Health Research Consultant

Background:

On February 6, 2023, a series of earthquakes, including a significant 7.7 magnitude tremor, struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria, resulting in widespread devastation. In northern Syria, the earthquakes caused the loss of over 6,000 lives, with more than 3,000 people injured and extensive damage to around 15,000 buildings. This disaster directly and indirectly affected nearly 9 million people, approximately 4.5 million in north-west Syria (NWS) and 4 million in areas controlled by the Government of Syria (GoS), mainly in Aleppo, Hama, Idlib, and Latakia Governorates.

Before these earthquakes, 11 years of armed conflict, economic instability, and limited funding had substantially increased humanitarian needs. Over 15.3 million people in Syria required humanitarian assistance, and 4 million of them were living in dire conditions. The longevity of the crisis and donor fatigue resulted in a constant funding gap, reaching out to 50.9% in 2022. In response, the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) has recognized the critical need to optimize emergency supply chains in the wake of natural disasters within the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. The efficiency and effectiveness of operational processes in the healthcare supply chain are paramount to reducing the impact of greater losses, especially for victims.

In light of these considerations, SAMS is initiating a research project to comprehensively understand the facilitators and obstacles associated with the emergency medicine supply chain in humanitarian settings during disasters, specifically focusing on lessons from the Northwest Syria earthquake. The project aims to assess the present state of the emergency medicine supply chain, generate context-specific recommendations, and enhance its resilience.

Objective:

The primary objective of this research is to investigate and propose strategies to optimize the emergency medicine supply chain in northwest Syria, specifically focusing on its functionality, critical components, and potential enhancements in supply chain management.

Scope:

The research will encompass:

1. Identifying and analyzing critical components of the emergency medicine supply chain.
2. Assessing the functionality of these components within the current humanitarian context in northwest Syria.
3. Proposing strategies and interventions to improve the emergency medicine supply chain management.

Duration:

6 months since the signing of the consultancy contract

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must possess the following qualifications and expertise:

• Master’s degree or advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, global health, or related fields.
• Proven experience in conducting research in public health, preferably in conflict-affected areas.
• Knowledge about supply chain dynamics, particularly in emergencies and humanitarian contexts.
• Strong knowledge of health systems, policies, and interventions in conflict settings.
• Proficiency in multi-method research methodologies, data collection techniques, and statistical analysis.
• Experience working in Syria or similar regions, preferably in humanitarian settings.
• Strong academic writing skills and ability to present research findings effectively.
• Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Arabic and additional relevant languages is preferred.
• A record of publication is highly desirable.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and ethical research practices.

Responsibilities:

The researcher will work under the supervision of the SAMS research committee and with support from the research department and research team, he/she will be mainly responsible for:

• Shaping the research framework and developing methodologies for data collection and analysis.
• Coordinating research activities, including literature reviews, surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Conducting in-depth data analysis and synthesizing findings to inform research outcomes.
• Leading academic writing and drafting the research paper for submission to the targeted journal.
• Arranging interviews with field staff, supporting administrative and coordination tasks, and assisting with data collection and analysis.

Deliverables:

Research Paper:

A peer-reviwed research paper will be produced, highlighting logistical complexities in supply chains during natural disasters and offering insights to improve collaboration among aid agencies, enhance resource efficiency, and optimize disaster preparedness. The paper will be submitted for publication in a targeted journal.

Policy Document:

A policy document will be created with recommendations to strengthen supply chain resilience. This document will be a practical guide for policymakers and stakeholders involved in humanitarian response efforts.