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
SJAC is seeking a passionate human rights advocate to implement SJAC’s justice policy work in the EU. The EU Policy Adviser will work closely with SJAC’s policy team (including the Policy Officer, Director of Programs, and Executive Director) to draft policy papers and conduct outreach with government officials, the EU, and the UN. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, a strong writer, and have knowledge of the Syrian conflict and related justice issues. Expertise on refugee protection is preferred. SJAC anticipates offering a 12-month contract for an Adviser to support SJAC’s efforts approximately 19 days per month.
General Duties and Responsibilities
- Connect with policymakers in the EU to disseminate SJAC’s policy recommendations, including meeting with EU instruments, member states, and immigration authorities to advocate for the implementation of asylum protections.
- Research and draft policy papers and/or other written materials that advance SJAC’s policy priorities and respond to ongoing policy discussions related to Syria and transitional justice.
- Convene private round tables with stakeholders focused on priority issues.
- Track and participate in policy discussions on Syria and transitional justice, to identify opportunities to elevate SJAC’s goals and influence policy and decision making among governments.
Skills and Experience
- University degree (Masters preferred) in law, refugee studies, political science, public policy, international affairs, or another relevant field.
- 3+ years of professional experience in policy and government affairs, including experience advocating directly to EU instruments (including the EU Commission and Parliament), governments and/or the United Nations. A strong understanding of EU inter-agency relations preferred.
- Collaborative team player able to work across SJAC’s various teams to integrate expertise from legal, documentation, and other work into policy positions.
- Knowledge of the Syrian conflict and violations against asylees and refugees.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of Arabic a plus.
Pay and Benefits
SJAC is a diverse organization made up of 40+ team members around the globe. We pride ourselves on 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.
How to apply
To apply, please send an email with the subject line “Policy Adviser” to [email protected], providing a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, and proposed rate. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.