LCPS Jobs

1.Background 

The Lebanese Center for Policy Studies (LCPS) is an independent, non-partisan think tank based in Beirut, dedicated to producing rigorous, policy-relevant research on governance, public policy, and political economy in Lebanon and the wider region. 

As part of an upcoming multi-component research initiative, LCPS seeks to collaborate with a qualified think tank or research institution to collaborate on the Syria component of the project. This component aims to generate in-depth analysis and policy insights on Syria that are grounded in empirical research and relevant to regional policy debates, particularly those affecting Lebanon. 

2. Objectives of the Syria Component 

The Syria component is expected to:

• Produce high-quality, policy-oriented research on key economic developments in Syria
• Analyze dynamics with regional and cross-border implications, particularly where they intersect with Lebanese policy concerns
• Generate actionable policy recommendations for policymakers, international actors, and civil society stakeholders
• Contribute to informed public and policy debates through dissemination and engagement activities
• Strengthen institutional collaboration between LCPS and regional research partners 

3. Scope of Work 

The selected partner will work in close coordination with LCPS and will be responsible for some or all of the following activities: 

• Co-developing the research framework, questions, and methodology for the Syria component 

• Conducting desk research and literature reviews using national, regional, and international sources 

• Undertaking qualitative data collection, including key informant interviews, expert consultations, or focus discussions, as appropriate and feasible 

• Analyzing findings and drafting research outputs in line with agreed methodologies, timelines, and editorial standards 

• Participating in peer review processes and incorporating feedback, including from LCPS 

• Contributing to validation, dissemination, and policy engagement activities (e.g. workshops, roundtables, briefings) 

The precise scope, division of responsibilities, and level of effort will be finalized jointly with the selected partner. 

4. Indicative Analytical Dimensions / Sectors 

While LCPS remains open to innovative analytical approaches, proposals are expected to engage with one or more of the following analytical dimensions or sectors, with clear justification of their relevance to Syria and to regional policy debates, including Lebanon: 

• Political and Governance Dynamics: State institutions, local governance arrangements, accountability mechanisms, and evolving power structures 

• Political Economy and Livelihoods: Economic fragmentation, sanctions impacts, aid economies, labor markets, and household coping strategies 

• Social Cohesion and Community Resilience: Social fragmentation, inequality, service provision, and resilience mechanisms at the community level 

• Displacement, Mobility, and Return Dynamics: Refugee and IDP trends, conditions for return, policy narratives, and cross-border implications 

• Regional and International Policy Engagement: The role of regional actors, international stakeholders, diplomatic initiatives, foreign investment and aid frameworks shaping outcomes in Syria 

Applicants are encouraged to propose a focused analytical angle rather than attempting to cover all dimensions. 

5. Expected Outputs 

Indicative outputs include: 

• One comprehensive research paper or report addressing the Syria-Lebanon component 

• One policy brief summarizing key findings and recommendations in a sub-area of relevance 

• Holding of two virtual roundtables and ten key informant interviews to collect needed information for the development of the report and policy brief.  

• Participation in at least one validation or dissemination event (online or in person) 

• Coordination and regular input into cross-cutting outputs with LCPS, where relevant 

Final outputs and formats will be agreed upon with the selected partner. 

6. Institutional Profile and Eligibility 

Eligible applicants must: