Background:

The post is located in the Rule of Law Section (RoLS), which operates within the larger organizational structure, the Human Dimension Department (HDD). RoLS is one of four programmatic sections of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s HDD, and RoLS consists of five main portfolios: war crimes and transitional justice, trafficking in human beings, hate crimes, major crimes, and justice sector policy. Through these portfolios, RoLS supports and assists the justice sector in ensuring respect for and harmonization with international law and accepted best practices, including fair trial standards. The main objective of HDD is to support the Mission’s overall mandate in helping to secure lasting peace in the country.

The primary purpose of the Programme Assistant is to assist Legal Advisers and National Legal Officers in their execution of relevant activities. The Programme Assistant also provides programmatic, language interpretation, secretarial, administrative and clerical assistance in implementing project activities, including carrying logistical and administrative tasks in relation to planning and implementation.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Legal Adviser, Major Crimes (S2) and the overall supervision of the Head of Rule of Law (S3) the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Providing overall support to the implementation of the RoLS project with regard to all logistical, administrative and financial aspects of the project as per guidance from the supervisor and in close collaboration with the Mission staff to ensure seamless alignment and co-ordination of project activities;

2. Assisting the supervisors and programmatic personnel in the Rule of Law Section with project tasks including in drafting of briefing papers/memos/talking points/speeches/documents/newsletters and PowerPoint presentations on specific issues related to the project, maintaining digital and hard copy filing of all project documents/correspondence related to project implementation, and translating documents of relevance to ensure counterparts comprehend the scope and goal of the project activities;

3. Researching and preparing background information to queries from programmatic personnel in the Rule of Law Section and reviewing and analysing legal documents, legislation, and data obtained in programmatic activities and drafts summaries, updates or reports based on this information and analysis or in co-operation with the section staff;

4. Assisting Head of Rule of Law and/or Legal Advisers in reporting and in the monitoring of programme implementation; attending meetings and roundtables in the capacity of a representative of the Section as necessary, taking notes, and writing reports on such meetings;

5. When required, communicating with relevant justice sector interlocutors, other international organisations, and civil society;

6. Translating texts and document of various kinds (legal texts including laws, decrees, court documents, administrative decisions; incoming and outgoing official and informal communication); providing interpretation services from/into local language/English, during meetings, conferences, seminars, round table meetings, etc.; drafting correspondence in English and local language; preparing summaries of relevant documents, helping with various administrative duties; assisting in the planning and preparation of programmatic meetings, roundtables and other events;

7. Provision of occasional services to the Environment and Climate Security Project based on content upon request.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, please see: https://www.osce.org/mission-to-bosnia-and-herzegovina.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education, supplemented by specialized training or formal studies in law;
• A minimum five years of relevant work experience in an office environment, preferably in an international organization;
• Experience in project planning, implementation and reporting;
• Ability to conduct research and collect information from a variety of sources
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.
• Professional fluency in English and in local languages with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 2,362.17 BAM/month. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna health insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.

Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. At the discretion of the appointing a higher step may be approved up to a maximum of step 3 subject to specific conditions.

This position is open to citizens and permanent residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina only.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE’s online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.