TITLE: TEAM LEAD – TRIAL MONITORING LOCATION: REMOTE FROM EUROPE TYPE: FULL-TIME STAFF REPORTS TO: LEGAL DIRECTOR ABOUT THE SYRIA JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY CENTRE SJAC is a leading Syrian human rights organization striving to achieve justice for crimes committed during the Syrian conflict. SJAC documents violations, supports criminal cases against Syrian perpetrators, and searches for those still missing. SJAC actively engages with policymakers around the globe to promote solutions that center human rights and Syrian survivors. POSITION SUMMARY The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) seeks a full-time staff member to lead its Trial Monitoring team, which monitors Syria-related universal jurisdiction cases in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The Team Lead – Trial Monitoring will lead a team of 4-8 trial monitors, who attend court sessions for trials related to terrorism and core international crimes committed in Syria. The Team Lead will be responsible for hiring and onboarding new trial monitors, creating training materials, reviewing trial monitoring reports, and providing strategic direction to the team. This position is currently funded from February – September 2025, with possibility for extension based on availability of funds. The Team Lead – Trial Monitoring lead will work remotely from Europe. GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead SJAC’s trial monitoring team (between 4 and 8 people), who work remotely throughout Europe • Provide strategic direction for the trial monitoring team, including input on which trials to monitor • Hire and onboard new trial monitors • Develop and maintain training materials for new trial monitors • Review English-language reports produced by trial monitors to ensure that reporting adheres to SJAC’s style and quality standards • Coordinate the publication of trial reports and related publications • Assists with monitoring and evaluation and donor reporting for trial monitoring-related activities • Draft English-language reports and blog articles on legal matters related to trial monitoring • Liaise with external partners and parties to the trials, as available, to inform court reporting • Participate in regular team calls (Trial Monitors, Legal Team) and coordinate with the transitional justice team SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE • University degree in Law is required • Knowledge of the criminal procedure in one or more European countries is essential • Knowledge of Syria and the Syrian conflict is preferred • 2+ years’ experience monitoring trials • 2+ years’ experience supervising a team (leading meetings, conducting trainings, editing reports) • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) • Ability to discuss sensitive topics in an open, respectful, and effective way • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills • Fluency in English and experience drafting reports in English. Fluency in one other European language and Arabic (including knowledge of Syrian Arabic dialects) would be an asset • Knowledge of gender-based violence and the ability to produce gender-sensitive analysis of the Syrian context and justice processes • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications • Ability to function professionally and effectively with co-workers and supervisors
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY: 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 send an email with the subject line “Team Lead – Trial Monitoring” to hiring@syriaaccountability.org, providing a cover letter, resume, and desired salary. Applicants are encouraged to submit before January 24, 2025, but applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The posting will appear on SJAC’s website until filled.