14.08.2001 OHR Mostar

Legal/Property Officer – Return and Reconstruction Task Force (RRTF)

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION

Following harmonisation of the laws governing the repossession of property in the Federation and Republika Srspska in October 1999, the Property Law Implementation Plan was established to facilitate the return of Refugees and Displaced Persons to their pre-war homes. The Legal/Property Officer in the Southern RRTF Region will provide monitoring, intervention and legal support to the Regional RRTF Officers in their work with housing offices and other local authorities implementing property laws and regulations. He / she will work under the general supervision of the Deputy High Representative / Head of RRTF and direct supervision of the Head of Southern Region Return and Reconstruction Task Force.

The scope of work for this position is as follows:

  • Provision of legal advice
  • Coordination and monitoring
  • Special support

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provision of Legal Advice

  • Acting as a focal point in the SR RRTF department for the dissemination of legal advice on property issues, and serving as liaison with RRTF staff and the Deputy Federation Ombudsman s Office on such matters
  • Providing legal advice and support to RRTF staff on legal property related issues in conjunction and liaison with the OHR-South Human Right Rule of Law Department

Coordination and Monitoring

  • Coordinating closely with the OHR -South Human Rights Officer on the monitoring of implementation of the Federation Property Laws in Cantons 7, 9 and 10, and the RS Laws in Eastern Herzegovina
  • Coordinating the participation of International Organizations in the Double Occupancy and Property Commissions of the OHR – South Area of Responsibility
  • Monitoring and supervising the work of the joint investigation teams attached to the Double Occupancy Commissions and participating in the investigations as required

Special Support

  • Chairing the Mostar Double Occupancy Commission, and Property Committee
  • Ensuring the follow-up of all double-occupancy cases submitted to the Commissions in conjunction with the appropriate RRTF Officer and PLIP Focal Point

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

  • Law degree
  • Lawyers with experience in implementing property law in BiH preferred
  • Fluency in spoken and written English
  • Knowledge of local language is a distinct advantage
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Full computer literacy

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

Director of Personnel

Emerika Bluma 1, 71000 Sarajevo

Fax : +387 (0) 33 283 771 E-mail: application@ohr.int

Please quote Reference No. 211/01

Closing date for applications: August 28, 2001

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted