Remote and unpaid internship (Research and Proposal Development Conflict Analysis, Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion in Syrianew

Organization: Trust Consultancy & Development (TCD)
Location: Remote – Open to candidates worldwide
Duration: 4–6 months
Working arrangements: Flexible, part-time or full-time, with 1–2 online meetings per week
Remuneration: Unpaid
Starting date: As soon as possible

1. About Trust Consultancy & Development

Trust Consultancy & Development (TCD) is an independent research, third-party monitoring, and evaluation consultancy headquartered in Gaziantep, Türkiye, with sister companies in Pakistan and Iraq. Trust provides research, assessments, evaluations, data collection, and capacity development services to international organizations, NGOs, and donors across Syria, Türkiye, Iraq, and other countries.

Website: https://trustconsultancy.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trust.inc/

2. About the Internship

Trust is seeking a motivated Research and Proposal Development Intern to support research and technical proposal development related to conflict analysis, peacebuilding, social cohesion, and community resilience in Syria.

The intern will initially contribute to a technical proposal for a nationwide study covering Syria's 14 governorates. A major component of the internship will involve conducting a comprehensive literature review lasting up to three months on local conflict dynamics, sources of tension, peacebuilding, and community resilience in Syria.

The position offers flexible working arrangements, practical research experience, and regular guidance from Trust's experienced research and consultancy team.

3. Main Tasks and Responsibilities

A. Literature Review and Research (Up to Three Months)

• Identify, review, and synthesize academic literature, research reports, assessments, and policy documents concerning Syria.
• Examine conflict drivers, historical grievances, displacement, identity-based tensions, governance, economic inequalities, and environmental pressures, particularly developments since December 2024.
• Analyze peacebuilding initiatives, reconciliation mechanisms, social cohesion, and community resilience.
• Review the roles of local authorities, civil society, religious and traditional leaders, women, youth, and marginalized groups.
• Develop a structured literature database, thematic evidence matrix, and research summaries.
• Prepare a consolidated literature review report identifying key findings, evidence gaps, and recommendations.

B. Technical Proposal Development

• Support the preparation of technical proposals for research and evaluation assignments.
• Contribute to context analysis, research methodologies, sampling approaches, and data collection tools.
• Assist with stakeholder mapping, research ethics, conflict sensitivity, and inclusion considerations.
• Support proposal editing, documentation, and internal coordination.

C. Knowledge Management

• Prepare short research briefs, analytical summaries, and presentations.
• Organize research resources and contribute to Trust's knowledge-sharing activities.

4. Candidate Qualifications

Essential:

• University student, recent graduate, or early-career professional in political science, international relations, peace and conflict studies, sociology, development studies, or related disciplines.
• Strong interest in Syria's conflict dynamics, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.
• Good analytical, literature review, and academic writing skills.
• Very good written English; Arabic is a strong asset.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and participate in 1–2 online meetings weekly.

Desirable:

• Master's degree or postgraduate studies in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of the Syrian context and humanitarian/development sectors.
• Experience in qualitative or quantitative research, literature reviews, or proposal development.
• Familiarity with reference-management tools and research software.

5. Internship Arrangements and Learning Opportunities

This is a 4–6 month, remote, unpaid internship, with flexible working hours agreed upon with the supervisor.

The intern will receive guidance through 1–2 weekly online meetings and regular feedback on assigned tasks.

The internship provides opportunities to strengthen research and analytical writing skills, gain exposure to international consultancy projects, learn technical proposal development, and develop expertise in conflict analysis and peacebuilding.

An internship completion certificate may be issued following satisfactory completion of the agreed assignments.