Call for volunteers - BVMN’s Trial Monitoring team in Greece

The Border Violence Monitoring Network (BVMN) is inviting applications to join its Trial Monitoring Team as a volunteer, supporting the monitoring and documentation of trials and judicial proceedings of people on the move facing so-called smuggling charges in Greece.

About the role

Trial observers attend court proceedings and document whether the process complies with the fair trial standards as set out in article 6 ECHR. At the same time observers stand in solidarity with the defendant. The work contributes to monitoring access to justice, fair trial standards, and the treatment of people affected by migration-related criminalisation.

The role involves:

• Attending and monitoring trials as part of BVMN trial monitoring missions.

• Regular travel to courts and trial locations across Greece.

• Collecting, processing, and organising information and data from monitored proceedings.

• Producing clear and accurate trial monitoring reports and social media outputs.

• Contributing to the Annual Trial Monitoring Report.

• Contributing to BVMN’s broader monitoring and advocacy work.

• Working closely with the Trial Monitoring Team and other BVMN working groups.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Fluency in Greek.

• Knowledge of the Greek legal context relating to migration.

• Preferably, knowledge of international human rights law, particularly Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the right to a fair trial.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately collect, process, and analyse information.

• Good report-writing and documentation skills.

• The ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team

• The ability and willingness to travel frequently and participate in trial monitoring missions: Missions generally last approximately two days, including one overnight stay, but may be extended depending on the court list and the number or duration of proceedings. The volunteer will participate in approximately one monitoring mission per month, depending on the trial schedule and BVMN’s monitoring priorities. 

BVMN provides:

• Travel expenses and flights covered by BVMN for trial monitoring missions.

• A travel stipend for each mission.

• Support and coordination from the BVMN Trial Monitoring Team.

• Training and ongoing guidance on trial monitoring methodology.

How to apply

Please send the following to criminalisation@borderviolence.eu:

• Your CV.

• A short motivation statement (approximately 300–500 words) explaining your interest in trial monitoring and relevant experience.

• Your current location in Greece.

• Your availability to participate in approximately one trial monitoring mission per month.

Deadline to apply is 18 September. Expected start date: 28 September