Background:

OSCE field operations are the front line of the OSCE’s engagement on the ground, supporting host authorities in fulfilling OSCE commitments and implementing a comprehensive approach to security. The OSCE Mission to Skopje is the Organization's longest-serving field operation working on social cohesion, fundamental rights, gender equality, the rule of law, good governance, integrity and anticorruption, criminal justice, and police reform.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Compliance Officer and second-level supervision of the Head of Human Dimension, the National Legal Officer provides legal advice and assistance to Head of Mission, Deputy Head of Mission, Chief of Fund Administration and other Senior Mission Members on a wide range of legal, financial, and/or administrative matters necessary for the lawful and proper functioning of the Mission.

More specifically, the incumbent is responsible for:

1. Providing legal advice and support on legal issues relevant to the legal, administrative, contractual, and financial obligations and functioning of the Mission:

• Drafting policy proposals, legal opinions, analysis, and other legal documents relevant to the Mission's legal, administrative, and financial functioning;

• Preparing and reviewing of commercial contracts, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and various other legal agreements, ensuring compliance with domestic and international law; advising on various matters arising under the Staff Regulations and Staff Rules;

• Advising on personnel matters, including on the applicability of international law to administrative issues, complaints, disciplinary cases, and appeals against administrative decisions;

• Providing guidance on the applicability of international laws in reviewing and drafting contracts, MOUs, and relevant legislation;

• Conducting legal review of all UB and ExB projects to ensure their adherence to the Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS).

2. Facilitating cooperation and representing the Mission and the Human Dimension Department within the organisation and externally:

• Developing and maintaining effective contacts with representatives of local authorities, international organizations, donor community representatives, local NGOs, through participation in meetings;

• Conducting meetings with relevant interlocutors, attending events, and, if requested, representing the Mission at meetings with state and non-state partners;

• Cooperating with the OSCE institutions, other field operations, international organizations of relevance, as appropriate and necessary in carrying out particular tasks and the general objectives of the Mission;

• Participating in regional meetings.

3. Supporting the implementation of programmatic activities in the Human Dimension Department:

• Supporting the implementation of project activities and capacity-building efforts with domestic and international partners through personal engagement as well as the engagement of other Legal Support team members;

• Engaging in legal research, examining OSCE commitments and identifying gaps in domestic law;

• Participating in events to raise awareness of programmatic activities.

  
  4. Monitoring judicial and legislative reforms and providing legal analysis:

• Monitoring legal developments related to the Mission's mandate;

• Conducting legal research and analysis of international and domestic standards, trends, and patterns in the legal system;

• Reporting on identified gaps in the legal system concerning judicial reform legislation.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, please see: OSCE Mission to Skopje.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of North Macedonia;

• First-level university degree in law;

• Minimum two (2) years' professional experience in practicing law at national level, with experience in practicing law in international setting being a distinct advantage;
• Computer-literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications;

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English language and in local language(s);

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different genders, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

• Holding a valid driving license.

Remuneration Package:

* The position is proposed for upgrade to NP2 level, subject to approval of the OSCE Unified Budget.

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions, is approximately EUR 2,087.58

Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance and the OSCE Provident Fund.

Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. At the discretion of the appointing authority a higher step may be approved up to a maximum of step 3 subject to specific conditions.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

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/our-competency-model.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 63 years at the time of appointment.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.