Documentation Coordinator (Northeast Syria)

Consultancy Title: Documentation Coordinator

Location(s): Northeast Syria

Compensation: Based on experience

Organization Profile

SJAC is a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC with the mission of promoting transitional justice and accountability processes in Syria. SJAC implements activities in three main areas. First, SJAC collects documentation of violations by all sides of the conflict, regardless of affiliation, and from all geographic areas in Syria. SJAC retrieves documentation through its team of Documentation Coordinators in Syria and neighboring countries, Syrian and international partners, and public sources. Second, SJAC’s Data Analysis team processes and analyzes documentation in a Syria-specific database, using a methodology developed to reflect international legal principles. Third, SJAC drives discourse on transitional justice with the goal of amplifying Syrian perspectives, and bridging the gap between Syrians’ justice interests and international discussions on appropriate accountability measures.

Background About Consultancy

For more than 14 years, SJAC has collected and documented violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Syria with the aim of facilitating current and future transitional justice and accountability efforts. In order to document all types of violations comprehensively, SJAC works with consultants who have expertise in documenting violations and work with the highest ethical standards. SJAC is looking for a consultant based in Northeast Syria to support its efforts in preserving evidence of serious human rights violations.

Documentation Coordinators may work hours on their own schedule and work with SJAC to determine target numbers of hours each quarter. Documentation Coordinators should work an average of 11 to

22 days per month depending on the consultant’s availability and the scope of work for documentation in their area. Agreements begin with a three-month probationary period and are subject to extension based on performance and funding availability.

General Duties

The duties of Documentation Coordinators will include, but may not be limited to:

• Increase awareness of SJAC’s goals and missions in Syria, in IDP camps, and among refugee populations in neighboring countries.
• Conduct interviews with witnesses and survivors/victims of violations and collect other first-hand documentation as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with data source partners to collect second-hand documentation from a variety of sources.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local humanitarian and service providers to create referral pathways for survivors and victims of violations.
• Be in close communication with SJAC’s Documentation Team Lead in order to regularly transfer documentation and to discuss documentation strategy and efforts.
• Follow SJAC’s ethical standards and SJAC’s security policy, including chain of custody, in order to conduct the work with no harm to persons or to data.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with human rights groups and activists inside Syria.
• Perform other tasks as needed.

Deliverables

• Conduct interviews as directed by SJAC's Documentation Team Lead.
• Provide a weekly documentation report.
• Provide a monthly comprehensive documentation update about assigned area of documentation work.
• Respond to questions from SJAC's Documentation Team Lead.

Qualifications for Documentation Coordinators

• University degree required; a degree in Law is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience.
• Sound knowledge of human rights documentation methods and practices.
• Ability to discuss sensitive topics in an open, respectful, and effective way.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Awareness of the security concerns and the ability to conduct work in a safe and cautious manner.
• Knowledge of how to capture photos, audio recordings, or film with a smartphone, camera, or other device.
• Fluency in Arabic. A working knowledge of English is preferred, but not required. Knowledge of other languages spoken in Syria is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of the Syrian conflict and strong network in target area.
• Ability to function professionally and effectively with co-workers and supervisors.

How to apply

Application Instructions Please submit a Curriculum Vitae and cover letter. Please state which consultant position you are applying for in the subject line. In the cover letter, include where you are currently located, your relevant background, and your availability. Applicants are encouraged to submit before November 30, 2025, but applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Women and religious/ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply.