National Legal Officer (NP1)

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 inter-ethnic relations, early warning, the rule of law, democratic governance, transnational threats and police reform.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Compliance Officer, the incumbent 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, they are responsible for: 

1. Preparing legal researches, legal documents, written communications and various legal memoranda relevant to the proper legal, administrative, contractual and financial functioning of the Mission, including analysis and opinions in respect of domestic and international law, and OSCE rules and procedures; 
2. Liaising with the Legal Services in OSCE Secretariat regarding compliance with and consistent application of OSCE rules and procedures; Cooperating with the OSCE Institutions, other field presences, international organizations of relevance, as appropriate and necessary in carrying out particular tasks and the general objectives; 
3. Contributing to the development, implementation and evaluation of projects, focusing on the implementation of national strategies promoted by the government in fields such as judicial reform, anti-discrimination and tolerance, but also in the projects that fall under the mission’s mandate and aim to strengthen the country’s adherence to its commitments to International Fair Trial standards;
4. Developing and maintaining effective contacts with representatives of local authorities and local NGOs through participation in meetings, attending events, and, if requested, representing the Mission at meetings with state and non-state partners;
5. Raising public awareness, supporting the country’s reforms in line with its OSCE commitments in the various areas of interest and fostering capacity-building among state and non-state partners; Participating in legal research, examining OSCE commitments and drafting reports on identifying gaps observed in the domestic law, facilitating the implementation and following up with domestic and international partners;
6. Contributing to the monitoring of judicial and legislative reforms and legal developments relevant to the Mission mandate by participating in legal research, analyzing international and domestic standards, trends and patterns in the legal system, examining OSCE and other international commitments and reporting on identified gaps;
7. Drafting, translating written documents and correspondences with local authorities, international organisations, representatives of the local NGOs, as well as interpreting oral communications in the course of performing the assigned tasks and responsibilities;
8. Performing other duties as assigned.
    

Necessary Qualifications:

• Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of North Macedonia;
• First level university degree in law;
• Minimum two years of professional experience in practicing law at national level; experience practicing law in international setting is a distinct advantage;
• Computer literate with practical experience with 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;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
• Holding a valid driving license.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions, is approximately EUR 1,914.00. 

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, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/. 

Please note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Online Application Form or in other languages than the English language would not be considered.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, or offer the position with modified terms of reference or a different duration.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

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