Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is an international organization that aims to promote peace, stability, and democracy in the region. Established in 1999, the mission operates with a focus on human rights, rule of law, and good governance. The organization employs a diverse workforce and engages in various projects to enhance institutional capacities and legal frameworks in Kosovo. The OSCE is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and operates in multiple countries across Europe and Central Asia, with a mission to uphold democratic values and human rights.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is a critical role within the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, focusing on the review and analysis of legislation and policies to ensure compliance with international human rights standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring and reporting on human rights issues, participating in the development of legal frameworks, and providing legal analysis on emerging issues. This role requires a proactive approach to improving the legal proficiency of local legal officers and ensuring that the rights of all communities in Kosovo are protected. The Legal Officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including international organizations, local authorities, and NGOs, to achieve the mission's objectives in promoting rule of law and good governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Participating in the review of draft legislation and policies to ensure they align with human rights and rule of law standards.
• Monitoring and analyzing a wide range of human rights and rule of law issues in Kosovo, providing reports and recommendations.
• Engaging in the development and implementation of legal frameworks that protect the rights of all communities.
• Conducting rapid legal analyses on issues that arise within the mission area and following up on recommendations.
• Staying informed about Kosovo's legislation relevant to human rights and advising the department accordingly.
• Collaborating with officials from international organizations, local authorities, and NGOs to promote human rights and good governance.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Chief of the Law and Justice Sector.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in law and have a minimum of two years of professional experience in the legal field. A strong understanding of international legal standards and the laws applicable to Kosovo and neighboring jurisdictions is essential. Experience in an international organization or mission environment is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, along with excellent written and oral communication skills in English and one of the official local languages. Knowledge of additional local languages is considered an asset. Candidates must also exhibit gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in law, which is essential for understanding the legal frameworks and human rights standards relevant to the role. A bachelor's degree or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement, ensuring that candidates have the foundational knowledge necessary for legal analysis and policy review.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least two years of professional experience in the legal field. This experience should include a good understanding of international legal standards and the legal procedures applicable to the mission area. Some of this experience should ideally have been gained in an international organization or a mission environment, which will provide the candidate with the necessary context for the role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with fluency in one of the official local languages of Kosovo. Knowledge of additional local languages is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract at the National Professional level (NP1) with a full-time schedule. The monthly remuneration is set at 1,609.42 Euro, subject to social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security deductions. Social benefits include participation in the OSCE group medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The OSCE does not reimburse expenses related to interviews, tests, visas, or relocation. Appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the mandatory retirement age for contracted positions is 65 years. The OSCE encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in its workforce.