Resilience, Food Security, and Livelihoods (RFSL) Expert

Position Title: Resilience, Food Security, and Livelihoods (RFSL) Expert

Reference No.: 240107

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 RFSL Expert consultancy with the Center of Operational Analysis and Research. The RFSL Expert will lead on the analysis of RFSL-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 RFSL Expert will be responsible for developing methodologies and analytical frameworks that guide the data collection and analysis of relevant dynamics. S/he will also be expected to both design and draft relevant research products.

The RFSL 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:

• Guide the design of RFSL-related research products in Syria, especially as it relates to the implementation of the NRM
• Establish methodologies and analytical frameworks with relevant indicators for sound and evidence-based RFSL analysis
• Draft and finalize high-quality, cogent, and clearly-written methodologies, data collection tools, and research reports

Deliverables:

The COAR RFSL Expert will:

• Analyze RFSL dynamics within the Syrian context as relevant, drawing on historical, social, economic, political, and cultural understanding to reinforce and target relevant analysis on the topic
• Develop methodologies and analytical frameworks with relevant indicators for sound and evidence-based RFSL analysis
• Develop tools for primary data collection
• Conduct secondary research/literature review on RFSL dynamics in Syria
• Work with the research team to design the research product, collect data, conduct literature review, and analyze the data
• Collaborate with other experts, such as the Economic and Gender Experts, to ensure a solid methodology and design with relevant indicators of research products

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate for the COAR Gender Expert will have:

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Nutrition, Economics, Anthropology, or other related fields
• Over 7 years of experience undertaking RFSL analysis in conflict and post-conflict environments, preferably Syria and the broader Middle East region.
• Demonstrated understanding of 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;
• Excellent command in written and verbal English and 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.