Head of Legal Affairs

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

• Excellent physical condition
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

• Second-level university degree in law or significant work experience in criminal justice and/or law enforcement (the latter required for police corrections officer training)
• Experience in the practice of law, e.g. judges, prosecutors, lawyers, etc.
• Knowledge of courtroom proceedings and criminal law and procedure
• Knowledge of international legal procedure standards and instruments
• Demonstrable organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

Second-level university degree/certified training course in relevant field. Advanced university degree in a management discipline an asset

Experience:

Minimum 10 years relevant, diversified and progressively responsible professional experience including at least 5 years at the management level relevant to the actual position

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory: 

• Experience providing substantive legal counsel to an international organization, or to a governmental or institutional body;
• Experience providing legal representation in administrative, employment, or contract matters;
• Broad and deep experience analyzing complex legal issues;
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement, discretion, and political sensitivity;
• Strong advocacy, organizational, and managerial skills;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work effectively with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, genders, and political views while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and within limited time frames;
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and email.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the regional political landscape and the legal framework in the Mission area;
• Knowledge of legal issues relating to the functional areas in the Mission;
• Experience with negotiation or other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Under the general supervision of the Head of Mission, the incumbent will be performing the following functions:

1. Directing and supervising the work and personnel of the Office of Legal Affairs;
2. Providing authoritative legal opinions and advice on: a) all areas of the mandate of the OSCE, inter alia, human rights, democratization, media, elections, police and public safety training; b) the independent institutions established by the OSCE (Central Election Commission, Independent Media Commission, Kosovo Judicial Institute, Ombudsperson, Radio Television of Kosovo, Press Council and Kosovo Academy for Public Safety); c) issues relating to the functions, structure and activities of the Mission; and d) the general legal framework in Kosovo. Serving as final authority on the legal interpretation of the Missions mandate;
3. Coordinating, supervising, approving, and, as appropriate, undertaking research and examination of legal precedent related to the activities of the Mission, inter alia the areas set out in the Missions mandate and international, public, private and administrative law; ensuring consistency of interpretations of legal instruments relevant to the work of the Mission; reviewing, revising and clearing documents from the legal perspective prior to final decision by Head of Mission;
4. Advising on questions of international law affecting the status and privileges and immunities of the Mission and its legal relationships with local institutions and international organizations; advising on privileges and immunities of Mission members (arrest/ detention/ safe passage/communication with courts) and on legal matters related to the interpretation and application of the OSCE regulatory framework;
5. Providing legal advice and interpretation of OSCE Permanent Council Decisions and UN Security Council Resolutions affecting the Mission and its mandate; advising on the interpretation of international agreements, treaties, and conventions affecting the Mission; preparing or overseeing the preparation of drafts of correspondence, notes and agreements, as required;
6. Advising and interpreting the issues related to Mission property and assets;
7. Undertaking consultations and participating in negotiations with representatives of local institutions, UNMIK, KFOR and the international presence in Kosovo, contractors and implementing partners, and representatives of participating States; providing advice and assistance in resolving procedural and substantive legal questions in committees, conferences, and meetings;
8. Advising on claims by and against the Mission;  reviewing and clearing all MoUs, Implementing Partner Agreements (IPA), contracts, leases and agreements; drafting or overseeing the drafting of Mission legal documents, including contracts, MoUs, IPAs, Notes Verbale and correspondence related to proceedings before courts and other tribunals;  preparation of briefs and/or other filings;
9. Drafting documents and advising on matters related to OSCE Committees and Boards, including the Fund Material Management Committee and other committees and boards as established;
10. Participating in Disciplinary Committees and Internal Review Boards as an ex-officio member; reviewing and clearing all disciplinary matters and appeals prior to decision by Head of Mission;
11. Co-ordinating and liaising with the Legal Services Office and the OSCE Office of Internal Oversight in the OSCE Secretariat;
12. Performing other duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, please see: https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds. Please note that nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are not eligible to apply.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/ourcompetency-model.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered.

Please apply to your relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered. The OSCE can only process Secondment applications that have been nominated by participating States. For queries relating to your application, please refer to the respective delegation as listed here: https://www.osce.org/contacts/delegations.