DUTY STATION:                 Sarajevo

                                  GRADE:                                 8

                                  CONTRACT TYPE:            National

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION:

The role of public budgets, and responsible and effective budget setting (State Budget, Entity Budgets and those of lower levels of government inside Bosnia and Herzegovina  (BiH)) is crucial to the OHR’s development agenda. New Institutions are being established at the State level in order for BiH to be able to make its vital next steps towards the European Union (EU) accession process and to allow BiH to move forward with its international obligations and aspirations for the NATO Partnership for Peace initiative.

The drive for more responsive and streamlined levels of government, and allocation of resources to the best level of government to ensure that the needs of citizens are most effectively addressed, is also a vital component of the development agenda.  

The Advisor will be responsible for preparation of budget policy analysis, monitoring of effective budget execution with regard to the State and Entity budgets of BiH. Additionally, the Advisor will be required to monitor developments at the cantonal and municipal levels, with particular reference to the macro-economic impact of such budgets and to determine areas of efficiency and inefficient resource allocation within these and the higher level budgets.

The Advisor will assume responsibility for establishing and maintaining relations with national officials, representatives of International Financial Institutions, and the donor community, and will prepare all correspondence and reporting related to these issues.

The Advisor will be required to be informed of and monitor in co-ordination with the Economic Advisor for Tax Policy tax reform inside BiH and should be prepared to substitute for this officer when required.

The Advisor will need to be aware of the key policy issues arising from BiH’s recently adopted internal debt strategy, with particular reference to the impact of internal debt on BiH’s budgets. Coordination with the Principal Deputy High Representative’s office will be required with regard to internal debt policy issues.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and Analysis

·         Analyzing public budgets in BiH (State, Entities, Cantons and BD), and the drafting of policy recommendations for enhanced public governance;

·         Providing background analysis for senior OHR officials in matters related to efforts to address the BiH internal debt;

·         Following budget adoption and their subsequent execution (State, Entities, Cantons and BD);

·         Performing analysis of revenue collection at all levels and its allocation;

·         Assessing and reviewing budget or public finance-oriented laws;

·         Following the implementation of the Treasury structures in BiH.

Strategy Development and Advising

·         Developing, in conjunction with other donors, a budget reform strategy designed to improve allocation efficiency, equity and transparency;

·         Developing medium-term fiscal strategies for the Entities, Cantons and municipalities aimed at improving their fiscal sustainability.

Liaison and Coordination

·         Engaging in budget and fiscal policy dialogue with counterparts in Governments and seeking to provide with advice on modern budget practices, as well as enforcement of transparency and accountability concept;

·         Close liaison with relevant International Financial Institution officials and other officials with the International and Donor Community with regard to budget best practice issues.

Other

·         Any and all other related duties required for the completion of their work as may be assigned to the incumbent of the position;

·         Economic Advisor on Tax Policy will be the alternate for this specific job when the incumbent is away. As well, incumbent will act as backup for the Economic Advisor on Tax Policy in case of absence.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:          

·         University degree in economics;

·         At least three years of professional work experience in an academic or government environment;

·         Thorough understanding of the political, social, and economic landscape in BiH;

·         Excellent oral and written English;

·         Excellent computer skills;

·         Sound communication skills and the ability to develop a strong rapport with donors and domestic authorities

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