COOPI is looking for a PNA Survey Research Consultant in Syria

COOPI

Description of the role

The candidate will provide technical leadership on the design and field implementation of the Peacebuilding Needs and Impact Assessment (PNA) Survey — a qualitative KII/FGD data collection exercise covering all six regions of Syria, under subcontract to NTC International Corporation (NTCI) for JICA.

As PNA Survey Consultant, the candidate will provide technical leadership on survey design, respondent selection, field team supervision, data quality assurance and analytical reporting, in line with the requirements of the PNA Survey Terms of Reference issued by NTCI/JICA and COOPI's safety and data protection policies

The Outputs will include:

1.     Survey Work Plan & Data Collection Tools

A detailed work plan outlining the proposed field survey approach across all six regions of Syria. This should include:

a.     Objectives and prioritized case counts for each of the six TOR thematic survey fields.

b.     Target respondent groups and geographic coverage (6 regions plus the 10 pilot-project candidate areas).

c.      Data collection modalities (in-person, hybrid, or remote KII/FGD/individual interviews) by region.

d.     Implementation plan and timeline aligned with the TOR schedule.

e.     Data quality assurance and ethical (do-no-harm) review framework.

f.       Security risk management and mitigation measures, aligned with UNDSS guidance.

2.     Training materials and sessions To ensure all field researchers and facilitators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement the survey safely and consistently, the consultant is expected to deliver a training for the field team on the data collection tools, ethical/do-no-harm protocols, and safety procedures before field deployment.

3.     Draft & Final PNA Survey Report. To meet NTCI/JICA reporting requirements, the consultant is expected to lead the drafting of the Draft and Final Reports in English, including:

g.     Findings organized by the six TOR thematic fields.

h.     Analysis of destabilizing/stabilizing factors and peacebuilding recommendations.

i.       Illustrative, anonymized quotes or case examples where appropriate.

j.       Supporting maps, tables and charts summarizing findings by region.

Responsibilities

Technical support and Implementation

• Support the design and pre-testing of KII/FGD/individual interview guides for each of the six TOR thematic fields, and advise on respondent selection and case prioritization.
• Support the Logistics/Admin Department in coordinating field team travel, permits, and safety arrangements across the six survey regions, with specific attention to UNDSS guidance and access constraints.
• Support the relevant COOPI Department in establishing secure data storage and data protection arrangements for sensitive survey data (MHPSS, mine/UXO, protection), in line with Article 11 (Confidentiality) of the TOR

Program Development

• Develop a comprehensive prioritization framework (case counts, methods, and respondent types) tailored to the security and access context of each of the six survey regions in Syria. Ensure this framework is seamlessly integrated into the overall Work Plan.

Strategic Survey Leadership & Coordination

• Lead the technical design of the PNA Survey methodology, ensuring full compliance with the NTCI/JICA Terms of Reference.
• Conduct a preliminary security and access assessment for each of the six survey regions in Syria, assessing the feasibility of in-person, hybrid, or remote data collection, and advise on the appropriate modality per region.
• Coordinate with Operations and Finance teams, and directly with NTCI, including participation in the required biweekly progress meetings.
• Develop the Draft and Final PNA Survey Reports and any supporting Work Plan documentation required for submission to NTCI.
• Develop any supporting tools (templates, tracking sheets) that the field teams need to implement the survey consistently across all six regions.
• Analyse the potential risks and unintended consequences of the survey, including risks to respondents and field staff, considerations of respondent selection approaches, data collection modalities, and rigorous unintended-consequences monitoring. The consultant should ensure conflict-sensitivity, protection principles, and age, gender, and diversity mainstreaming are incorporated from the design stage onwards, in line with TOR Section 5 (Survey Perspectives and Points to Note). Solutions should be identified and integrated into the final Work Plan.
• Assist with the documentation and dissemination of best practices and lessons learnt within the Organization. 

Requirements 

• Education: Relevant advanced degree in social sciences, political science, international development, or a related field.
• Experience: 5 years of relevant professional experience conducting qualitative research (KII/FGD) in humanitarian, conflict, or post-conflict settings; prior experience in Syria or the broader MENA region is strongly preferred.
• Language: Excellent level in written and spoken English; fluent spoken and written Arabic is required.
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, spreadsheets and databases.
• Proven experience and technical skills in the design, implementation and quality control of qualitative surveys from a multisectoral and/or protection perspective is an asset.
• Understanding of conflict, gender, age, disability and protection considerations, and of current political and security trends in Syria, is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of and prior work experience in the Syria context is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in interagency coordination is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in humanitarian programme management in assessments, MEAL, or protection-related areas is an asset.
• Expertise in gender, protection, GBV, and/or MHPSS is an asset.
• Strong report-writing skills in English. Experience producing donor-facing analytical reports is an asset.
• Professionals based in Syria, or able to be present in-country for the duration of the assignment, will be considered more favorably.

Note

The application file must contain:

• The proposed methodology for the consultation (maximum 3-5 pages with Workplan annexed)
• Evidence of consulting experience in similar fields;
• The CV;
• Two references.

Please combine documents 1 and 2 into a single PDF or Word file and attach it to your application in place of the cover letter.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian secular and independent humanitarian organisation fighting against all forms of poverty to improve the world. Founded in 1965, today COOPI is present in 27 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East, with both emergency and development projects carried out by expatriate staff – an average of over 200 people per year – and national staff. The main institutional funders are the European Union – ECHO and INTPA – USAID, UN agencies, the Italian Government, local authorities and other European Governments.