Researcher – Decentralisation & Governance in Syria’s Transitional Context

• Overview of The Day After (TDA)

The Day After (TDA) is an independent, Syrian-led civil society organization working to support a democratic transition in Syria. Since 2012, TDA has contributed to transition planning and has since shifted toward implementing programs that promote rules of law, good governance, constitutional reform, and civic engagement. TDA works closely with Syrian civil society actors, policymakers, and international stakeholders to develop evidence-based policy recommendations that support inclusive and sustainable governance in Syria.

• 
  Background
  

Within the framework of the project “Responsibility Sharing in Syria’s Transitional Context”, Toplumsal Dayanışma ve Araştırma Derneği (TDA) aims to advance inclusive dialogue and policy understanding on decentralisation in Syria. As the country navigates its post-2025 transitional phase, decentralisation has become a central yet contested issue in governance reform, linked to questions of power-sharing, service delivery, and citizen participation.

To support evidence-based policymaking and advocacy, the project will generate qualitative data through:

• Governorate-level consultations across diverse regions (e.g., southern Syria, coastal region, northeast, Damascus, Aleppo)
• Multi-stakeholder dialogue sessions at the national level
• Capacity-building and advocacy workshops for civil society actors

The findings will inform a comprehensive research paper on decentralisation and contribute to ongoing national and international policy discussions.

• 
  Purpose of the Assignment
  

The researcher will play a central role in documenting, analyzing, and synthesizing findings from consultations and dialogue activities conducted under the project.

The purpose of the assignment is to:

1. Document and analyze local perspectives on decentralisation, governance arrangements, and political transition in Syria.
2. Capture regional variations in understanding and expectations of decentralisation.
3. Support the development of a comprehensive analytical paper with actionable policy recommendations.
4. Contribute to strengthening evidence-based dialogue between civil society, institutional actors, and international stakeholders.

• 
  Scope of Work
  

The researcher will undertake the following tasks:

• Data Collection & Participation

1. Attend (in person or remotely) governorate-level consultations and national dialogue sessions where possible.
2. Collect detailed qualitative notes reflecting discussions on decentralisation, governance structures, and transitional challenges.
3. Coordinate with TDA teams to ensure proper documentation of all sessions.

• Data Review & Analysis

1. Review consultation notes, transcripts, and background materials.
2. Apply qualitative analysis methods to identify:
   • Key themes on decentralisation models and preferences
   • Perceptions of central vs. local governance roles
   • Concerns related to social cohesion, representation, and service delivery
   
   
3. Analyze differences across regions, stakeholder groups, and demographics.

• Thematic Analysis

The researcher will structure analysis around key dimensions, including:

• Governance & Institutional Arrangements
  • Distribution of powers between central and local authorities
  • Administrative vs. political decentralisation
  
  
• Legal & Constitutional Frameworks
  • Existing laws (e.g., Legislative Decree No. 107 of 2011)
  • Legal gaps and reform priorities
  
  
• Social Cohesion & Inclusion
  1. Representation of diverse communities
  2. Impact of decentralisation on conflict dynamics and trust-building
  
  
• Service Delivery & Local Development
  • Efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness of local governance
  
  
• Synthesis & Reporting

1. Triangulate findings across consultations and dialogue sessions.
2. Identify consensus areas, divergences, and policy-relevant insights.
3. Develop clear, actionable recommendations tailored to Syria’s transitional context.

• Research Paper Development

1. Lead or support the drafting of a comprehensive research paper on decentralisation, including:
   • Executive summary
   • Methodology
   • Context analysis
   • Key findings
   • Policy recommendations
   
   

• Presentation & Validation

1. Present preliminary findings to TDA and stakeholders.
2. Incorporate feedback from dialogue sessions into the final report.

• 
  Deliverables
  

The consultant is expected to produce:
1. Inception Note
Research approach, analytical framework, and workplan

2. Consultation Summaries
Consolidated notes from governorate-level consultations

3. Draft Research Paper
Including analysis of governance, legal, and social dimensions of decentralisation

4. Final Research Paper
Revised version incorporating feedback
Policy-oriented and publication-ready

5. Presentation Slides
Summary of findings and recommendations for stakeholder engagement

• 
  Timeline
  
  • Phase 1 Consultations & data collection Apr-26
  • Phase 2 Analysis & research paper drafting Apr-May 2026
  • Phase 3 Finalization & presentation May-26
  
  
• 
  Reporting & Coordination
  

• The researcher will report to the Director of Programs and work closely with:

  
  
  • MEAL team (data collection and validation)
  • Research and program teams
  • Advocacy team (for dissemination of findings)
  
  
• 
  Qualifications & Experience
  
  • Advanced degree in Political Science, Governance, Public Policy, or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in research in conflict or transitional contexts
  • Strong expertise in:
    • Decentralisation and governance systems
    • Qualitative research and policy analysis
    
    
  • Knowledge of the Syrian context is required
  • Experience in producing policy-oriented research papers
  • Strong analytical and writing skills.
  
  
• 
  Ethical Considerations
  
  • Ensure confidentiality and anonymity of participants
  • Apply conflict-sensitive and inclusive approaches
  • Adhere to informed consent and data protection standards
  
  

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Two writing samples
• Financial proposal (in EUR)

Apply via: recruitment@tda-sy.org
Subject line:
(Researcher – Decentralisation Project – Candidate Name)

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