverse groups (e.g., youth, women, displaced persons, people with disabilities) to capture varied experiences and perspectives.
- Surveys & Questionnaires: To gauge broader perceptions on aid, accountability, and participation in recovery efforts.
Ethics & Safeguarding:
- Adherence to data protection, safeguarding, and Do No Harm principles.
- Informed consent must be secured from all participants.
- Inclusive practices must ensure marginalized voices are heard in safe spaces.
Engagement Milestones:
- Inception Meeting: At the start of data collection to align expectations.
- Reflection Meeting: Post-data collection to validate findings with stakeholders.
This inclusive approach aims to elevate youth and community voices in shaping recovery strategies and policy discourse.
5. Deliverables
• Inception Report: Including methodology, tools, timeline, and research plan.
• Draft Policy Paper: Presenting initial findings and draft recommendations.
• Final Policy Paper: Fully edited and incorporating feedback for dissemination.
• Stakeholder Presentation: Summarizing key findings and recommendations.
• Peer Review Process: The final policy paper will be subject to a peer review process before publication to ensure quality, rigor, and relevance.
6. Timeline
Deliverable
Due Date
Inception Report
August 2025
Draft Policy Paper
September, 2025
Final Policy Paper
October, 2025
Stakeholder Presentation
September or October, 2025
7. Qualifications
- Advanced degree in social sciences, public policy, international development, or a related field.
- At least 7 years of experience in policy research, preferably with a focus on youth engagement, civic participation, or post-conflict recovery.
- Proven experience conducting research in conflict-affected or fragile settings, ideally in the Middle East.
- Excellent analytical and writing skills with a track record of producing policy-oriented research.
- Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.
8. Ethical Considerations
All research must conform to international ethical standards:
- Informed Consent: All participants must be informed of the study’s purpose, and their rights must be respected.
- Confidentiality: Personal information must be kept confidential and anonymized in all reports.
- Do No Harm: All research activities must avoid harm to individuals and communities.
- Inclusivity: Diverse voices, particularly of marginalized youth, must be included in the process.
9. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation.
- A CV detailing academic and professional background.
- A brief proposal (max 3 pages) describing the proposed methodology and work plan.
- A writing sample of a relevant policy paper or research report.
How to apply
Deadline for Applications: 4th Aug 2025
Submission: Please send all documents to ari.jobs@actionaid.org with the subject line:
“Consultant Application – Syria Youth Recovery Research”