Senior Research and Analysis Lead

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design for the program, including conducting GESI and conflict assessments during the inception period, based on participatory data collection and analysis, and co-creating recommendations with the team.
• Develop a Gender, Equality and Social Inclusion program strategy to guide GESI integration and priorities across the project, including capacity strengthening of CSOs/CBOs and supporting GESI and youth integration into digital harm mitigation strategies.
• Support the team and partners in integrating gender, equality, and social inclusion, and conduct capacity-building and training initiatives.
• Provide up-to-date analysis of the context and political dynamics.
• Provide technical leadership to implementing partners in the design and delivery of grant-funded projects.
• Conduct regular community consultations to ensure programming remains gender, age, and socially sensitive.
• Represent the organization's gender and social inclusion strategy, analysis, and research with external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure a 'do-no-harm' approach to gender-focused and inclusive programming.
• Coach staff on best practices for engaging in gender and social inclusion.
• Conduct supervisory visits to monitor project implementation and support staff reflection and iteration.
• Contribute to internal and donor reports by documenting GESI-related progress, impact, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Work with the MEAL Manager to design and integrate gender-sensitive monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Draft or contribute to GESI-specific sections of reports, assessments, and evaluations.
• Co-lead the development of alliances with civil society and government actors to promote security, stability, and transitional justice.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders to enhance cooperation and coordination.
• Attend relevant GESI coordination meetings and represent Search in forums.
• Support leadership to ensure GESI Program Minimum Standards are implemented.
• Ensure team compliance with donor and funding requirements.
• Support safeguarding integration into project design and delivery, including risk assessments.
• Promote safeguarding messaging and practices across community-facing materials and team interactions.
• Encourage open communication and reporting of safeguarding concerns.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree with a minimum of 9 years' experience in International Development, Gender Studies, Social Work, Conflict Resolution, or a related field.
• At least seven years of direct work experience in international development, with a minimum of five years in a GESI advisory role, including experience working on GESI and conflict, security, and peacebuilding interventions in Syria.
• Strong understanding and experience implementing projects related to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
• Substantial background in GESI and development work, including designing and conducting training, analysis, and advocacy.
• Experience supporting capacity building of women's rights organizations and women-led organizations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of GESI norms, standards, and protection mainstreaming methods.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.

Nice to Have

• Master's degree.
• Experience working on digital literacy, countering mis/disinformation, social media engagement, and digital harm protection.
• Prior working and living experience in Syria, with members of the Syrian diaspora encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Educational background as specified in requirements.
• Experience in international development and GESI-related roles.

Benefits & Perks

• Position based in Damascus with initial remote work during operational finalization.
• Regular in-country travel as security conditions allow, with international travel up to 20%.
• Management of one or more direct reports and/or consultants.