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Based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries, the European Institute of Peace (www.eip.org) is an independent organisation working collaboratively with the parties to the conflict, those who represent people suffering from insecurity or at risk of violence, as well as European decision-makers and the conflict prevention, resolution and mediation community.
We provide practical experience, technical expertise, and policy advice on conflict resolution. We use a variety of tools to help us do this, including analysis, mapping and design of peace processes and agreements, facilitating policy discussions, and proposing practical engagement, for example through inclusive dialogue and mediation support.
Are you captivated by our innovative approach to peace, and do you want to contribute to the mission of our institute? Do you share our vision for a world where people live in safety and peace because conflicts and grievances are resolved through inclusive dialogue and lasting political agreements?
We are looking for a Research Analyst to support the Institute’s Conflict Justice and Reconciliation (CJR) and Gender and Peacemaking (GPM) team.
You will
Under the strategic direction of the Institute’s Conflict Justice and Reconciliation (CJR) team and Gender and Peacemaking (GPM) team, and the day-to-day supervision of the Senior Advisor, the Researcher will support the implementation of the Gender and Peacemaking (GPM) Project on Local Governance in Syria, with specific responsibilities including:
1) Baseline study on local governance in Syria
- Develop a baseline study mapping local structures (including local councils and neighbourhood committees) in up to six Syrian governorates, based on written input and direction from the Senior Advisor and local partner organisations. The study will include a mapping of:
- The structure, formation (appointment/election), and responsibilities of local governance bodies (including local councils and neighbourhood committees) pre- and post-Assad.
- The current state of women’s political participation in Syria, with a focus on local governance.
- Opportunities and challenges for increasing women’s representation in the current political landscape.
- Prepare a first draft of the baseline study for review and incorporate feedback from Senior Advisor and GPM and CJR teams into a final version for approval.
2) Workshop outcome documentation:
- Attend and take detailed notes of series of workshops with members of local governance structures (including local councils and neighbourhood committees) and local communities in several locations across Syria – precise locations to be agreed on with Senior Advisor.
- Ensure all Arabic notes (e.g. inputs from workshops which will be conducted entirely in Arabic) are accurately and appropriately processed, including translation into English.
- Based on notes collected and written input from the Senior Advisor, produce an outcome document in Arabic and English for each location. Each document should:
- Highlight key needs, challenges, and opportunities for participation and representation discussed at each workshop.
- Identify location-specific advocacy priorities.
- Share drafts with the Senior Advisor and the GPM and CJR teams for review and incorporate feedback into final versions.
Qualifications and experience
- A university-level degree in a relevant field (e.g., Political Science, Middle Eastern Studies, Gender Studies, International Relations), or equivalent professional experience.
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Demonstrated
understanding of the Syrian context, with a strong preference for knowledge of
local governance structures and their operations. Familiarity with the field of
women’s participation in peace and political settlement processes, ideally in
conflict-affected or transitional settings, is an asset.
-
Proven
experience in conducting both primary and secondary research using conventional
and innovative methodologies, with a strong emphasis on producing high-quality
research reports. Strong report writing skills are required.
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Prior
experience conducting research in/on Syria, with a willingness and ability to
travel in all areas of Syria during the third and fourth quarter of 2025.
- Strong note-taking and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate discussions into clear outcomes and actionable messages for policy engagement and advocacy.
- Comfortable working with written materials provided by senior colleagues and synthesising them into coherent, well-structured outcome documents.
- Commitment to discretion and confidentiality.
- Excellent proficiency in both written and spoken English (Essential)
- Excellent proficiency in written and spoken Arabic (preferably Levantine dialect) (Essential)
- Strong command of digital tools and platforms including MS Office (Word, Excel), Zoom, Google Docs and the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies with minimal supervision.
- Comfortable working remotely and coordinating across multiple teams.
- A self-starter with a high level of initiative and well-developed problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines under pressure.
- A flexible and collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build rapport and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders across professional and cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to work with sensitivity and discretion in a complex, politically sensitive environment.
What we are offering
Consultancy contract until the end of 2025
Start date: as soon as possible
Please submit using the webform below:
- CV in English
- Cover letter in English as well as an example of a recent authored/co-authored written report (one document)
Recruitment process
Closing date: 22/06/2025, midnight (CET).
Please submit your application using the webform below.
Our hiring team will review all applications after the closing date of the vacancy. We will keep you informed on the status of your application.
EIP firmly believes that diverse perspectives are key to our work. Therefore we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Your qualities and commitment are what matter to us, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
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