Careers

Senior Full Stack Developer (Remote Consultancy)

Founded in 2012, The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting meaningful justice for Syria that holds perpetrators accountable and addresses the grievances of victims, leading to lasting peace and respect for human rights. Bayanat is an open-source data management tool that SJAC created for storing and analyzing large amounts of data, including evidence of human rights violations.

Developers are key contributors to SJAC’s database development team that develops web-based applications and backend services. SJAC’s uses open-source technologies (Linux, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Python, Nginx, JavaScript) to craft these applications. We use cloud providers to host our servers and applications. Our applications are bilingual using both Arabic and English. Our application needs are challenging with media-intensive content and diverse data-sources. We use modern technologies but with an emphasis on reliability, scaling, and maintainability. We function as an agile, mission-driven team with a focus on close collaboration with our users.

SJAC anticipates issuing a year-long consultancy, for approximately 160 hours per month, with options for renewal.

Scope of Work:

Build, debug and maintain user interfaces using modern front-end technologies.
Support end-users with their issues. Interact with end-users to understand and provide solutions.
Troubleshoot and work on deployment tasks.
Develop web backends using a Python-based web framework.
Integrate with APIs and code created by other team members or open APIs such as Google Maps, YouTube, Amazon S3 etc.
Participate in code reviews and agile, test-driven processes.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field. Significant work experience in web development may be acceptable in lieu of a formal degree in these areas.
At least three years web development experience, with at least two years of Python (Django/Flask), JavaScript/HTML/CSS (Vue/React) development experience. Optionally Nodejs.
Experience with technologies such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Nginx, AWS, and Git.
Strong understanding of web architecture and principles such as REST, and Agile.
Excellent team communication and collaboration skills. Strong work ethic, commitment to accuracy, and ability to handle confidential information. Fast learner, self-starter and is comfortable with deadlines.
Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team; must be a team player and demonstrate a sense of responsibility and sensitivity in dealing with diverse audiences.
Experience working with mission-oriented non-governmental organizations similar to SJAC.
Ability to function professionally and effectively in verbal and written English and Arabic.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience with distributed web-scraping techniques.
Experience with database systems and optimizations.
Experience with optimizing application performance and scaling techniques.
Familiarity with modern DevOps concepts, and Cloud concepts.
Exposure to human rights work.

SJAC is a diverse organization made up of 40+ team members around the globe. We pride ourselves in our ability to implement programming that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all Syrians, and believe that our own team’s diversity of viewpoints and experiences helps us to achieve that goal. We encourage all interested applicants to apply, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter by email to hiring[@]syriaaccountability[.]org using the subject line “Senior Full Stack Developer –[your name]”. Included in your cover letter should be a proposed hourly rate for your services. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a Preferred Vendor list is established.

Program Associate

Location: Washington, DC

Position: Exempt

Reports To: Program Officer

About SJAC

SJAC is a leading Syrian transitional justice organization striving to prevent impunity, promote redress, and facilitate principled reform by documenting violations, processing and preserving data, and collaborating directly with policymakers, justice mechanisms, and victims to lay the groundwork for holistic justice.

Position Summary

SJAC is seeking a full-time Program Associate to provide programmatic and administrative support in the day-to-day administration of SJAC activities from its headquarters in Washington DC. The Program Associate will support SJAC’s policy, tech, and investigations teams. The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States and willing to relocate to the Washington Metropolitan area.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Program Officer, provide administrative, logistical, and communications support for the SJAC team.
Assist in project implementation, including in partnership coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and budget management.
Draft and monitor consulting agreements, contracts, and subgrants.
Act as primary liaison with the SJAC Board of Directors and Advisory Board; draft monthly internal updates for the Board.
Manage vetting processes for all SJAC consultants and subgrantees.
Provide logistics and operations support including purchasing items for SJAC and arranging travel accommodations for SJAC staff and Board members
Support the research and writing of SJAC’s human rights and transitional justice reports and blog articles.
Support senior staff in researching and developing proposals and other tasks as deemed necessary for new business development.
Coordinate online webinars and podcasts and in-person events for policymakers, experts, and Syrian audiences.

Skills and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Middle East Studies, Political Science, or related field. Advanced degree an asset.
Minimum one year of professional administrative experience (including internships) in an international organization or similar institution.
Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail, ability to prioritize and multi-task, and ability to work under and adhere to tight deadlines.
Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team; must be a team player and demonstrate a sense of responsibility and sensitivity in dealing with diverse audiences.
Experience working in or knowledge of the Middle East.
Interest in the field of human rights and transitional justice.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Experience in a non-profit setting, working on programs that receive government grants preferred.
Experience using Excel and familiarity with Google Suite, and livestreaming services
Knowledge of Arabic preferred, but not required.

Salary: Starting salary is dependent on education and experience within established bands of compensation. SJAC anticipates offering a starting salary of $50,000.

Other Benefits and/or Policies include:

SJAC has a hybrid work policy. While employees are occasionally expected to report to the office for in person events or meetings, they are otherwise free to split their working time between our DC office and their home within the Washington metropolitan area according to their preferences.

