About the Consultancy:

The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) seeks a temporary trial monitor based in or near Munich, Germany to support its Trial Monitoring project starting in September 2025. The trial monitor will attend court sessions for an ongoing trial related to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed in Iraq and Syria. During the court sessions, the trial monitor will take detailed handwritten notes. These notes form the basis for weekly trial summaries to be published on SJAC’s website. This position will require an estimated 80 hours per month, with flexibility according to the court’s schedule. The position is paid at a rate of $25 per hour.

General Duties:

Attend court proceedings for the trial against Twana H.S. and Asia R.A. before the Higher Regional Court in Munich, Germany
Record detailed hand-written notes of factual and procedural matters, as well as sketches when available
Conduct background research on factual and legal matters that arise or are likely to arise during the trial proceedings
Based on the proceedings held in German, draft and review English-language reports and blog articles on hearings and legal matters (reports will be translated into Arabic by SJAC)
Coordinate the review and publication of trial reports and related publications
Liaise with external partners and parties to the trials, as available, to inform court reporting
Participate in regular team calls and coordinate with the transitional justice team

Qualifications:

University degree required, a degree in law, human rights or similar field is preferred. Current students may apply
Knowledge of Syria and the Syrian conflict; knowledge of the German criminal procedure, an advantage
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
Experience or interest in monitoring trials
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Fluency in German and English. Arabic (including knowledge of Syrian Arabic dialects) is preferred
Knowledge of gender-based violence and the ability to produce gender-sensitive analysis of the Syrian context and justice processes
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Live in or near Munich, Germany
Ability to function professionally and effectively with co-workers and supervisors

To apply for this position, please send an email with the subject line “Trial Monitor Consultancy – Munich, Germany”, providing a cover letter and resume.