Description
Project/Consultancy Title: CAโSYR Data and GiS Specialist
Project Location(s): Remote
Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action โ helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Purpose / Project Description:
Mercy Corps has developed a Crisis Analytics function to support our programming in the most complex contexts, including the Middle East, Libya, Democratic Republic of Congo and others. The Crisis Analysis-Syria (CA-SYR) supports Mercy Corpsโ in-country programming as well as the wider humanitarian response in the region through the provision of quality, timely, and relevant analytical products.
Mercy Corpsโ crisis analysis teams aggregate and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to improve decision-making and access in complex crises. The teams directly contribute to data-driven decision-making by layering information from primary sources, open sources, and respondersโ programmatic data, which is analyzed by subject matter experts and data scientists. This analysis is grounded in Mercy Corpsโ status as an operational NGO, keeping our products constructive and relevant for humanitarian responders and donors within a given crisis. Crisis analysis also serves as a real-time information hub; vets potential partners; assesses programmatic, partner, and operational risk; identifies and maps stakeholders; and works with internal partners to better enable data-driven decision-making.
Consultant Objectives:
โข Provide high-quality, timely quantitative and geospatial analysis to support Mercy Corpsโ Crisis Analysis on Syria (CA-SYR), with a focus on humanitarian, economic, security, agricultural, climate, and political dynamics.
โข Strengthen evidence-based decision-making through the development of analytical models, tools, and forecasts tailored to the Syrian context and broader region.
โข Enhance the visual and communicative impact of CA-SYR products by translating complex quantitative findings into accessible, well-designed maps, charts, and dashboards.
โข Contribute to building a robust internal capacity for data-driven analysis and forecasting within CA-SYR.
Consultant Activities:
The Consultant will:
โข Identify, collect, clean, and manage secondary quantitative datasets relevant to the Syrian context (e.g., socio-economic indicators, climate data, market data, etc.).
โข Design and implement advanced quantitative and geospatial analyses, including regression models, composite indicators, remote sensing (e.g., using Google Earth Engine), hydrological assessments, and predictive forecasts.
โข Lead on quantitative components of CA-SYR reports (monthly, thematic, or rapid analysis), including writing key sections and collaborating with qualitative analysts.
โข Develop and maintain sector- or theme-specific analytical tools and methodologies to test hypotheses and forecast needs or impacts.
โข Create and maintain dynamic dashboards and infographics that visually communicate key findings.
โข Collaborate with qualitative analysts to design field tools that validate or expand on quantitative analysis.
โข Contribute to concept notes and proposals related to quantitative and geospatial research in Syria and the region.
โข Deliver internal and external briefings on analytical findings, ensuring clarity for non-technical audiences.
โข Establish and uphold quality standards for analysis and data visualization.
โข Proactively engage with Mercy Corps staff and external stakeholders working on relevant analytical themes.
Consultant Deliverables:
The Consultant will:
โข Sections of the CA-SYR monthly report with embedded quantitative and geospatial analysis.
โข Thematic or area-based analytical reports featuring original data models or forecasts.
โข At least one live, interactive dashboard covering a thematic or sectoral priority.
โข Repository/database of cleaned and structured quantitative datasets relevant to Syria and the region.
โข Visual content (maps, graphs, charts, infographics) for CA-SYR products, formatted for both online and offline use.
โข Methodological briefs or toolkits outlining approaches to specific analyses (e.g., remote sensing, composite indicators, regression models).
โข Written and verbal briefings tailored for internal teams or external partners.
โข Technical inputs into concept notes and proposals for research or analytical products.
Timeframe / Schedule:
Full-time consultancy for six months, renewable based on the availability of funding
The Consultant will report to:
CAโSYR Deputy Director
The Consultant will work closely with:
CAโSYR team, technical advisors, program staff
Required Experience & Skills:
โข 5-10 years of experience in relevant technical field is required
โข Masters Degree in Economics, Political Science, Data Analysis, Geography/GIS or a related field is required
โข Excellent written and verbal communication in English and Arabic
โข At least 4 years of analytical experience within a think-tank, UN, or NGO experience; experience analyzing the Middle East conflict is a plus
โข Proven experience with geospatial analysis using GIS tools/platforms such as ArcGIS, CartoDB, and QGIS
โข Demonstrated expertise in Google Earth Engine (GEE) for satellite image processing, environmental monitoring, or spatial modeling is required
โข Experience in hydrological analysis, including watershed modeling, surface water monitoring, or drought assessment using remote sensing and geospatial tools is a plus.
โข Proven experience in statistical programming for quantitative analysis using software/platforms such as R, Python, SPSS, STATA, or similar tools
โข Experience producing dashboards using PowerBI or other tools (R Shiny) is an asset
โข Experience in data processing, manipulation, and database management. Experience with SQL is an asset
โข Primary and secondary research/academic experience in political science, sociology, economics, or conflict analysis
โข Experience in economic analysis, reporting, and forecasting is an asset.
โข Experience with big data analysis is an asset.
โข Experience with visualization design, with tools such as Adobe In-Design and/or Illustrator is an asset.
Team Engagement and Effectiveness
Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and
motivated to do their best work.
We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.