Syria Researcher - REMOTE

About the organization

ACLED is an independent, impartial conflict monitor providing real-time data and analysis on violent conflict and protest in all countries and territories across the world. Our material is regularly used to inform journalism, academic research, policymaking, and public discourse on conflict. We’re proud that ACLED is the most widely used source for real-time data and analysis on political violence and protest around the world. 

Further information on ACLED is available online at acleddata.com. 

The consultancy opportunity

ACLED is looking for a Syria Researcher to assist in the collection, review and management of political violence and protest data across Syria. Researchers must be available for a minimum of 25 to 40
hours per week. This opportunity is fully remote and can be done from any location with reliable internet service. This is an entry-level , independent consultant opportunity.

This opportunity is open to nationals of any country. For more information, please review the Applicant FAQs.

Collection of data is conducted by reviewing news, international organization, NGO and security reports on a list of assigned countries and recording the incidents of political violence into an Excel template. Researchers will focus on coding events to provide holistic coverage of current political violence, ranging from protests to battles.

Review and management of data involves ensuring the quality, consistency and reliability of the data produced. The role provides team members with experience conducting detail-oriented tasks and producing and managing quantitative data.

Please note that this opportunity involves working with conflict-related media and reading about violent events.

Specific deliverables:

Candidates who are selected will undergo extensive ACLED training. The training consists of several exercises. Candidates' exercises will be scrutinized and only those who are performing at the required level will be retained as Researchers.  

For those selected, the initial consultancy period will be from 07/09/2025 to 30/06/2026. After this, continuation may be possible, pending performance and availability of funding. 

Remuneration:

Remuneration is 20 USD per hour.

Skills and competencies:

ACLED is seeking applicants who have the following skills and experience:

• University degree in international relations, political science, conflict studies, peacebuilding, international development, or related field;
• Familiarity with Excel (essential);
• Fluency in English (essential);
• Fluency in Arabic 
• Experience conducting desk-based research;
• Experience working to deadlines with limited supervision;
• A high level of attention to detail and ability to receive and incorporate feedback;
• Research focus or professional experience in conflict research or peace-building in REGION generally, or country-specific studies is a strong advantage;
• Familiarity with conflict and actors in the relevant countries;
• Access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, email, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Applications:

To apply for this consultancy opportunity, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing qualifications, experience and language proficiency to our career portal.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible. We will only review applications received through our career portal, so please make sure to use the application form on the portal. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a two-hour exercise as part of the evaluation of their coding aptitude. 

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