About Mercy Corps:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In
disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into
action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and
for the future.

Department Summary:

Mercy Corps has developed a Crisis Analytics function to support our programming in the most
complex contexts. The Crisis Analysis-Syrian (CA-SYR) team supports Mercy Corps’ in-country
programming as well as the wider humanitarian response in the region through the provision of quality,
timely and relevant analytical products.

CA-SYR team aggregate and analyze data to improve decision-making and access in Syria. The team
directly contributes to data-driven decision-making by layering information from primary sources, open
sources, and responders’ programmatic data, where it is analyzed by subject matter experts and data
scientists. This analysis is grounded in Mercy Corps’ status as an operational NGO, keeping our
products constructive and relevant for humanitarian responders and donors within the crisis in Syria.
CA-SYR also serves as a real-time information hub; vets potential partners; assesses programmatic,
partner, and operational risk; identifies and maps stakeholders; and works with internal partners to
better enable data-driven decision making.

Mercy Corps is committed to maintaining rigorous compliance measures and safeguarding our
programs from challenges in the field that may compromise humanitarian principles. The Enhanced
Due Diligence (EDD) unit offers an additional layer of scrutiny to various external entities who are
prospective partners in or suppliers to Mercy Corps’ Syria programming. Key EDD products include due
diligence assessments of Mercy Corps entities such actors deemed essential for programming and
Program Area Assessment that include in-depth research on dynamics including but not limited to
governance, service provision, economic dynamics, displacement patterns, and local politics. This
research involves analysis of primary and secondary sources including coordination with field sources.

General Position Summary:

The Multi-sector and Enhanced Due Diligence Officer will primarily support the Program Assessment
and EDD Manager by drafting multisector assessments including vetting/due diligence assessments,
and Program Area Assessment (PAA), as well as contributing to the wider multisector research function
of the CA-SYR team with emphasis on economics and politics. In addition, The Multi-sector and
Enhanced Due Diligence Officer will seek new ways to tighten reporting, deliver timely information, and
improve products and processes as required.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Research & Analysis
● Drafts EDD/PAA products, including research, writing, and editing, as required
● Provides detailed analysis and insights on key developments throughout Syria using open
source analysis;
● Conducts in-depth profiling on entities using social media research in Arabic and English; and
● Supports research and data collection around specific issues or projects, as requested.
● Conduct in-depth PAAs using open source and field research
● Assist in drafting periodical and ad-hoc reports discussing socio-economic, political, conflict, and
geopolitical events.
● Actively consult the CA-SYR archive and utilize previous products to complement the research.
● Use open-source, partner data, statistical data, and academic reports to collect, process, clean,
and analyze information.
● Conduct humanitarian access research, through the development of actor mapping, stakeholder
analysis, and spatial analysis.
● Provides detailed analysis and insights on key developments using open-source analysis
● Supports research and data collection around specific issues or projects as requested.
● Follow media outlets, social media, and private networks in order to get as much detailed and
reliable information as possible about conflict dynamics.
● Monitor military, political, and social developments on the ground and regionally.
Archiving & Support
● Records requests for EDD products and liaises with program staff as required
● Develops and maintain databases on the outcomes and processes of EDD products
● Coordinates check-ins and follow-ups on research requests with field staff
● Liaises as appropriate with other Mercy Corps staff engaged in programs and compliance
● Represents the EDD unit internally in program meetings and conducts briefing and
presentations for program staff as required
● Supports development of due diligence policies and procedures

Supervisory Responsibility: None
Reports Directly to Program Assessment and Due Diligence Manager
Works Directly with CA-SYR staff, FR Coordinator, Program Teams

Knowledge and Experience:

● A minimum of a Bachelor's degree, preferably a Master’s Degree, in a Social Sciences
discipline; preferably in political science, international affairs, or international development.
● At least two years of experience working in research covering Middle East politics.
● An in-depth understanding of the Syrian conflict.
● Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic.
● Good problem-solving skills.
● Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing, analyzing and reporting.
● Computer skills – Word and Excel will be an asset
● Ability to work and interact with diverse staff from different ethnicities and backgrounds
● Ability to conduct oneself with sensitivity and respect toward others

How to apply:

Preferably to receive CVs before Tuesday, May 21,2024.

*If you are interested, kindly apply as soon as possible, since resumes will be reviewed on rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted before the submission deadline.*

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.