Context Advisor to Country Director of ACF Syria

The consultant on part time support, will help the mission, specifically the Coordination team to acquire and develop a better understanding of the context, identifying trends, challenges and opportunities, focusing on the new government and the influence of actors from the Northwest.

JUSTIFICATION

• ACF is present in Syria since 2008. After 12 years of conflict, Syria faced another devastating blow when a series of earthquakes struck northern Syria and Turkey in February 2023, displacing hundreds of thousands of families. This shock exacerbated the dire situation for Syrians already struggling with weakened infrastructure and economic instability, leaving 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
• Latest developments:
  • Fall of the Assad Government: On December 8, 2024, President Bashar al-Assad's government was overthrown following a ten-day offensive by rebel forces, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). This ended over fifty years of Assad family rule and marked a pivotal shift in the Syrian war.
  • Emergence of New Leadership: Post-Assad, an interim governmentwas established in Damascus, with Ahmed al-Sharaa assuming leadership. This transition has prompted both opportunities and challenges as the new administration seeks to stabilize the nation.
  • International Engagement: The change in leadership has led to renewed diplomatic relations. Notably, Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus after 13 years, signaling a cautious re-engagement with Syria. Other countries, including Italy and Spain, have taken similar steps.

Security Situation

• Ongoing Clashes: Despite the regime change, violence persists. In March 2025, clashes erupted in western Syria, particularly in the Latakia province, involving pro-Assad insurgents and security forces. These confrontations resulted in significant casualties, including civilians, highlighting the fragile security environment.
• Israeli Military Actions: Israel has conducted operations targeting former Syrian military assets and chemical weapon facilities. Israeli forces have entered the Syria-Israel buffer zone, indicating an indefinite presence to safeguard its national security interests.

Humanitarian Situation

• Displacement and Returns: The fall of the Assad government has led to spontaneous returns of Syrians. Since December 2024, over 1 million Syrians have returned, including approximately 301,967 from neighboring countries and 885,294 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
• Humanitarian Needs: Despite these returns, the humanitarian crisis remains severe. As of March 2025, an estimated 16.5 million people require assistance. Funding shortages have hampered response efforts, with only a third of the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan funded.

OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED RESULTS

• Analysis of the political situation in the country and region, identifying trends and possible scenarios: Weekly written report of developments in Syria and the region (over 6 weeks starting 1st of April)
• Actor mapping: Specific analysis of the relevant actors after the up-raising of the new government and matching the strategic interest of ACF in the country
• With the support of the mission and the Security Referent (HQ), to conduct briefings and capacity building of ACF security / access team: Organize a workshop with relevant managers on security and access focused on the Syrian context.Specific individual briefings and capacity building to selected staff (2/3 days)
• **Advice to the Country Director and Coordination team on adhoc basis:**Ad hoc advice to the Country Director and coordination team in case of major incidents and developments

DELIVERABLES

• Six weekly regional and national contextual reports
• One actor mapping report
• Workshop on access and security (one day)
• Briefing to staff (two days)
• Ad hoc advise (on demand)

WORKPLAN

Activity Date Days

Weekly report 1 April to 15 May 6 days

Actor mapping report. April 2 days

Workshop April 1 day

Briefings April 2 days

Debriefing and final report May 1 day

Requirements

• Syrian nationality desirable, or excellent knowledge of the country and the region.
• Good knowledge of the recent Syrian context, specially of the actor at the government.
• Good knowledge of regional dynamics, specially related to Israel and Lebanon.
• Academy background and publications.
• Previous experience in the humanitarian sector is desirable.
• Excellent writing skill, fluent in Arabic and English.

CONDITIONS

• The consultant will cover accommodation and daily costs.
• The daily tariff (the worked days) will be gross ____USD. All taxes and charges will be at the consultant charge.