Researcher

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address humanitarian needs, it operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, partnering with local communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger communities. The organization emphasizes diversity within its teams, believing that varied backgrounds and perspectives enhance their impact and effectiveness. Mercy Corps has developed a Crisis Analysis function to support its programming in complex contexts, including regions like Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Ukraine, providing timely and relevant analytical products to inform humanitarian responses.

Job Overview:
The Researcher position at Mercy Corps is integral to the Crisis Analysis function, which aims to support programming in challenging environments. The role involves conducting in-depth research to inform advocacy efforts aimed at improving socio-economic conditions for Syrian refugees and host communities. The researcher will engage in mapping viable sectors, identifying enabling conditions, and analyzing barriers to investment, thereby generating evidence that aids advocacy and policy actors. This position is crucial for promoting inclusive, market-driven approaches to self-reliance among refugees and host communities. The researcher will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that the findings are relevant and actionable, contributing to the overall mission of Mercy Corps in fostering resilience and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Researcher will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: identifying and sharing relevant existing studies and documents related to the research questions; contextualizing and translating Key Informant Interview (KII) guides into Arabic; engaging with key informants and conducting KIIs with stakeholders; producing transcripts and summaries of KIIs that align with guiding questions; reviewing and contributing to the qualitative research methodology; validating analytical findings with the lead consultant and regional manager; and co-presenting findings to internal and external audiences. The researcher will also be expected to deliver comprehensive reports and contributions to various project documents, ensuring that all outputs meet the required standards and timelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Researcher position should possess strong analytical skills, with a proven ability to conduct qualitative research and synthesize findings into actionable insights. Familiarity with the socio-economic context of Syrian refugees and host communities is essential. The ideal candidate should have experience in conducting interviews and engaging with diverse stakeholders, as well as proficiency in both English and Arabic. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to effectively convey research findings and collaborate with team members and partners.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, international relations, economics, or a related field is required. A master's degree is preferred, particularly for candidates with a focus on humanitarian studies or development policy. Relevant certifications in research methodologies or data analysis would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in research, particularly in qualitative methodologies. Experience working in humanitarian contexts or with refugee populations is highly desirable. Familiarity with market systems and private-sector engagement strategies will be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory, as the role involves conducting interviews and producing reports in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will be expected to dedicate approximately 15 days to the assignment, with specific deliverables due at various stages throughout the project timeline. The project is funded by the Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP) and is scheduled to commence on June 1, 2026, with a series of reports and presentations due throughout the project duration. Compensation will be based on the consultant's experience, and Mercy Corps is committed to providing equal employment opportunities.