Economic Expert

Position Title: Economic Expert

Reference No.: 240106

Position Location: Beirut, Lebanon OR Remote (MENA Region)

Position Scope: Day Rate Consultancy

Timeframe: At will, and as funding allows

Coordinator: Project Manager

Overview: This scope of work (SoW) outlines the Economic Expert consultancy with the Center of Operational Analysis and Research. The Economic Expert will lead on the analysis of economic-related dynamics for the pipelined Humanitarian-Development-Peacebuilding (HDP) Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM) project in Syria for which COAR will be expected to support the client by developing the Nexus strategy, and conducting research in support of the Nexus implementation such as political economy analysis, location assessments, and partner scoping. The Economic Expert will be responsible for developing relevant methodologies and analytical frameworks, as well as overseeing the drafting of analytical deliverables and providing guidance, insight, and analysis on economic-related dynamics.

The Economic Expert should have an excellent understanding of the Syrian context, and preferably a solid working experience in the country (in-person or remote).

About COAR: COAR is an independent social enterprise that directly supports practitioners, policy-makers, and donors by facilitating humanitarian and development interventions in complex, fragile, and high-risk environments. COAR delivers neutral and objective research and analysis, which identifies – but does not influence – local stakeholders, relationships, interests, and analyses broader political, economic, social, and security dynamics and trends. COAR research leverages social media, personal networks, field research teams, and local experts in order to map and translate the local human context; COAR analysis synthesises and studies this data in order to inform both programmatic and strategic decision-making, reduce security and conflict-sensitivity risks, and increase the impact of humanitarian, development, stabilisation, peace-building, and peacekeeping initiatives.

Objectives:

• Develop methodologies and analytical frameworks for sound and evidence-based economic analysis
• Oversee and control the quality of analytical products of economic dynamics and trends, both at a macro and micro (community/neighborhood) level

Deliverables:

The COAR Economic Expert will:

• Develop analytical frameworks and methodologies with relevant economic indicators that can be continuously monitored and analyzed (including establishing baselines)
• Guide analysts on drafting deliverables that require economic analysis such as: macroeconomic trends, market dynamics, monetary and fiscal policy, conflict- and post-conflict economic conditions, trade and smuggling, natural resource economy (particularly oil and gas), and foreign direct investment in Syria and the region;
• Guide the integration of economic analysis into various thematic deliverables such as Location Assessments (markets, value chains …), Scenario Planning, and other bespoke products
• Develop solid evidence-based methodologies to collect economic data from both primary and secondary sources
• Lead on the design of economic-related products/projects
• Identify relevant external sources of data and information, including World Bank, Central Bureau of Statistics, etc.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate for the COAR Economic Senior Analyst will have:

• Master’s degree in economics, finance, trade, development, or a related field; Phd is desirable
• Over 12 years of experience undertaking micro and macroeconomic analysis in conflict and post-conflict environments, preferably Syria and the broader Middle East region.
• Must possess the capacity to independently identify, document, and provide outlook/forecasting for late-breaking developments with high impact for macroeconomic conditions, markets, and long-term developmental conditions.
• Familiarity with humanitarian and developmental programming, as well as bilateral international donor funding, is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in quality assurance for data-driven deliverables with, at times, short deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability and/or willingness to work simultaneously on multiple tasks, under tight deadlines, provide real-time data points and analysis with accuracy under pressure, and off-work hours;
• Professional proficiency in written and verbal Arabic is required;
• Strong attention to detail, as well as organizational and communication skills;
• High level of professionalism;
• Commitment to discretion and confidentiality;
• Strict adherence to COAR’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies at all times.