Job Description

Purpose of the role:

Based in the region, the Senior Adviser will lead Crisis Group's work on Syria, working with the project director, other MENA staff and others in Crisis Group to develop a program of work. They will undertake research and draft reports and other forms of shorter publication which examine and propose solutions to prevent or mitigate deadly conflict in Syria, including consideration of security, political, legal, governance, human rights and social issues. They will also conduct advocacy, media work and other outreach on Syria, including by convene groups of policymakers and others. The senior adviser will represent Crisis Group in its work on Syria.

Specific responsibilities:

Works with others in the organisation to develop a plan of work for Crisis Group in Syria Conducts extensive field research into prevailing conflict-related issues in Syria, including - where relevant - consideration of security, political, legal, economic and social matters, as well as human rights, gender and governance; Provides written analyses - in clear and concise fashion - of the risks and origins of deadly conflict in Syria in the form of detailed reports and briefing papers for publication, as well as shorter derivatives (such as podcasts and op-eds); Proposes policy recommendations and initiatives for conflict actors, including political, civil society and other stakeholders at the national as well as regional and international levels aimed at preventing, mitigating or resolving conflict; Advocates Crisis Group policy positions and recommendations regarding conflict, and represents Crisis Group at events and in the media - locally, nationally and internationally as appropriate; Coordinates and facilitates Crisis Group's research and advocacy work on Syria, ensuring coherence across publications, policy engagement and public outreach initiatives; Provides support to the President, other senior staff and the MENA Program Director for Crisis Group activities and advocacy in the region and globally; As required, supervise consultants, stringers and/or interns.

Requirements:

Post-graduate qualification in international relations, political science, social sciences or other relevant field of academic study; At least ten years of professional experience in the field of conflict research, analysis and prevention, working in government, academia, international organisations, non-governmental organisations or the media, with many of those years focused on Syria; Demonstrated excellent writing skills in English; fluency in Arabic; Strong research and analytical skills, and proven experience of formulating persuasive policy recommendations; Extensive knowledge of Syria's security and public policy issues; Experience of living and working in the region; A network of governmental and non-governmental, official, media and civil society contacts in the region; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public presentation skills; Experience of working successfully within a team, as well as the ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment; Availability to travel and to live in the region.

If interested, please submit your application by 13 July 2025.

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