Trial Monitoring Observer - Georgia

Background

Duty Station: Tbilisi, Georgia

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active in 57 participating States in the fields of election observations, the rule of law, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination.

ODIHR supports the 57 OSCE participating States and civil society in their efforts to build functioning rule-of-law systems. To contribute to achieving this end, ODIHR supports trial monitoring and builds the capacity of civil society to monitor criminal, civil and administrative proceedings.

ODIHR launched a trial monitoring project in Georgia in February 2013, which will help identify any shortcomings in the legal and institutional framework of Georgia concerning fair trials based on an assessment of the conduct of a selection of monitored trials, which will be presented in a final report along with recommendations on how to best address identified gaps through legislative reform, institutional and capacity building.

ODIHR is inviting applications from highly qualified individual consultants with general rule of law expertise and proven experience in monitoring trials. The selected candidates will be included on the ODIHR roster of vetted experts. Note that the inclusion on the roster does not guarantee a concrete assignment.

Periods of assignment for candidates selected for inclusion in the roster and contacted for an trial observation mission shall range from two days to two weeks.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the OSCE/ODIHR Chief of the Rule of Law Unit, the Trial Monitor will perform the following tasks:

•Observe court proceedings as selected and assigned by ODIHR; •Draft a written Report in English on the course and outcome of the assigned hearings; •Analyze monitoring findings in light of applicable international fair trial standards, identify gaps in the domestic statutory framework that cause or contribute to lack of compliance with relevant international norms and draft recommendations to address these gaps; •Perform other duties related to the mandate and overall goal of the activity.

While performing his/her duties, the Trial Monitor will be bound by the Trial Monitoring Activity’s Code of Conduct, including by the duty of confidentiality.

The OSCE/ODIHR will provide an initial briefing on the conditions governing the trial monitoring activity, including policy guidance, administrative support and background information.

Necessary Qualifications

•Law degree (JD, LLB or equivalent); •Minimum 4 years of experience of working as a legal professional or otherwise in the field of human rights or rule of law, with at least 1 years of experience in legal analysis; •Prior experience monitoring trials; •Very good knowledge of international human rights standards related to criminal law, criminal procedure, and fair trial; •Very god legal analysis skills; •Excellent organizational, problem-solving and communication skills; •Professional level of English language skills, with very good drafting skills; •Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines; •Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity; •Professional integrity; •Ability to operate word processing spread sheet and e-mail applications.

Remuneration Package

The selected candidates will be included on the ODIHR roster of vetted experts. Note that the inclusion on the roster does not guarantee a concrete assignment.

Periods of assignment for candidates selected for inclusion in the roster and contacted for an trial observation mission shall range from two days to two weeks.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the years of experience of applicants subject to the provision of a time-sheet and an invoice to ODIHR.

OSCE/ODIHR will also cover travel and accommodation expenses for the duration of the Trial Monitor’s stay in Georgia.

How to apply:

If you wish to apply for this position, please use OSCE’s online application link found underhttp://www.osce.org/employment. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The selection of successful candidates will be based on the application and interview. Dates and place of interviews will be communicated only to short listed applicants.

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.