Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organization. We seek to build a society that guarantees freedom of expression and belief, human rights, and justice. Our vision is a democratic world based on justice, freedom, equality, and respect for human rights and dignity.
Within the framework of the Media and Freedoms Program, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression seeks to promote freedom of the press by launching a National Press Freedom Index. As part of this process, it plans to develop a clear and transparent methodology for measuring the reality of media and expression, and analyzing trends, including a participatory mechanism for discussion and evaluation that contributes to strengthening the media environment and advocating for the rights of journalists.
Therefore, the SCM is looking for a researcher to prepare the mentioned methodology in accordance with the attached terms of reference.
Terms of Reference
Purchase of services (Researcher)
- General Objective:
- To design and develop a scientific methodology for the National Index of Media and Expression Freedom in Syria.
- The Detailed Objectives:
- To develop indicators that conform to international standards and are adapted to the Syrian context.
- To design measurable tools for quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- To adapt the tools to artificial intelligence to ensure ease of monitoring.
- To ensure the ability to generate periodic reports based on monitoring and measurement results.
- Detailed Tasks:
- Conduct a desk study of international media and expression freedom indicators, and adapt it to the Syrian context (first month of contract).
- Conduct opinion polls to develop the measurement tool (second month).
- Conduct interviews, focus group discussions, and in-depth sessions with stakeholders (second month).
- Draft the methodology (mid-third month).
- Facilitate two in-person discussion sessions (two local workshops in Damascus) with relevant officials, experts, and journalists to review the methodology (end of the third month).
- Submit an updated version of the methodology and indicators, addressing the recorded feedback (fourth month).
- Qualifications and skills required:
- At least a Master’s degree in a relevant field (preferably in law, media, or human rights).
- A minimum of ten years of experience in media, international law, or human rights.
- Advanced knowledge of international freedom of media and expression standards.
- Proven experience in preparing research and studies related to the required methodology.
- Ability to translate legal frameworks into practical tools that are sensitive to the local context.
- Advanced analytical skills.
The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression is an independent, non-governmental, and non-profit civil society organization. It works to build a society that guarantees freedom of expression and belief, human rights, and access to justice. Its vision is a democratic world based on justice, freedom, and equality, respecting human dignity and rights.
Within the framework of the Media and Freedoms Program, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression seeks to promote media and expression freedom by launching a national index for press freedom . As part of this endeavor, the Center plans to develop a clear and transparent methodology for measuring the reality of media and expression, and analyzing trends, including a participatory mechanism for discussion and evaluation that contributes to strengthening the media environment and advocating for the rights of journalists.
Accordingly, the center is seeking a researcher to develop the aforementioned methodology in accordance with the attached terms of reference.
Terms of Reference:
Service Provider (Researcher)
- General objective:
- Design and development of the scientific methodology for the National Index of Media and Expression Freedom in Syria
- Detailed objectives:
- Developing indicators that conform to international standards and are compatible with the Syrian context.
- Designing tools that are measurable and capable of quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Adapting the tools to artificial intelligence to ensure ease of monitoring.
- Ensuring the ability to generate periodic reports from monitoring and measurement results
- Detailed tasks:
- Conduct a desk study of international media and expression freedom indicators and what needs to be adapted to the Syrian context (first month of contract).
- Conducting opinion polls to develop the measurement tool (second month).
- Conducting interviews, focused discussion sessions, and in-depth sessions with stakeholders (second month).
- Draft the methodology (mid-third month)
- Facilitating two physical discussion sessions (two local workshops in Damascus) involving relevant officials, experts and journalists to review the methodology (end of the third month).
- Submit an updated version of the methodology and indicators, addressing the recorded feedback (fourth month).
- Required qualifications and skills:
- At least a master’s degree in a relevant field (preferably in law, media, or human rights).
- At least ten years of experience in the field of media, international law or human rights
- Advanced knowledge of international standards for freedom of the press and expression.
- Proven experience in preparing research and studies related to the required methodology.
- The ability to transform legal frameworks into practical tools that take into account the local context.
- Advanced analytical skills
How to apply
Required documents:
CV proving the required experience and qualifications.At least two references from previous work.Financial offer including:The required Financial compensation.The validity of the offer (duration- date)
Application Link:
Email for any questions or explanations
To: Ebaa.munzer@scm.ngo
C.C: Marwan.h@scm.ngo
Evaluation criteria:
Experience (70%)Financial offer (30%)
Contract duration:
Until the complete execution of the obligations of the contract (about four months)
Deadline for submission of the offers:
31st March 2026 (5:00 P.M Paris time)
Expected starting date of execution:
3rd April 2026
Documents required for application:
A CV detailing the required experience and qualifications. At least two work references. A financial offer including: the desired compensation. Offer validity period (work duration – expiry date).
Application link:
https://forms.gle/e5ZBEjQcTQWPUbQD9
Email for questions
To: Ebaa.munzer@scm.ngo
Copy to: Marwan.h@scm.ngo
Evaluation criteria:
Experience and qualifications (70%) Financial offer (30%)
Contract duration:
Until the contractual obligations are fully implemented (within a period of approximately four months).
Application deadline:
March 31, 2026 (5 pm Paris time)
Expected start date for implementation:
April 3, 2026