28.07.2011 OHR Sarajevo

SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR AND DEPUTY HEAD OF THE LEGAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR AND DEPUTY HEAD OF THE LEGAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

DEPARTMENT FOR LEGAL AFFAIRS

 SARAJEVO

DUTY STATION: Sarajevo

GRADE: 10

CONTRACT TYPEInternational (Consultancy)

 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION:

The Department for Legal Affairs itself functions as a legal service for all other departments of the OHR and is the main source of authoritative legal advice to the High Representative on legal issues, in particular those involving the interpretation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (GFAP) as well as on other international and domestic law matters. 

The post of Deputy Head of the Department for Legal Affairs bears a particular weight of responsibility in light of the burden which is placed upon the High Representative under Article V of Annex 10 to the GFAP, as the final authority in theatre regarding interpretations of the Agreement on Civilian Implementation of the Peace Settlement.  The Deputy Head of the Department shall assist the Head of in supporting and advising the High Representative in this role and shall replace him in his/her absence. He/she will support the Head of Department in the daily management of the Department.

The Senior Legal Advisor will work under the supervision of the Head of Department. He/she will, among others, focus on the following tasks:

  • Coordination and advise on any question related to the legal status and mandate of the High Representative under international law;
  • Advise the High Representative and the Deputy High Representative on issues arising under the GFAP in relations to minority rights and human rights and fundamental freedoms. In particular, advise on matters pending before the European Court on Human Rights which relates to Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • Advise the High Representative and the Deputy High Representative on issues arising under the GFAP and in particular on matters related to the constitutional order in Bosnia and Herzegovina and BiH’s international obligations;
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by the Head of Department.

Duties and responsibilities:

  • Assist in the management of the OHR Legal Department at Sarajevo, which consists of a team of lawyers (national and international) who, together with data base assistants, translators and support staff,  engage in matters across the spectrum of civilian implementation including constitutional, criminal, administrative, economic and business law issues;
  • Liaise with domestic authorities on all legal matters falling within the mandate of the High Representative;
  • Inter-departmental consultation and exchange of mutual assistance and support in relation to the discharge of the respective duties and responsibilities of all Departments of the OHR;
  • Prepare decisions to be issued by the High Representative pursuant to his powers under Article V of Annex 10 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace;
  • Preparing authoritative Legal Opinions pursuant to the High Representative’s final authority in theatre regarding interpretation of the Agreement on Civilian Implementation of the Peace Settlement;
  • Taking steps as required in the interest of the High Representative in respect of legal proceedings inter alia before the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Court of Human Rights and other jurisdictional bodies in cases in which the Office of the High Representative/EUSR has an interest and, in particular, cases where issues are raised as to the powers of the High Representative;
  • Provide general legal advice when required;
  • Coordinate with international organizations including the Council of Europe, the European Union and the OSCE as well as with bilateral embassies;
  • In the absence of the Head of Department, manage all functional aspects of the Department;
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of Department.

Professional requirements/qualifications:

  • Ability in English equivalent to that of a mother-tongue speaker, especially in writing;
  • Strong academic credentials with a Law degree minimum;
  • At least 10 years of relevant professional experience;
  • Demonstrated experience at a senior level in public international law, human rights law and constitutional law; Litigation experience in these fields of law would be a strong asset;
  • Sound knowledge of the legal and political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • Experience in an international organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina would be an asset;
  • Experience interacting with senior members of governments/organizations;
  • Good interpersonal skills and  willingness to operate in a multicultural environment;
  • Ability to work under sustained pressure;
  • Excellent communication and reporting skills [English language], and the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner;
  • Ability to interact within multicultural environment;

Any person with the above qualifications should provide (in English) a CV with a one-page cover letter and references to the following:

Personnel

Office of the High Representative
Emerika Bluma 1, 71000 Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Fax: +387 (0) 33 283 771
 
Reference number: 2011/059
 
Closing date for applications: 04 August 2011
 
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
 
No telephone inquiries please