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WHO-Political Economy Analysis (PEA) for Health System Recovery in Syria-P5-Damascus, Syria
Damascus, SyriaPosition Title: Political Economy Analysis (PEA) for Health System Recovery in Syria
Receiving Agency: WHO
P Level: P5
Location: Damascus, Syria
Duration: Until 31 October 2025
Language: Fluency in English required, working knowledge of Arabic highly desirable.
1. Background
The Syrian health system operates within a politically fragmented landscape, shaped by fifty years of underinvestment in the public health sector and over a decade of conflict, de facto governance arrangements, and regional disparities in resource allocation and service provision. These dynamics have significantly influenced the delivery of healthcare, the functionality of public institutions, and the coordination of external aid.
In this context, a Political Economy Analysis (PEA) is essential to understand the underlying political, institutional, economic, and social factors that drive decision-making, influence stakeholder behaviour, and shape the prospects for health system recovery. A well-executed PEA will illuminate formal and informal structures, competing interests, incentive systems, and power dynamics that affect health governance, aid effectiveness, and policy implementation.
A special focus of this PEA will be on understanding the implications of integrating the regional health systems in Northwest (NWS) and Northeast Syria (NES) with the broader national health system. Additionally, the analysis will explore opportunities to advance a “peace-through-health” approach, contributing to reconciliation and stability through inclusive, accountable health service delivery.
2. Objective
To analyse how political, economic, and institutional dynamics influence health system recovery efforts in Syria, and to provide actionable insights that can inform context-sensitive, equitable, and sustainable strategies for strengthening health governance and service delivery.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will carry out political economy analysis using internationally recognized methodologies (e.g., WHO, DFID, World Bank, or UNDP frameworks), adapted to the Syrian context. The scope includes, but is not limited to:
3.1 Inception Phase
3.2 Stakeholder Mapping and Power Analysis
WHO dissemination (besides dissemination workshop)
4. Key Deliverables
5. Duration and Location
6. Management and Reporting
7. Qualifications and Competencies
Required:
Receiving Agency: WHO
P Level: P5
Location: Damascus, Syria
Duration: Until 31 October 2025
Language: Fluency in English required, working knowledge of Arabic highly desirable.
1. Background
The Syrian health system operates within a politically fragmented landscape, shaped by fifty years of underinvestment in the public health sector and over a decade of conflict, de facto governance arrangements, and regional disparities in resource allocation and service provision. These dynamics have significantly influenced the delivery of healthcare, the functionality of public institutions, and the coordination of external aid.
In this context, a Political Economy Analysis (PEA) is essential to understand the underlying political, institutional, economic, and social factors that drive decision-making, influence stakeholder behaviour, and shape the prospects for health system recovery. A well-executed PEA will illuminate formal and informal structures, competing interests, incentive systems, and power dynamics that affect health governance, aid effectiveness, and policy implementation.
A special focus of this PEA will be on understanding the implications of integrating the regional health systems in Northwest (NWS) and Northeast Syria (NES) with the broader national health system. Additionally, the analysis will explore opportunities to advance a “peace-through-health” approach, contributing to reconciliation and stability through inclusive, accountable health service delivery.
To analyse how political, economic, and institutional dynamics influence health system recovery efforts in Syria, and to provide actionable insights that can inform context-sensitive, equitable, and sustainable strategies for strengthening health governance and service delivery.
The consultant will carry out political economy analysis using internationally recognized methodologies (e.g., WHO, DFID, World Bank, or UNDP frameworks), adapted to the Syrian context. The scope includes, but is not limited to:
3.1 Inception Phase
- Develop an Inception Report detailing:
- Research framework and guiding questions
- Data collection methods (interviews, document review, focus groups)
- Stakeholder engagement strategy
- Timeline and work plan
- Ethical considerations and risk mitigation measures
3.2 Stakeholder Mapping and Power Analysis
- Identify and map key actors, including:
- Government institutions (central and local)
- De facto authorities
- Donors and multilateral organizations
- NGOs and civil society
- Academic and research institutions
- Communities and marginalized groups
- Assess stakeholders' roles, interests, influence, and relationships, with a special focus on NES integration issues.
- Examine:
- Political and institutional structures impacting the health sector
- Resource distribution and financing mechanisms
- Formal policies vs. informal practices
- Regional governance dynamics (especially NES)
- Peacebuilding and reconciliation opportunities within the health sector
- Prepare a Preliminary Findings Presentation for internal and stakeholder review
- Conduct validation sessions with WHO, MoH, and partners to refine conclusions
- Produce a Final PEA Report detailing findings, analysis, and strategic recommendations
- Draft a Policy Brief for high-level stakeholders
- Facilitate a Dissemination Workshop to present findings and support their application in health recovery planning
WHO dissemination (besides dissemination workshop)
- Presentation at Health Sector Coordination Meeting (co-chaired by MoH)
- Share policy brief with MoH and other relevant stakeholders
- Presentation to FCDO
- Presentation to other relevant donors (forum to be decided)
- Publication in peer-reviewed journal
4. Key Deliverables
| # | Deliverable | Description |
| 1 | Inception Report | Detailed research plan, methodology, and stakeholder map |
| 2 | Stakeholder Mapping and Power Analysis | Analysis of actors, interests, and influence |
| 3 | Contextual Analysis Report | Report on political, economic, and institutional factors |
| 4 | Preliminary Findings Presentation | Stakeholder presentation for feedback and validation |
| 5 | Final PEA Report | Comprehensive report with findings and recommendations |
| 6 | Policy Brief | Concise summary for policymakers and donors |
| 7 | Dissemination Workshop | Facilitation of findings presentation and discussion |
- Estimated Duration: ASAP until 31 October
- Location: mix of remote and presential based in Damascus with possible local travel (if feasible)
- The consultant will report to the WHO Senior Public Health
- Coordination will be required with:
- Syrian Ministry of Health and relevant directorates
- International and local partners
- Donor and academic representatives as needed
7. Qualifications and Competencies
Required:
- Advanced degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Health, Development Studies, or related field
- At least 7–10 years of experience in political economy analysis, governance, or institutional reform in fragile/conflict-affected settings
- Proven track record in conducting high-quality PEA
- Deep understanding of Middle Eastern political and health governance contexts
- Excellent analytical, writing, and facilitation skills
- Fluency in English (required), working knowledge of Arabic (highly desirable)
- Familiarity with the Syrian context and/or the health sector in protracted crises
- Experience working with UN agencies, WHO, or major donors in humanitarian or development settings
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