1. Background

DOOR Beyond War invites Syrian and Turkish civil society organizations (CSOs), refugee-led organizations (RLOs), and (non-registered) community-based groups in Gaziantep, Türkiye, to apply for a comprehensive Research Skills Training Program designed to strengthen their capacity to conduct high-quality, community-driven research and advocacy. As an organization dedicated to empowering refugees and migrants through participatory approaches, DOOR has extensive experience facilitating dialogue between communities and local decision makers, promoting social cohesion, and supporting evidence-based solutions to displacement challenges. Selected organizations will receive tailored training and mentorship to implement their own research projects, equipping them with the tools to influence policies and amplify the voices of those they serve.

1. Objectives of the Training

   This program is designed to empower Syrian and Turkish CSOs and RLOs to conduct community-driven research that addresses critical issues affecting refugees and migrants in Gaziantep. Through a participatory approach, participants will identify research topics that directly reflect their communities’ priorities, ensuring relevance and immediate applicability. The training aims to:

• Equip participants with essential qualitative and quantitative research methodologies tailored to refugee contexts, while the research tools will be selected by participants themselves.

• Enhance skills in ethical and participatory data collection, analysis, and report writing for policy influence, which will be collected and printed into a book.

• Support organizations in transforming findings into evidence-based programs and advocacy campaigns.

• Foster a sustainable network of researchers to share knowledge, resources, and best practices, and to build social capital among Turkish and Syrian organizations.

  By focusing on locally identified priorities – whether legal protection gaps, state service access barriers, or social cohesion challenges – participants will develop research topics that both document realities and drive meaningful change.

1. Key Components:

• Phase 1: Training on Research Design & Ethical Data Collection Tools (Qualitative/ Quantitative).
• Phase 2: Participatory Action Research (PAR) Implementation and Data Collection – Co-Designed with Participants.
• Phase 3: Data Analysis, Report Writing and Producing a Collective Book.

1. Eligibility Criteria

Applicant organizations must:

1. Be a registered or non-registered Syrian or Turkish CSO or RLO, operating in Gaziantep – Türkiye.
2. Demonstrate interest in conducting research related to humanitarian, development or social issues.
3. Have at least 1 staff member available to attend the full five days of research training (if the CSO/RLO is Turkish: a staff member who speaks and writes fluent Arabic would be eligible).
4. Commit to implementing a research/advocacy project after the training (with mentorship support) for two years (including advocacy training in the second year).
5. Training Details

Format: In-person Only

Duration: Training: Five Days.

Topics Covered in the Training: Research design, data collection tools, ethical considerations, data analysis, report writing and dissemination.

Support Provided: Training and mentorship.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by DOOR’s selection committee based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated experience working on refugee/migrant issues in Gaziantep.
• Currently based and operational in Gaziantep.
• Commitment to utilizing research skills post-training for advocacy or program development during the two years commitment period.
• Clear interest in evidence-based approaches to address community challenges.

– Priority will be given to:

• Women-led organizations
• Youth-led initiatives.
• Community-based groups with direct refugee representation.
• Organizations serving vulnerable populations (persons with disabilities, the elderly, etc.).

1. Deadline for Applications

12 June 2025, 23:59 Istanbul Time Zone

How to Apply:

1. How to Apply

Interested organizations should submit:

• Completed Application Form (see below)
• Motivation Letter (one page) explaining why you want to participate and how this research will benefit your organization.
• Submission and Contact Information
• Submit applications via the link https://forms.gle/umGt54T8CQaMkasr6
• For inquiries, contact: contact@doorbeyondwar.org