Vacation Leave: 10 days in the 1st year; 15 days in years 1-2 and 20 days in years 3+; Flex Fridays, every other Friday
Family and Sick Leave: 10 days/year
Annual Holidays: At least 13 holidays including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Savings and Retirement Plans: automatic 2% employer contribution, and up to 7% matching contribution
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Short-term disability and life insurance
Worker’s compensation insurance and unemployment insurance

To apply, please send an email with the subject line “Program Associate” to [email protected], providing a cover letter, resume, and writing sample of less than 10 pages. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Program Officer

Location: Washington, DC

Position: Exempt

Reports To: Senior Program Officer

About SJAC

Position Summary

SJAC seeks an entrepreneurial and collaborative staff member with a deep understanding of human rights in the Syrian context to (1) oversee implementation of three of SJAC’s major awards and (2) manage the growth of SJAC’s capacity building programs.

SJAC receives three separate awards that together fund its core portfolio of work, including field documentation, data analysis, and publications on human rights and transitional justice in Syria. The Program Officer will be responsible for collaborating with various team leads to ensure that SJAC is meeting project timelines, effectively monitoring and evaluating activities, and communicating clearly with donors. With support from SJAC’s staff, the PO will also manage award budgets.

In addition to award management, the PO will oversee the growth of SJAC’s capacity building efforts, including its online training platform, live coaching sessions, and in person training opportunities. Depending on the skills of the selected candidate, the PO may also conduct trainings with partner Syrian organizations.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Manage SJAC’s core awards, including tracking project deliverables, budgets, and workplan. Conduct monthly calls with program team to keep activities on track.
Design, collect, and analyze M&E indicators, and share with team leads to ensure that project activities are updated as needed.
Participate in regular calls with SJAC management to share project progress and challenges.
Produce quarterly and annual reporting for donors, and participate in periodic donor calls.
Oversee SJAC’s Program Associate, who will provide administrative and logistic support
Coordinate among SJAC’s various human rights trainers, to ensure regular, impactful trainings, both online and in person, on topics including human rights documentation, data analysis, and transitional justice.

Skills and Experience

University degree (Masters preferred) in human rights, international affairs, or another relevant field.
Knowledge of the Syrian conflict, associated human rights violations, and transitional justice processes.
3+ years of experience in project management, including donor reporting, budget management, and monitoring and evaluation. Experience in USG award compliance, including familiarity with the 2CFR200, is a plus.
Attention to detail and the ability to coordinate complex schedules among a large network of partners
Sensitivity to dangers of secondary trauma and working with graphic materials
Experience designing and implementing gender sensitive projects, including projects seeking to document violations experienced by women, girls, and other communities with barriers to access, is a plus.
Proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of Arabic a plus.

Pay and Benefits:

Starting salary is dependent on education and experience within established bands of compensation. SJAC anticipates a starting salary between $65,000-70,000.

Other Benefits and/or Policies include:

Vacation Leave: 10 days in the 1^st year; 15 days in years 1-2 and 20 days in years 3+; Flex Fridays, every other Friday
Family and Sick Leave: 10 days/year
Annual Holidays: At least 13 holidays including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Savings and Retirement Plans: automatic 2% employer contribution, and up to 7% matching contribution
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Short-term disability and life insurance
Worker’s compensation insurance and unemployment insurance

To apply, please send an email with the subject line “Program Officer” to [email protected], providing a cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Internship

The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) is looking for a motivated intern with an interest in transitional justice and the conflict in Syria. SJAC accepts applications from current undergraduate, graduate and law students, as well as recent graduates. Interns are responsible for communicating SJAC’s message to Syrians and the international community as well as supporting SJAC’s analysis and research. They are encouraged to pursue their own research, as long as it contributes to SJAC’s mission to prevent impunity, promote redress for victims, and facilitate principled institutional reform in Syria.

SJAC offers internships for the fall and spring semesters.

Applicants must be based in DC, Maryland, or Virginia during the internship.

Tasks of an SJAC intern include:

Maintain SJAC’s social media accounts and promoting new analysis and events
Design relevant communications materials, including infographics and factsheets
Assist in maintaining the SJAC website, including updating the Transitional Justice Library
Provide research support for SJAC articles and reports
Write blog posts on issues related to Syria and transitional justice
Assist in editing SJAC reports
Create administrative materials such as spreadsheets, media trackers, polls, etc
Other duties as assigned

Strong English proficiency is required. Arabic proficiency is preferred, but not required. Knowledge of WordPress, MailChimp, Google Analytics, Excel, and Adobe Suites is strongly desired. Interns must be able to work from the SJAC office in Washington, DC and are paid at the rate of $16.10/hour. Internships are typically 15 hours per week.

To apply:

Please send an email to hiring(at)syriaaccountability.org with your resume, a cover letter, three professional or academic references, and a writing sample not to exceed 800 words. The writing sample should be an example blog post that demonstrates your knowledge of transitional justice and the Syrian conflict. Please see SJAC’s website for recent examples. In the subject line of your email and in your cover letter, please be sure to include the term for which you are applying [Fall / Spring].

Number of Positions: 1

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

AA/EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled

Job Types: Part-time, Internship

Job Type: Internship

Salary: $16.10 per hour

Work Location: One location