The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) is recruiting a Project Manager (Consultant)
SJAC Seeks Project Manager for Missing Persons Initiative in Syria
The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) is recruiting a Project Manager (Consultant) to lead field operations under its Missing Persons Project. This remote position plays a pivotal role in documenting missing persons cases, strengthening forensic capacity, and supporting families searching for loved ones lost under ISIS rule.
About the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre
Founded in 2012, SJAC is a nonprofit organisation committed to advancing justice and accountability for Syria. Through documentation, legal analysis, and community engagement, SJAC works to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and the rights and needs of victims are recognised. Its work contributes to sustainable peace and respect for human rights.
Role Overview
The Project Manager will oversee a wide range of field-based and partner-focused activities relating to missing persons. The role requires coordination across documentation teams, forensic partners, community networks, and humanitarian organisations. While the position is remote, preference will be given to candidates who can travel to Raqqa and other areas in Northeast Syria to meet partners and beneficiaries.
SJAC anticipates the consultant will work 19–22 days per month.
Core Responsibilities
Field Team Leadership
- Manage a team of documentation coordinators conducting interviews with victims and families of those missing under ISIS.
- Ensure high-quality, ethical, and secure information collection.
Direct Documentation Activities
- Conduct interviews and gather testimonies directly from victims and their families.
- Oversee safe and timely transfer of documentation to SJAC headquarters.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
- Maintain strong relationships with local actors and keep them informed of ongoing programme work.
- Build trust and understanding within communities of families of the missing.
- Explain both the opportunities and limitations inherent in current efforts to uncover the fate of missing persons.
Capacity Building and Training
- Coordinate technical and psychosocial trainings for humanitarian workers involved in missing persons investigations.
- Support forensic partners working on mass grave preservation and identification efforts.
Representation and Partnerships
- Represent SJAC in meetings, workshops, and panels with UN agencies, INGOs, NGOs, and government stakeholders.
- Develop strategic partnerships with humanitarian actors, data providers, and service organisations.
Ethical and Security Compliance
- Follow SJAC’s ethical standards and security protocols, including chain of custody requirements.
- Ensure all actions minimise risk and “do no harm” to individuals or collected data.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Track key project indicators.
- Produce quarterly reports for funders, summarising findings and progress.
Required Skills and Experience
SJAC is looking for a professional with strong regional experience and a commitment to advancing justice for Syrian communities. Ideal candidates will bring:
- A relevant university degree (BA required; Master’s preferred)
- 3–5 years of experience managing human rights or humanitarian projects in the Middle East
- Experience working inside Syria is preferred
- Strong knowledge of the Syrian conflict, particularly ISIS-controlled periods
- Experience supporting survivors of severe human rights violations and applying “do no harm” principles
- Expertise in gender-sensitive programming
- Experience managing teams remotely
- Professional fluency in Arabic (Kurdish is an asset)
- Proficiency in English
- Understanding of missing persons investigations is an advantage
Compensation
The consultant will be compensated through an hourly rate, determined according to:
- Candidate location
- Educational background
- Professional experience
- Internal compensation bands established by SJAC
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
SJAC is a global organisation of more than 40 team members representing diverse backgrounds and experiences. The organisation is committed to equitable and inclusive hiring and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter detailing their interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and proposed hourly or daily rate
Applications must be emailed to hiring@syriaaccountability.org with the subject line:
“Project Manager – Missing Persons – [Your Name]”
SJAC will begin reviewing applications on December 1, 2025.
This consultancy offers the opportunity to contribute directly to justice and healing for families searching for answers about their missing loved ones.
