Organization: Syrian Center for Policy Research (SCPR)
Location: Damascus office (Syria-based staff) or Remote (outside Syria)
Contract Type: Full-time, 1-year fixed-term
Positions: Senior Social Science Researcher; Senior Political Science Researcher; Senior Environmental Science Researcher.
Compensation: €1,200–€2,000, depending on the experience and cost of living in the country of residence.

 

Organization Overview

The Syrian Center for Policy Research (SCPR) is an independent, non-governmental research center that conducts evidence-based research to inform public policy in Syria. SCPR’s mission is to generate evidence-based knowledge that empowers society and informs transformative policy in Syria, bridging the gap between research and policymaking for sustainable, inclusive development. The SCPR upholds values of justice, equity, and inclusive development, emphasizing participatory, justice-centered approaches in its work. Through its research, SCPR seeks to promote human-centered and sustainable policy solutions that advance social justice, equity, and inclusive growth in Syria.

 

Position Summaries

• Senior Social Science Researcher

The Senior Social Science Researcher will lead research on social and developmental issues in Syria, such as social cohesion, solidarity, and community well-being. In this role, you will design and execute research projects that examine the social fabric and needs of Syrian society, producing analysis to inform policies for inclusive, equitable development. This position plays a key part in SCPR’s mission by focusing on justice-centered social research – generating insights that empower communities and foster policies promoting social solidarity and equity. The researcher will collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to ensure social dimensions are integrated into broader policy debates, helping to shape transformative social policies aligned with SCPR’s values.

• Senior Political Science Researcher

The Senior Political Science Researcher will drive research on governance, political transitions, and institutional reform in Syria. This role involves examining issues such as governance structures, policy reforms, civic participation, and transitional justice mechanisms in a post-conflict context. The researcher will produce evidence-based analysis to guide the development of accountable, transparent governance and the restoration of civic trust. By leading justice-centered research on political and legal frameworks, this position contributes directly to SCPR’s mission of informing transformative policy – for example, analyzing political participatory models or reconciliation processes that uphold justice, human rights, and inclusive governance. The Senior Political Science Researcher will engage with diverse stakeholders (civil society, policy experts, and community leaders) to ensure that research recommendations support a just and participatory political transition in Syria.

• Senior Environmental Science Researcher

The Senior Environmental Science Researcher will focus on Syria’s environmental challenges with a strong emphasis on ecology and ecosystem recovery in post-conflict and reconstruction contexts. The role will examine ecosystem integrity, biodiversity and habitat loss, land and rangeland degradation, watershed health, soil and vegetation regeneration, and pollution/contamination impacts, while linking these ecological dynamics to water, agriculture, and energy systems. The researcher will develop evidence-based policy recommendations that support an ecologically resilient and socially just recovery, integrating environmental justice by assessing how ecological degradation and resource pressures affect different communities and proposing equitable approaches to restoration, access, and climate adaptation. Working across sectors, the Senior Environmental Science Researcher will produce high-quality research that elevates ecology within Syria’s policy agenda and connects ecosystem restoration to livelihoods, public health, and sustainable development.

 

Key Responsibilities (Shared Across All Positions)

As a Senior Researcher at SCPR, you will be expected to fulfill the following core responsibilities:

• Conduct High-Quality Research: Design and lead rigorous research projects in your thematic area (social, political, or environmental), employing mixed methods to generate credible, evidence-based analysis aligned with SCPR’s mission. This includes formulating research questions, developing proposals, and overseeing data collection and analysis.
• Produce and Co-Author Publications: Prepare and co-author research outputs – including in-depth reports, policy briefs, and academic articles – to disseminate findings and inform policy discussions. Ensure that all publications are well-argued and grounded in evidence, reflecting a vision of transformative, justice-centered change in Syria.
• Develop Participatory & Conflict-Sensitive Methodologies: Employ and advance participatory research techniques and conflict-sensitive methodologies in all stages of work. This means actively engaging community members and stakeholders in the research process and upholding robust ethical standards (informed consent, confidentiality, “do no harm” principles) suited for a conflict-affected context. You will ensure research approaches are inclusive (gender-sensitive, culturally appropriate) and mindful of the fragile social context, mitigating any risks of exacerbating tensions.
• Engage communities: Incorporate participatory approaches by consulting community members, civil society organizations, and subject experts. Ensure the research reflects diverse Syrian perspectives by integrating community input and feedback.
• Relevant tasks: undertake relevant tasks as required by SCPR.

Required Qualifications (Shared Across All Positions)

Applicants for all Senior Researcher positions must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Master’s degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Development Studies, or related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of professional research experience, with a strong record of leading or managing research projects. Prior experience in analytical work for think tanks, universities, or international organizations is expected. Experience working in conflict or post-conflict settings is highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to conduct sensitive research in challenging environments.
• Publications: Proven track record of research publications or analytical outputs. Candidates should have authored or co-authored policy reports, research papers, or journal articles, showcasing the ability to produce high-quality, impactful analysis. Evidence of translating complex research into clear, policy-relevant recommendations is important.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Arabic and English is required. You must be able to conduct research and interviews in Arabic and English.
• Analytical & Methodological Skills: Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including familiarity with relevant software/tools and participatory research methods.
• Commitment: A demonstrated commitment to ethical research practices. This includes adhering to research ethics, conflict-sensitive approaches, and a passion for evidence-based policy that advances justice and inclusive development in Syria.
• Experience in the Syrian context: Proven experience working on Syria-related programs or research in conflict-affected settings.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are invited to apply by email. Please send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected]  with the subject line clearly indicating the position you are applying for (e.g., “Senior Environmental Researcher Application”).

• Deadline: Applications will be accepted until March 6, 2026. Early submissions are encouraged, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Further Process: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and may be asked to provide references or samples of written work.
• Contact: For any inquiries regarding this position, you may contact us at the above email address.

SCPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applicants of all backgrounds – particularly Syrian nationals, women, and members of marginalized groups – to apply. Join us in advancing evidence-based, inclusive policy research that contributes to a just and sustainable future for Syria.

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Tags: civil society, Job Announcement, SCPR, Syria