Chapter 3 — Choosing an Institutional Model Capacity-building and local character • Certain staff-model programmes have engaged in building the capacities of local NGOs as monitors, either from their inception or as part of their exit strategy. Additionally, these programmes engage and train local lawyers (exclusively or in addition to international lawyers) to form their monitoring teams. • Many local staff members in staff-model programmes have the opportunity to develop professionally within the OSCE and, should they depart from the field operation, carry their expertise to other domestic institutions or NGOs. • Project models contract and train local lawyers as monitors, including NGO-affiliated lawyers and, thus, contribute to building local professional capacity. • Project-model programmes help condition courts to having citizens in court as monitors and give the programme an added dimension of local character among legal actors and participants. The Staff model may achieve the same effect, to a certain degree, by employing local monitors to follow trial proceedings. Duration of programme • Staff-model programmes have, historically, shown a high level of continuity, as the funding of field operations is generally subject to less fluctuation. • Project-model programmes are of fixed duration, making continuation of activities subject to further funding. Some such projects have not been renewed, thus preventing follow-up monitoring on recommendations. Capacity for advocacy activities • Both models have the capacity to draft and issue public reports presenting their findings and recommendations. However, intergovernmental organizations like the OSCE may at times be limited in the manner of criticism they can express. NGO-led project-model programmes may be more openly critical. • Staff-model programmes enjoy the benefit of the OSCE’s reputation and status, as well as its experience in human dimension issues, its extensive network, and the ability to fund thematic trial-monitoring projects aside from core systemic monitoring. • Project-model programmes may enjoy the same advantages, especially if the local organization has acquired a recognized status or if the OSCE lends its support in this regard. Furthermore, depending on the leverage and network of engaged NGOs, project-model programmes can expand advocacy activities accordingly. 38 38  Ibid. 35