LEGAL OFFICER – PUBLIC/CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE HIGH REPRESENTATIVE
DUTY STATION: Sarajevo
CONTRACT: National/International
GRADE: 8
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION
Under the overall direction of the Head of the Department for Legal Affairs the Legal Officer is responsible for working as part of a small team of lawyers specializing in public law who together form the public law unit within the Legal Department of the Office of the High Representative. Due to the fact that peace keeping issues often give rise to problems of a multi-disciplinary nature which may range over a number of areas the Legal Officer will be expected to work periodically as part of a larger Legal Department team with lawyers who formally comprise the civil and commercial or environmental units contained within the Legal Department and to work in consultation with and in liaison with other departments and regional offices of the Office of the High Representative as required and appropriate. In general the Legal Officer will help the Legal Department play a key part in the provision of specialist legal services in all areas of law of major importance to the High Representative and the Departments of the Office of the High Representative.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify, examine, research, evaluate and report to the Head of the Legal Department on legal, and in particular constitutional, aspects of problems affecting the mandate of the High Representative in regard to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to assist the Head of the Legal Department in performing his task of providing authoritative legal advice to the High Representative on such issues
Liaise closely with the legal reform unit and all components of the Rule of Law Pillar of the Office of the High Representative to ensure that there is no duplication with the work of that unit or pillar. Maintain consultation and liaison with other departments as appropriate
Take part as appropriate in all aspects of the Decision making process of the Office of the High Representative including, as required, drafting, advising, vetting and editing of the same. Such Decisions may include those in relation to removal and suspension within the context of the General Framework Agreement and its later interpretation in Peace Implementation Council meeting conclusions
Carry out research and drafting in regard to Legal Opinions issued by the Legal Department of the Office of the High Representative
Carry out research and drafting in regard to comments on behalf of the Office of the High Representative prepared for court hearings including hearings of the Human Rights Chamber and of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina concerning cases in which the Office of the High Representative has an interest
Participate as required in the work of the inter Entity/COM/Brcko legal expert contact group
Maintain contact with appropriate officials of State and Entity including those forming part of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government with regard to matters within the responsibility of the Legal Department of the Office of the High Representative. Co-ordinate with international organizations including the Council of Europe
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Law Degree
- 5 years of relevant professional experience
- Drafting ability
- Excellent written and spoken English, including knowledge of legal terminology
- Mature judgment
Any personnel with the above qualifications should provide a CV (in English) with a
one-page cover letter and references to:
Personnel Department