Comparatives on engaging civil society in conflict and post-conflict affected areas

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UNESCWA - Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Friday 30 Dec 2022 at 23:59 UTC

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Result of Service NAFS aims to conduct a study which compiles lessons learnt and practices from donors’ experiences of aid progammes supporting local CSOs in different conflict-affected countries. The study will explore what such programmes achieved (criteria to identify the priorities, relationship of programmes priorities to national priorities, etc.), their impact on the effectiveness of CSOs work and how they could be improved.

Work Location Remotely

Expected duration 4.5 months

Duties and Responsibilities The conflict in Syria has triggered a major humanitarian crisis and, in consequence, a large flow of international aid since 2012. Typically, international funding is provided through international organizations as well as local civil society organizations (CSOs).

Civil society organizations (CSOs) can play a critical role in conflict and post-conflict affected areas. Aid programmes are comprised of different types of assistance and through various methods of targeted delivery. With a wide range of armed conflicts which the world has experienced and the vast amount of aid programmes delivered, a wealth of practical experience has been accumulated.

Under the umbrella of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the National Agenda for the Future of Syria (NAFS) Programme has served since 2012 as a platform for dialogue for a wide spectrum of Syrian stakeholders and based on the collaboration of active networks of actors in civil society, the private sector, and international institutions. Its inclusive and technical approach has set it apart from other platforms.

In the context of Syria, there are calls to strengthen aid cooperation between international donors and Syrian CSOs. The NAFS programme recognizes the dire need for donors to effectively support Syria in its early recovery and post-conflict phases through a strategic manner, in a way that draws up lessons learnt and good practices from other conflict-affected countries’ experiences but also through collaborating effectively with CSOs given that they played and continue to play a significant role.In 2021, NAFS launched a Civil Society Dialogue which highlighted the need to define and agree a system of values and principles as well as to discuss the challenges and obstacles for an effective role of civil society organizations to support the early recovery and post-conflict phase.

Given this identified need, NAFS aims to conduct a study which compiles lessons learnt and practices from donors’ experiences of aid progammes supporting local CSOs in different conflict-affected countries. The study will explore what such programmes achieved (criteria to identify the priorities, relationship of programmes priorities to national priorities, etc.), their impact on the effectiveness of CSOs work and how they could be improved. The research aims to draw up various lessons learned to avoid these risks in Syria’s early recovery and post-conflict phase as well as to inform international assistance policy and future engagement and collaboration between international donors and CSOs. In addition, the study will address the role of civil society in early recovery. It is key to understand and examine potential and possible local level livelihoods initiatives in Syria under the current context to recommend transformative ideas by engaging CSOs under the development – humanitarian – peace nexus.

Under the guidance of the Governance Lead of the National Agenda for the Future of Syria, and the supervision of the NAFS programme manager, the consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables:

1. Develop the methodology and a detailed structure of the study including key questions. 2. Literature review on the available reports, academic publications, or studies on this topic. 3. Define the parameters of the early recovery phase and the role of CSOs 4. identify sample case studies 5. Conduct semi-structured interviews with CSOs, INGOs and donors’ community from the sample countries and Syria. 6. Revise the outline of the overall study. 7. Present the approach and lead consultation in focus group meetings 8. Submit the final report.

Qualifications/special skills A PhD in political science, law, International and development studies, social studies, or a related area is required. A minimum of 15 years of experience in research is required. Proven knowledge of civil society dynamics and aid effectiveness. Proven knowledge of conflict-affected contexts, including the Syrian context and international assistance approach to Syria is required.

Languages English Language is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org