THE INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION (IJC)

 

The Independent Judicial Commission (IJC) is the lead agency for the co-ordination of judicial reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the development of judicial reform strategy. It provides opinions and advice to and works closely with Ministries of Justice, Judges, Prosecutors, other relevant national authorities and the international community regarding the process of judicial reform and the promotion of the rule of law and serves as a focal point for international assistance to judicial reform initiatives. It is currently spearheading a vigorous reform programme to enhance the independence and professionalism of the judiciary by restructuring the court system, the selection of judges and prosecutors and the institution of a High Judicial Council (HJC) responsible for the appointment and discipline of judges and prosecutors. 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION

The IVD will receive, review and verify all application information, prepare an assessment of each applicant’s qualifications, and then recommend applicants for further evaluation by the HJC. The IVD and the IJC Field Offices will consist of international and national legal officer/investigators who will gather information about applicants. They will also be responsible for verifying, reviewing, and assessing the qualifications of applicants for judicial and prosecutorial posts.

The international investigator will work within the Field Office and under the supervision of the Head of the Field Office.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

·        Advise on all matters relating to the reselection process for judges and prosecutors, including assisting in the preparation of materials for sessions of the High Judicial Council and preparing reports related to individual judges and prosecutors;

·        Assist and advise other department of the IJC as requested and in particular on issues related to the restructuring of the judiciary and legal and law reform issues in the Republika Srpska generally;

·        Assist with issues arising related to the selection process for judges and prosecutors, including domestic legal issues and procedures;

·        Devise systems and methodologies for the coordination of the verification of information provided by applicants for judicial and prosecutorial posts;

·        Investigate allegations of misconduct by judges and prosecutors, either alone or working as part of a team;

·        Coordinate the conduct of investigations of judges and prosecutors and devise standard forms for the presentation and collation of the results of investigations;

·        Advise on disciplinary and other measures for judges and prosecutor;

·        Maintain an effective and updated filing system related to review process;

·        Liase with relevant national and international organisations on matters relating to judicial reform generally;

·        Perform related tasks as required.

 

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

 

·        Law degree;

·        A minimum of five years professional experience required in a practical legal setting, preferably as a judge, prosecutor, counsel, court administrator or within a Ministry of Justice;

·        Previous experience in development work in countries in transition desirable, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina or other counties of the former SFRY;

·        Experience with or knowledge of European systems and norms preferred;

·        Ability to operate both within the framework of a team and independently;

·        Ability to work and draft legal documents in English;

·        Mature judgment and flexibility;

·        Computer literacy;

·        Must be able and willing to travel within B&H.

 

Personnel Department

Office of the High Representative

Emerika Bluma 1, 71000 Sarajevo

Bosnia and Herzegovina

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

Please quote Reference number: 2002/194

Closing date for applications: 2 July 2002

The Independent Judicial Commission foresees in the up and coming months (June through July) a number of vacant positions for both National and International Contractors. These positions will be filled on a needed basis with appointment dates subject to organizational needs and vacancy announcements will not have starting dates. Only short listed candidates will be contacted and advised of exact dates of duration of contracts.