National Legal Expert on Labour Migration Governance

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM operates in over 100 countries and has more than 10,000 employees worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including labor migration, refugee assistance, and the integration of migrants into host communities. IOM aims to provide comprehensive solutions to migration challenges and supports governments in developing policies that respect the rights of migrants while addressing the needs of host countries.

Job Overview:
The position of National Legal Expert on Labour Migration Governance is crucial in addressing the persistent shortages of highly qualified professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The expert will engage in a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework governing the hiring of highly skilled foreign workers, focusing on the complexities and inefficiencies of the current system. This role involves conducting a legal desk review, stakeholder mapping, and comparative analysis against EU standards. The expert will also gather evidence and best practices to inform policy recommendations aimed at simplifying and streamlining employment procedures for skilled migrants. The overarching goal is to enhance the attractiveness of BiH as a destination for skilled labor by addressing the legal and procedural bottlenecks that currently hinder effective labor migration governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Legal Expert will be responsible for developing a structured analytical methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to assess labor migration governance in BiH. Key duties include conducting a desk review of relevant policies and laws, mapping stakeholders involved in labor migration governance, and performing a legal and comparative analysis of BiH’s labor migration framework against EU standards. The expert will also design surveys to collect data from employers regarding their experiences with hiring highly skilled foreign workers, analyze the collected data, and formulate evidence-based recommendations for improving the legal and procedural framework governing labor migration. Additionally, the expert will present findings and recommendations to stakeholders and submit a final analytical report for dissemination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Law with at least eight years of relevant professional experience in migration, asylum, or related fields, or a Master’s degree in a relevant field with at least five years of experience. Proven professional experience in labor migration processes and governance in BiH is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into high-quality reports and recommendations. Experience in producing policy analyses or research reports in labor migration or related fields is required, along with an in-depth understanding of the labor migration landscape in BiH and relevant EU/international standards.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Law is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree in a relevant field. The educational background should be complemented by substantial professional experience in migration-related fields, particularly in labor migration governance and legislation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience if holding a Bachelor’s degree, or five years if holding a Master’s degree. Experience must include a proven track record in labor migration processes, legislation, and governance within the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Familiarity with the legal and administrative frameworks governing labor migration is crucial, as is experience in conducting research and producing policy analyses.

Languages:
Proficiency in one of the local languages (Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian) is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of English. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and engagement with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will require travel within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The appointment is subject to funding confirmation and certification of medical fitness for appointment. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses but does not offer evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational incidents. Candidates must ensure they have their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications must be submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.