Lead Economist - Syria

Labour Economics | Development Economics | Political Economy

360 Consulting is preparing a competitive bid for an applied economic study on what returns from Lebanon and Jordan to Syria mean economically. The study will cover three to four main return areas. It will look at employment, markets, housing, services and investment, and at the cross-border economic ties that continue. It will assess how far local areas can absorb returnees and identify practical measures that benefit both returnees and existing residents, as input to a wider regional analysis. The study looks at economic conditions only. It does not assess whether return is safe, voluntary and dignified. We are looking for an experienced Lead Economist to provide technical and analytical leadership within our proposed team, working with Syrian research partners. Engagement is subject to the contract being awarded.

INDICATIVE SCOPE OF WORK

• Lead the analytical framework, research design, data review and economic analysis.

• Analyse:

  • labour demand, skills alignment and employment outcomes
  • market and housing pressures
  • service capacity and investment constraints
  • cross-border economic connections
• Review and assess the available displacement, return, labour-market and economic data, including how good the data is and where it falls short.
• Guide Syrian research partners, including remotely. Oversee data quality and triangulate quantitative and qualitative findings, with due attention to ethics, conflict sensitivity and analytical limitations.
• Contribute to the inception report, the country report, actionable recommendations, validation and the regional synthesis.

REQUIRED PROFILE

• An advanced degree in economics, development economics, political economy or a closely related field. A PhD is an advantage.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in development economics, political economy or a related field, including leading mixed-methods research in Syria.
• Strong knowledge of Syria’s economy and of the main return areas.
• Experience managing Syrian research partners, including remotely, and working with displacement and economic data.
• Sound grasp of research ethics, conflict sensitivity and data protection.
• Fluent in Arabic, with excellent analytical writing in English and relevant published research.

Level of effort, fees and working arrangements will be agreed during proposal development.

Please submit (i) a current CV; (ii) a brief note on relevant experience and confirmed availability from mid-November 2026; (iii) up to two research publications or work samples; and (iv) an indicative daily rate.