Consultant for Syria-Lebanon Case Study Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to crises and support communities in need, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing bold solutions to help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. With a commitment to diversity, Mercy Corps values the unique perspectives and skills of its team members, believing that a diverse workforce enhances their ability to create long-term impact. The organization has developed a Crisis Analysis function to support programming in complex contexts, including Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Ukraine, providing timely and relevant analytical products to inform humanitarian and development responses.

Job Overview:
The consultant will lead the Syria-Lebanon case study assessment as part of the 'Fragile Borderlands: Drivers of Drought Adaptation and Instability in MENA' project. This project aims to analyze how drought-driven livelihood stress affects informal and illicit cross-border trade in fragile border regions. The consultant will be responsible for developing a desk review, analyzing primary data from key informant interviews (KIIs), and producing an evidence-backed case study report. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of governance, market dynamics, and local power structures, as well as the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights. The consultant will also engage in workshops and donor meetings to validate findings and refine recommendations based on stakeholder feedback.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Developing a contextualized desk review for the Syria-Lebanon case study, focusing on governance, market dynamics, and vulnerabilities.
• Reviewing and adapting semi-structured interview guides and key informant lists to ensure local relevance.
• Conducting high-priority KIIs as needed and analyzing primary data collected through these interviews.
• Synthesizing desk and primary evidence into a concise case study assessment that informs policy briefs and scientific outputs.
• Providing technical review of project outcomes to ensure accuracy and evidence-backed claims.
• Participating in relevant workshops and donor meetings to support engagement and validation of findings.
• Delivering a comprehensive case study report that assesses governance arrangements, market dynamics, and differentiated vulnerabilities related to drought stress and cross-border trade.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 5-10 years of analytical experience in a think tank, research institution, consulting firm, UN agency, or NGO. Strong field experience in Lebanon and Syria is essential, along with proven expertise in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills in (geo)politics and political-economy analysis, including the ability to map local power structures and analyze governance practices. Experience in applied market and livelihoods analysis is also required, linking market trends with socio-political dynamics. Excellent English-language analytical writing skills and strong oral Arabic language skills are mandatory. Preferred qualifications include expertise in informal economies, cross-border trade, and climate vulnerabilities.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in political science, international relations, public policy, investigative journalism, geography, environmental studies, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical outputs and manage research processes effectively.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 5-10 years of relevant analytical experience, particularly in contexts similar to those in Lebanon and Syria. Strong field experience and access in these regions are crucial, as well as a proven track record of working in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in governance analysis and market dynamics, as well as the ability to conduct applied research and synthesize findings into actionable insights.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent analytical writing skills required. Strong oral proficiency in Arabic is also necessary for effective communication and engagement with local stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage, particularly those relevant to the regions of focus.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last between 15 to 20 days, depending on the consultant's expertise and project needs. The study will take place from March to November 2026, covering the entire cycle from initial framework adaptation to final donor reporting. The consultant will report to the Regional Crisis Analysis Senior Manager and will work closely with the Regional Crisis Analysis team and Regional Technical Advisors. Interested applicants should submit their applications by 15 February 2026, including an up-to-date CV, a relevant writing sample, and a cover sheet detailing their thematic and geographic expertise, proposed day rate, availability, and relevant language skills.