Consultancy: Trial Observer at American Bar Association

The American Bar Association’s Center for Human Rights (CHR) has recently expanded its trial monitoring program in partnership with the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s TrialWatch initiative. The TrialWatch initiative conducts trial monitoring worldwide in cases that present a significant risk of injustice. In particular, the project focuses on criminal trials in which courts may be used to oppress vulnerable groups, silence speech, or target political opponents.

The Center for Human Rights is actively seeking trial observers to monitor criminal proceedings globally on behalf of the TrialWatch initiative. The trial monitor serves as the eyes and ears on the ground during the proceedings in question. Monitors should be prepared to:

Responsibilities:

*Participate in the online trial monitoring training.

*Travel to relevant courts to monitor trials.

* Provide a short daily summary of the proceedings to the CHR team, ensuring that the Center is regularly updated on the case, as well as produce quality complete notes on the proceedings.

*File relevant documentation and notes in the appropriate technologies, as well as send them via email to relevant points of contact.

*Be available for follow-up clarification after the observation for report drafting purposes.

*Where possible, identify potential cases regarding journalists, opposition activists, vulnerable women and girls, and other marginalized communities, and prepare a short case memorandum summarizing facts, legal issues, and why potential intervention of CHR is not redundant.

Qualifications:

*Advanced degree in law (JD or country equivalent), human rights, international relations, or related subject.

*Connection/access to a human rights network locally.

*Excellent writing and communication skills.

*Foreign languages are preferred, but not required. All expenses related to monitoring will be covered by the ABA CHR.

*Experience communicating over secure channels and handling sensitive and confidential information.