National Legal Expert

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and rights, while also advocating for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Legal Expert will play a crucial role in conducting a comprehensive mapping and analysis of existing legislation related to job placement and government services aimed at enhancing the capacities of unemployed and inactive populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This position is vital in the context of the country's demographic challenges, including high emigration rates and low productivity levels. The expert will work under the supervision of the UNFPA Population Development Programme Specialist and will be responsible for reviewing legislation, conducting field visits, and drafting reports that will inform policy recommendations. The expert's findings will contribute to the development of legislation that supports the integration of inactive populations into the labor market, thereby addressing significant barriers to employment, particularly for women.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Legal Expert will be responsible for the following tasks: a. Conduct a thorough review of existing legislation on job placement and common employment programmes by 1 November 2025; b. Undertake field visits and interviews with relevant stakeholders by mid-November 2025; c. Draft an initial report in English to UNFPA by 1 December 2025, incorporating feedback from UNFPA by 12 December 2025; d. Prepare a final report in English to UNFPA by 19 December 2025; e. Present findings, conclusions, and recommendations at a UNFPA-organized conference in spring 2026, where other research reports will also be presented and validated with stakeholders. The expert will also be responsible for organizing field missions, which will include meetings with stakeholders at various governmental levels across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in law or a higher qualification. They should have at least five years of specific professional experience in mapping and analyzing existing legislation and public services, particularly in the area of job placement and employment. Experience in drafting legislation is considered an advantage. A fair understanding of the political and economic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including relevant job placement and employment policies, is essential. Preferred candidates will have experience in establishing private-public partnerships and proven experience working with international organizations, particularly UN agencies.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in law is required for this position. Higher qualifications in law or related fields will be considered advantageous. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in legal principles, public policy, and legislative processes relevant to employment and social services.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience specifically related to the mapping and analysis of legislation and public services. Candidates should have a strong background in job placement and employment policies, with a proven track record of working in similar roles. Experience in drafting legislation and understanding the socio-economic context of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to involve travel within Bosnia and Herzegovina for field missions, with travel-related costs covered by UNFPA according to their travel policy. The selected candidate will receive a Daily Subsistence Allowance in line with UNFPA regulations and will be responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements during missions. UNFPA emphasizes a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The organization promotes equal opportunities in all aspects of employment.