Duty Station: Banja Luka
Contract Type: National Contractor (full-time)
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION:
The Economic-Political Officer will collaborate with a diverse range of partners on various substantive issues to ensure effective support for broader OHR strategies aimed at implementing the Dayton Peace Accords. This role involves providing political and economic advice and assistance to the DHR/ Head of the BLRO, based on a thorough understanding of the current social, political, and economic landscape.
The incumbent will conduct political/economic/social research and analysis of processes and trends in the Republika Srpska (RS) by monitoring developments and maintaining contacts with key actors in the Area of Responsibility (AoR). A key responsibility includes surveying various aspects of economic development and policy within the RS. In particular, he/she will oversee and draft reports on public finance and fiscal sustainability in relation to the OHR’s “5+2” Agenda, focusing on item 4: Fiscal Sustainability. Additionally, he/she will analyze both macroeconomic and microeconomic sectors of the RS economy.
The Economic-Political Officer will work closely with foreign officials and relevant state and entity-level institutions, as well as their representatives. This position operates under the general supervision of the Deputy High Representative and the Head of BLRO. The Officer will also maintain regular communication with both the Political and Economic Department and the Legal Department at OHR Sarajevo to ensure efficient cooperation.
Work responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and reporting
- Coordination and liaison with domestic and foreign officials
- Lobbying efforts
- Data analysis
- Technical and non-technical translations (if needed)
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting
- Political Processes: Monitor and report on RS Government sessions and decisions, main board meetings of RS regulators and publicly owned enterprises, and other political events as required.
- Economic Transition: Track and report on laws, decrees, and decisions related to economic transition initiatives, including, but not limited to, RS budgeting/borrowing policy, tax practices, fiscal coordination between State and Entity, and banking sector developments.
- Legislative Monitoring: Monitor RS National Assembly (RSNA) sessions for laws, decisions, declarations, and other matters of economic relevance, analyze and write reports on sessions, debates, and discussions related to economic laws that pertain to public finance and fiscal sustainability, especially in connection to the OHR “5+2” Agenda (item 4: Fiscal Sustainability).
- Sector Analysis: Monitor local capital market developments, restructuring of government-owned strategic companies, foreign direct investments, international loan agreements, private sector developments, and the social sector (pension, health system, and labor regulations).
- Data Analysis: Analyze available statistical data and report on observed trends.
- Reporting: Produce regular updates and reports on key economic reform and political processes in the RS. Analyze and summarize relevant documents for the Political and Economics Department.
- Liaison and Stakeholder Engagement
- Economic Institutions: Maintain relations and consult with key economic ministries (Finance, Economy, Energy and Mining, Transport and Communications) and high-level administrations (BiH Indirect Taxation Authority, Central Bank, Deposit Insurance Agency, RS Tax Administration, Banking Agency, Fiscal Council, Chamber of Commerce).
- International/Donor Relations: Maintain relations with donors, foreign officials, and international organizations, including participation in working groups, seminars, or workshops.
- External Meetings: Accompany the DHR/Head of BLRO to meetings with RS politicians, government officials, and non-governmental organizations or companies. Take notes and write reports or attend such meetings in an official capacity independently.
- General and Administrative Responsibilities
- Perform various relevant duties (arranging meetings, drafting correspondence, producing translations, filing and documentation) as requested by the DHR/ Head of the Regional Office
- Complete any additional tasks assigned by the supervisor
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:
- A university degree in economics, political science, or a related field; a master’s degree would be an advantage
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience, preferably with international organizations;
- Solid knowledge of the current political, economic, and social landscape in Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Understanding of the BiH economic context, relevant domestic institutions, and issues related to transition economies
- Skills:
- Excellent command of both oral and written English
- Strong ability to draft clear and concise reports and briefs
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with both international and local interlocutors
- Proficient computer skills
- Strong administrative and organizational capabilities.
- Competencies:
- Commitment to confidentiality
- Dedication to supporting the OHR policy of peace implementation in Bosnia and
- Herzegovina
- Ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision
- Capability to work effectively in a team, including with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Ability to cope with stress and willingness to work long or /irregular hours
- Demonstrated mature judgment and maintenance of confidentiality
- Availability for travel as required
Any person with the above qualifications should provide in English a CV with a one-page Cover Letter and a reference to the following:
E-mail: application@ohr.int or
Human Resources Section
Office of the High Representative
Emerika Bluma 1, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Reference number: 2025/029
Closing date for applications: 18 December 2025
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. /No telephone or email inquiries please.
Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.