Title: IT Manager

Location: Remote

Reports To: Legal Director

The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) is a Syrian human rights organization that pursues meaningful justice and accountability for crimes committed in Syria. SJAC’s database, 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.

Position Summary

Purpose: Lead and manage the development of SJAC’s database, Bayanat.

SJAC is continuing to develop its open-source database software, Bayanat, to increase its usability and security features. With increasing global need for a database like Bayanat, SJAC is committed to growing the pool of users for Bayanat as well as its capabilities. In order to continue implementing its tech project and further develop Bayanat, SJAC needs an IT Manager to supervise code development and SJAC’s IT consultants. The IT Manager will also lead in planning and implementing tech development, coordinate with partners to adopt Bayanat, and assist with managing funding and donor reporting.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Management

• Develop the overall product vision, strategy, and roadmap based on market research, user needs, and SJAC’s goals.
• Convert complex technical concepts and customer needs into clear, actionable requirements for the IT team.
• Oversee and collaborate closely with designers and partners to continuously enhance Bayanat’s user experience.
• Manage Bayanat localization efforts and foster open-source community engagement.
• Communicate with SJAC’s partners and contribute to efforts for wider adoption of Bayanat.

IT Management

• Lead SJAC’s IT Team to address issues, report on system bugs, and develop scalable solutions, databases, websites, cloud services, and web applications.
• Lead the research, design and implementation of AI/ML initiatives to enhance Bayanat’s capabilities.
• Support planning, designing, and implementing efficient ETL strategies, workflows, and tools.
• Oversee cloud infrastructure and scalability planning, contribute to maintenance of SJAC's online IT assets.
• Contribute to and continuously improve SJAC’s cyber security policies.
• Participate in code reviews and agile, test-driven processes.

Other Responsibilities

• Contribute to brainstorming and planning for new business development and proposals, providing technical expertise.
• Manage awards and subgrants with implementing partners.
• Communicate and coordinate with members of the SJAC Analysis, Investigations, and IT teams.
• Contribute monthly to SJAC’s Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.
• Participate in regular team calls and collaborate using online teamwork tools.

WORK PRODUCTS / DELIVERABLES

• Written code accompanied by technical documentation.
• Interactive prototypes for review.
• Monthly M&E reports.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• University degree (advanced degree preferred) in Information Management, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Deep understanding of the Syrian conflict associated human rights violations, and transitional justice processes.
• Arabic (Syrian dialect) and English proficiency, written and spoken.
• 5+ years as a manager and proven experience in product management, with experience managing teams working in the MENA region preferred.
• Deep experience in full lifecycle product management, UX/HCI and CI/CD.
• Deep experience in data security and designing software for human rights defenders.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of database systems and cloud platforms.
• Good understanding of AI and ML technologies.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects, with a solid understanding of open-source principles and licenses.
• Excellent team communication and collaboration skills; strong work ethic, commitment to accuracy, and ability to handle confidential information.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating responsibility and sensitivity in dealing with diverse audiences.
• Experience working with mission-oriented NGOs similar to SJAC.

Pay and Benefits:

Salary: Salary will be based on hourly rate and dependent on the location in which a candidate is hired, based on education and experience within established bands of compensation.

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.