A landmark evaluation provides the first in-depth assessment of the program’s impact on livelihoods, service access, and community resilience in conflict-affected Syria.

Background

UNDP Syria had been actively involved in a Resilience Building and Early Recovery Programme since the onset of the crisis. The program’s primary objective was to bolster the resilience of the Syrian population in the face of ongoing challenges, enabling those whose livelihoods had been severely affected to recover and rebuild their lives. This effort included providing rapid employment opportunities and improving access to basic services, with a particular emphasis on marginalized groups such as female-headed households, persons with disabilities, and youth. 

The program operated on an area-based approach, collaborating with a diverse range of partners, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community and Faith-Based Organizations (CBOs, FBOs), and national institutions. UNDP Syria also directly implemented certain aspects of the program in cooperation with local communities and the private sector. 

To assess the program’s effectiveness, Triangle conducted a systematic evaluation, measuring how well the initiative strengthened community resilience, improved livelihoods, and enhanced service access for vulnerable populations.

The Challenge

Evaluating resilience in a protracted crisis required a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that could capture both short-term recovery efforts and long-term sustainability. Key challenges included assessing how communities adapted to shocks, the effectiveness of rapid employment initiatives, and whether improvements in services reached the most vulnerable groups. Additionally, the study had to determine whether the program’s area-based approach and partnerships effectively enhanced recovery efforts across diverse geographic and socio-economic contexts.

Our Approach

The assessment applied a systems approach to resilience analysis, integrating the OECD framework with the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to examine community well-being across multiple asset categories. The methodology followed a structured, three-phase process: 

1.Inception Phase 

• Conducted a literature review and inception interviews. 
• Developed research tools, including surveys and qualitative interview guides.

2. Implementation Phase 

• Collected data through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. 
• Engaged stakeholders across affected communities, ensuring diverse representation. 

3.Analysis & Reporting Phase 

• Applied grounded theory for qualitative data and statistical analysis for quantitative findings. 
• Produced a series of reports, integrating feedback from UNDP Syria. 

Results and Impact

The evaluation provided UNDP Syria with evidence-based insights to enhance program effectiveness: 

• Strengthened Livelihoods and Service Access: The study assessed how rapid employment and service provision improved economic security and resilience for affected populations. 
• Effectiveness of Area-Based Approaches: Findings highlighted the role of localized interventions and partnerships in achieving more sustainable recovery outcomes. 
• Informed Policy and Program Adjustments: The evaluation’s recommendations guided refinements in program design, ensuring better targeting of marginalized groups and more efficient resource allocation. 

Looking Ahead

By collaborating with UNDP Syria and other development partners, Triangle remains committed to enhancing sustainable solutions that empower communities and drive long-term recovery in conflict-affected regions. Triangle will continue to spearhead contributions to evidence-based resilience programming by evaluating recovery efforts and strengthening community adaptation strategies.