Applying Political Economy and Conflict-Sensitive Frameworks for Resilient Recovery in Conflict-Affected Areas

Result of ServiceThis work will support ESCWA’s efforts during Syria’s transitional phase by the production of an evidence-based policy paper that advances transformative approaches to recovery and peacebuilding in the Arab region. Through analysis, integration of the enhanced LNA methodology, and application of Political Economy Analysis, the paper will provide actionable frameworks and recommendations to guide national, local, and regional actors. It will serve as a strategic reference for ESCWA and its partners, supporting more context-sensitive, inclusive, and sustainable peacebuilding and recovery efforts across the region. Work LocationRemote Expected duration4 weeks Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground and Objective As part of its mandate to promote human development and support democratic transition in the region, ESCWA implemented the NAFS programme since 2012. The programme has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue among Syrians from all backgrounds. It remained one of the key platforms to systematically assess the policy needs for a post-conflict Syria. In line with its participatory approach, NAFS piloted Localized Needs Assessments (LNAs) in selected areas in Syria to capture multidimensional realities and assess socioeconomic needs at the city level. LNAs engage local actors in contextual analysis, enabling a deeper understanding of complex, layered needs and fostering locally driven responses. The Syrian conflict has profoundly impacted the country's socioeconomic fabric, resulting in institutional collapse and widespread displacement. As Syria enters a transitional phase following the fall of the regime, a critical window of opportunity has emerged to rebuild governance structures, promote social cohesion, and support recovery. Moreover, ESCWA’s research and reports have highlighted the severe impact of conflict on human lives, economies, and institutions, as well as the high cost of recovery and the benefit peace in countries such as Syria and Libya. In November 2024, ESCWA convened an Expert Group Meeting on “Advancing a Recovery and Conflict Prevention Framework for the Arab Region”, which focused on resilience-building, economic revitalization, institutional recovery, and equitable structures that support peace, reconciliation, and development. The Arab region continues to face complex and protracted crises marked by armed conflict, political instability, and socioeconomic fragility. Recent years have seen worsening human suffering, widespread destruction of essential infrastructure, and weakened state capacities—underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to recovery and conflict prevention. Syria remains central to these efforts, both as a primary beneficiary and as a practical model for demonstrating how localized analysis can support stabilization, rebuild social ties, and strengthen governance. Embedding LNAs within a regional recovery and peacebuilding framework will not only advance Syria’s trajectory but also provide adaptable tools for other conflict-affected contexts across the Arab region. Building on these achievements and emerging needs, ESCWA seeks to develop and institutionalize a comprehensive methodological framework that integrates Localized Needs Assessments (LNAs) Methodology into broader strategies for recovery, resilience, and peacebuilding across the Arab region. This represents a strategic evolution of NAFS—shifting from localized diagnostics toward a holistic approach that connects community-driven insights with systemic interventions for conflict transformation, inclusive governance, and sustainable development. The current consultancy will produce a policy paper that: • Identifies and promotes transformative approaches to conflict sensitive recovery and peacebuilding in the Arab region. • Integrates the LNA methodology into a forward-looking framework for national, local, and regional actors. • Highlights key principles and practices that foster sustainable peace and resilience through locally grounded, participatory, and adaptive methods. • Strengthens the integration of Political Economy Analysis (PEA) into recovery and peacebuilding processes. Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Syria Portfolio Coordinator/ NAFS Programme Manager, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: • Output 1: Agree on the outline and approach with the Programme Manager. • Output 2: Contribute to the section on transformative peace and the conceptual framework for conflict prevention and conflict transformation, ensuring integration of conflict sensitive analysis. • Output 3: Review the draft policy paper and provide substantive feedback. Qualifications/special skillsA bachelor's degree in one of the following majors: Political Science, political economy, International Relations, International Development, and communications or a related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 8 years of experience working with international development, local development, or humanitarian agencies is required. Demonstrated strong experience in conducting research, capacity-building, training, methodology design, and writing reports is required Proven knowledge of the Syrian and established publications record on conflict and fragile contexts is desirable. Extensive experience of working on projects related to conflict-sensitivity and peace building is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of UNESCWA. For this position, fluency in English language is required. and fluency of Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.