The Centre for Monitoring and Research, a Podgorica-based NGO, in collaboration with the Media Trade Union NGO, is implementing a project titled „Open Trials Project: Monitoring of Organised Crime and High-level Corruption Trials in Montenegro“, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through the MATRA program. The project will last 32 months, from August 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027, with trial monitoring taking place continuously for 20 months. 

General information: 

One of the most significant project activities is focused on monitoring high-level corruption and organized crime cases at the Higher Court in Podgorica. Trial monitoring activities are conducted according to the OSCE's trial monitoring methodology, developed by CeMI and the OSCE Mission in Montenegro within the trial monitoring program implemented from 2007 to 2014. Since then, CeMI has implemented several projects that included components of trial monitoring. In the last trial observation project implemented by CeMI from 2021 to 2023, CeMI observers monitored over 200 hearings in criminal proceedings and reviewed the files from more than 400 criminal cases.

During trial monitoring, CeMI will aim to establish facts about the main hearings and the level of respect for the basic rights of the accused (presumption of the innocence, right to a fair trial, right to defense, etc.), as well as to analyze the behavior and professionalism/integrity of judges and prosecutors in these cases. Any identified instances of inappropriate behavior by judges, prosecutors or lawyers will be duly reported to the Judical and Prosecutoral Councils. Special attention in the monitoring process will be directed towards the conditions under which trials are conducted and the assessment of security measures in the Higher Court in Podgorica. 

Position Purpose:

Trial Monitor (1 position)

The selected trial monitor will be responsible for directly monitoring ongoing court proceedings in high-level corruption and organized crime cases, as well as analyzing the files of finalized court cases to conduct thematic research and prepare detailed trial monitoring reports. The monitor will follow a standardized form during the monitoring process to ensure key aspects of the procedure related to fair trial standards are observed. Monitors will prepare individual reports for each monitored hearing and enter them into CeMI's internal database for further research and comparative analysis.

The trial monitor will work for 40 hours per week and perform their duties at the premises of the CeMI, as well as in the field. For all work conducted outside the Podgorica area, travel expenses and per diem will be reimbursed. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Higher education (Level VII-1 qualification) with a degree in Law;
• At least three years of professional experience in the legal field or similar roles;
• Excellent analytical skills;
• Ability to work in team; 
• Previous experience working with judicial institutions in Montenegro will be considered an advantage. 

Required Documentation:

• Application (free-form, including the candidate's motivation for applying);
• Biography or CV; 
• Copy of diploma or certificate of completed level and type of education; 
• Proof of required work experience (Certificate/Confirmation/Copy of work booklet except). 

How to apply: 

Applications with attached documentation need to be submitted to the email address: dubravka.tomic@cemi.org.me, no later than 12 PM on Friday, November 8. Incomplete applications and applications received after the specified deadline will not be considered. CeMI will inform only shortlisted candidates about the outcome of the competition.