LEGAL OFFICER – Office of the High Representative

DUTY STATION: Mostar

CONTRACT TYPE: National

GRADE: 8

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION

The Legal Section of OHR Mostar is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Legal Officer. The successful candidate will fulfil responsibilities that include briefing, advising, and formulation of locally appropriate intervention strategies. The Legal Officer will cover all issues in the domain of the OHR’s Legal Department. The incumbent will work under the general supervision of the Deputy High Representative OHR South and direct supervision of Head of Legal Section, OHR South.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Advise on all legal and electoral matters in AoR of OHR-South;

· Research and analytical support for the work of the High Representative;

· Identification of priority cases and legal issues;

· Consultation with experts from relevant fields;

· Legal interpretation of Human Rights standards;

· Harmonization of legislation between the Entities and with relevant international standards;

· Federal level: participation in the elaboration of the amendments to the Federal Constitution concerning Cantons 8, 7 and Mostar City and to any relevant FBiH legislation;

· Cantonal level: participation in the elaboration of amendments to the Cantonal Constitutions, relevant draft laws and by-laws for Cantons 7 and 8;

· City and Municipal level: participation in the elaboration of amendments to the statutes of all units of local self-government;

· RS monitor all the legal issues within the AoR of OHR-South

· Monitoring observation of the principle of Rule of Law

· Under the lead of the Independent Judicial Commission, participate to the overall re-organisation of the Judiciary in the AoR

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

· University degree in Law;

· Minimum of 5 years of professional experience;

· Ability to work as part of a team and to work under pressure;

· Good command of oral and written English is essential;

· Full computer literacy;

· Excellent oral and written communication skills, strategic and creative abilities;

· In-depth knowledge of the legal and political systems of the State and its subdivisions;

· Knowledge of the BiH Constitution, Dayton Peace Agreement and its Annexes;

· Knowledge and experience of the domestic laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of its Entities essential;

· Knowledge of FBiH, Canton 7 and 8 legislation, particularly the legislation concerning the City of Mostar.

Any person with this overall professional profile who wishes to be considered for the position should submit (in English) a CV and one page cover letter with references to:

Administration Manager

OHR Mostar

Husnije Repca bb, 88104 Mostar

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Fax: ++387 36 512 601; E-mail: application@ohr.int

Please quote Reference No. 2002/365

Closing date for applications: 3 January 2003