Rule of Law Unit Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is a principal institution of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) responsible for the human dimension. Established to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, ODIHR operates across the OSCE area, engaging in activities such as election observation, democratic development, and tolerance and non-discrimination. The OSCE, founded in 1975, has 57 participating States and operates with a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The organization emphasizes consensus decision-making among its member states, ensuring equal status for all participating States. ODIHR's mission is to assist these states in fulfilling their commitments to human rights and democratic governance, thereby enhancing the legitimacy of law and justice systems.

Job Overview:
The Rule of Law Unit Project Officer will play a crucial role in supporting OSCE participating States in their compliance with ODIHR human dimension commitments. This position involves developing, implementing, and evaluating projects related to judicial independence, fair trial monitoring, and criminal justice reform. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to ensure effective project delivery and stakeholder engagement. The role requires a strong understanding of international human rights standards and the ability to provide legal advice on rule of law issues. The Project Officer will also be responsible for conducting assessments, monitoring political and legal developments, and representing ODIHR at professional conferences and discussions. This position is integral to the OSCE's mission of promoting democracy and the rule of law in the region, requiring a proactive approach to project management and stakeholder collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating activities within thematic areas of the Rule of Law Unit, focusing on judicial independence, fair trial monitoring, and criminal justice reform.
• Drafting project proposals and budgets, engaging experts, and coordinating project implementation with partners.
• Overseeing logistical arrangements and monitoring project delivery by local partners, ensuring effective evaluation of project impact.
• Liaising with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international institutions to ensure political support and stakeholder participation.
• Providing legal advice and expertise on rule of law issues to ODIHR and OSCE institutions, including responding to inquiries and reviewing ongoing activities.
• Conducting assessments of good practices and serving as a focal point for institutional knowledge on rule of law programming.
• Monitoring political and legal developments in the OSCE region and maintaining contact with legal professionals.
• Representing ODIHR in conferences and discussions related to rule of law and democratization.
• Conducting legal research and comparative analysis of national legislation and practices in participating States. 1
• Identifying opportunities for ODIHR involvement and providing targeted recommendations based on national laws and practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a second-level university degree in law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted. A minimum of five years of professional work experience in law or rule of law development is required, with at least three years specifically in rule of law development in a transitioning democracy. Candidates should have established knowledge of international human rights standards, fair trial standards, and the functioning of political institutions. Strong project development and implementation skills, political intuition, and analytical abilities are essential. Candidates must demonstrate resourcefulness, initiative, and the ability to work independently while advising high-level officials. Experience as a practicing lawyer is considered an asset, along with proficiency in Microsoft applications and excellent communication skills in English. Knowledge of Russian is a plus. Candidates should also exhibit gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into their work.

Educational Background:
The position requires a second-level university degree in law. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must have two additional years of relevant experience to qualify. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of law and rule of law development, particularly in the context of international human rights and democratic governance.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in law or rule of law development. If the candidate holds only a first-level university degree, a total of seven years of experience is required. This experience should include at least three years specifically focused on rule of law development in a country transitioning to democracy, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in such contexts.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Russian is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and resources within the OSCE region. Proficiency in additional languages may also be beneficial, depending on the specific needs of the projects and the participating States involved.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international secondment and is open only to nationals of participating States. The contract is fixed-term and full-time, with a maximum service period of 10 years. The OSCE emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Candidates should be aware that appointments are subject to medical clearance and that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2025, and candidates are advised to apply well in advance to ensure timely processing.