Remote and Unpaid Internship (Research – Value Chain) Agricultural and Livestock Value Chains in Syrianew

Organization: Trust Consultancy & Development (TCD)
Location: Remote – Open to candidates worldwide
Duration: 4 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 motivated Agricultural and Livestock Value Chain Research Interns to join a multidisciplinary research team working on agricultural and livestock value chain assessments in Syria.

The interns will work alongside experienced researchers, agricultural and veterinary specialists, and market systems experts on a four-month research project, contributing to value chain analysis, literature reviews, data analysis, and report preparation.

The research will focus on agricultural and livestock value chains, including wheat, vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy, and related products, examining production systems, market dynamics, economic opportunities, and constraints affecting the recovery and development of these sectors in Syria.

As members of the research team, interns will participate in regular coordination meetings, receive technical guidance, and contribute to specific research assignments under the supervision of senior team members.

The internship offers practical experience in applied research, value chain assessments, and technical consultancy projects.

3. Main Tasks and Responsibilities

A. Literature Review and Research

• Conduct desk research and literature reviews on selected agricultural and livestock value chains in Syria.
• Review academic publications, agricultural statistics, sector assessments, market studies, and relevant policies.
• Examine agricultural production, livestock health and productivity, processing, storage, marketing, and supply chains.
• Identify key market actors, production constraints, costs, trade flows, and economic opportunities.
• Analyze the impacts of conflict, climate change, water scarcity, and economic challenges on agricultural and livestock sectors.
• Develop structured literature databases, evidence matrices, and research summaries.

B. Value Chain Assessment and Analysis

• Work with the research team to support agricultural and livestock value chain assessments.
• Assist in mapping value chain actors, market linkages, and supporting services.
• Contribute to the development and review of research methodologies and data collection tools.
• Support the analysis of research findings and identification of value chain constraints and development opportunities.
• Assist in preparing technical reports, findings, and recommendations.

C. Research Coordination and Knowledge Management

• Participate in 1–2 weekly online coordination meetings with the research team.
• Prepare short research briefs, analytical summaries, and presentations.
• Organize research materials, references, and project documentation.
• Support technical proposal development and other relevant research activities when required.

4. Candidate Qualifications

Essential:

• University degree or ongoing postgraduate studies in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Agronomy, or closely related disciplines.
• Relevant academic, research, or practical experience in agriculture, livestock production, veterinary services, or agricultural value chains.
• Strong interest in agricultural development, food security, and economic recovery in Syria.
• Good analytical, literature review, and report-writing skills.
• Very good written English; Arabic is a strong asset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a remote research team.
• Availability to participate in 1–2 online meetings weekly throughout the four-month project.

Desirable:

• Master's degree or postgraduate studies in a relevant discipline.
• Knowledge of Syria's agricultural and livestock sectors.
• Experience in value chain analysis, market systems development, agricultural research, or food security programming.
• Familiarity with quantitative or qualitative research methods, Excel, and reference-management tools.
• Previous involvement in research projects, assessments, or technical proposal development.

5. Internship Arrangements and Learning Opportunities

This is a four-month, remote, unpaid internship, with flexible working hours agreed upon with the research team supervisor.

Interns will be integrated into an established multidisciplinary research team and will receive technical guidance, regular feedback, and opportunities to participate in research discussions and analytical work.

The internship provides opportunities to strengthen research and analytical writing skills, gain practical experience in agricultural and livestock value chain assessments, and develop an understanding of market systems analysis and technical consultancy assignments.

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