Durable Solutions and Community Integration Expert (Consultancy)

Durable Solutions and Community Integration Expert – Consultancy

The Opportunity
To identify the social and political barriers to the successful community integration of Syrian returnees from Al-Hol camp to Al-Raqqa, and to develop policy recommendations to address these barriers, with a focus on durable solutions. The community integration expert will provide guidance and recommendations to support the research project with a durable solutions lens..
SCOPE OF ROLE:
Reports to: Policy and Research Manager (Amman-based)
Staff reporting to this post: N/A
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Background:
The Syrian conflict has resulted in significant displacement of populations, with millions of Syrians being forced to flee their homes and become internally displaced or seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Al Hol camp in North East Syria, the biggest in the country with over 52,000, hosts 18,600 Syrians, some of which arrived before and during the Islamic State of Iraq and the Syria (ISIS) taking control of their area and some after the end of the territorial control of the group in 2019.
The situation in Al Hol camp remains challenging, with the camp authorities implementing a strict encampment policy due to security considerations. Procedures for the return of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their areas of origin have been stringent, with community and tribal leaders in their places of origin initiating the movement by negotiating and eventually submitting lists of those who wish to return to their place of origin to the camp authorities. Additionally, the IDPs are expected to possess civil documents to be allowed to return.
In October 2020, the local authorities waived the sponsorship requirement, allowing IDPs to directly approach the Camp Administration (CA) to sign up to leave Al Hol. However, only those IDPs originating from areas under the control of the local authorities and that have official documents have largely been the ones that were allowed to return. Return trips have been organized on a regular basis since the decision to resume returns from Al Hol in June and July 2020, with 9,521 Syrian nationals departing Al Hol Camp as of 31 December 2021, mainly to areas under the control of local authorities. There is currently no mechanism in place to release Syrians from other areas of control.
There are significant social and political barriers to the successful community integration of Syrian returnees from Al Hol camp to Al Raqqa. Engaging relevant parties, including the local authorities, is crucial to establishing procedures for voluntary return to areas of origin or other preferred areas in Syria. Advocating with the Syrian government to address issues related to the issuance of civil documentation, monitoring returns to ensure they are voluntary, and providing available information on the areas of return are important steps in facilitating solutions for internally displaced Syrians.
The social and political barriers need to be effectively understood to ensure the successful integration of Syrian returnees from Al Hol camp into the communities in Al Raqqa. To not only support the successful reintegration of displaced populations, but also to reduce the risk of conflict and to uphold the legal rights of Syrian returnees to return to their homes and communities.
This research paper seeks to identify and address social and political barriers to the successful community integration of Syrian returnees from Al-Hol camp to Al-Raqqa. The paper aims to provide policy recommendations that address these barriers from a durable solutions perspective. The research will be guided by a coordinated analysis that prioritizes coherent regional/country-based programming with a focus on sustainable benefits, strengthening national ownership and capacity system, and contributing to social cohesion. Specifically, the research will focus on understanding the experiences and perceptions of Syrian returnees, the role of community leaders and influencers, and policy measures that could support the successful community integration of displaced populations, including identifying critical gaps and challenges, key actors, and funding needs. The goal of this research is to develop durable solutions that address these barriers and promote successful community integration for Syrian returnees in Al-Raqqa.

Key Questions:
1. What are the experiences and perceptions of Syrian returnees from Al Hol camp in Al Raqqa?
2. What are the gender and age-specific challenges they face in terms of community acceptance, accessibility of services and economic opportunities?
3. How can governance structures and policies at the local and national levels support the successful reintegration of Syrian displaced populations into their communities in Al-Raqqa, and what are the main challenges to achieving this? Have there been any policy measures to support the successful community integration of Syrian returnees in Al-Raqqa, if yes, what are they and how effective they have been?
4. Have there been any social cohesion efforts in the city? If yes, how successful were they? How can social cohesion and trust be developed?
5. What are the key social and political factors that contribute to the successful community integration of Syrian returnees from Al-Hol camp to Al-Raqqa? and what are the main factors that contribute to tensions?
In close collaboration with the SRO AMC team, the community integration expert will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Desk review of secondary information on existing, envisaged, and suggested advocacy tools, policies, lines of programming, partnerships oriented to durable solutions in Syria considering the latest developments in the Syria crisis.
2. Providing guidance and input on the research design and methodology and tools development.
3. Participating in key informant interviews with Syrian returnees and other stakeholders.
4. Analysing the data collected from the interviews and other sources and contributing to the development of policy recommendations.
5. Preparing a report summarizing the key findings and policy recommendations of the research project.
6. Providing guidance on the dissemination of the research findings and policy recommendations to relevant stakeholders.

The outputs for the consultancy will include:
1 A research paper summarizing the key findings and policy recommendations ensuring that it takes into account specific displacement-related needs and protection concerns.
2 A policy brief highlighting the main recommendations and their implications.
3 A presentation of the research findings and policy recommendations to relevant stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
o A Master’s or PhD degree in international development, social sciences, political science, public policy, public administration, political science, economics, or a related discipline provides in-depth knowledge and specialized skills for policy analysis and development.
o Minimum of 8 years of experience in conducting research and analysis related to durable solutions and community integration in Syria or the MENA region, preferably with a focus on conflict-affected areas
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
o Significant experience in policy analysis, development, and implementation is essential. This includes experience working in policy-related roles within government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, or consulting firms. Practical experience in designing and evaluating policy initiatives is highly valued.
o Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection, and analysis.
o Familiarity with international laws and policies related to refugees, migration, and durable solutions.
o possess excellent analytical skills to assess complex policy issues, evaluate data, conduct research, and identify relevant trends. They should be able to understand and interpret legislation, regulations, and policy frameworks.
o able to articulate complex policy ideas clearly and concisely to various audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
o Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
o Fluency in English and Arabic.

The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
* No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
* All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
* Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information:
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.
We encourage qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply.