Senior Elections Legal Adviser OSCE Mission in Kosovo

Vacancy number: VNKOSS01369

Vacancy type: International seconded

Field of expertise: Elections

Functional level: Senior professional

Number of posts: 1

Duty station: Prishtine / Pristina

Date of entry on duty: 1 October 2012

Date of issue: 5 July 2012 (Reissued)

Deadline for applications: 11 September 2012

General Minimum Requirements

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

Excellent physical condition
Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure

Field of Expertise Requirements

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

Experience in election administration, supervision or voter registration
Good understanding of basic legal documents (constitutions, election laws and regulations)
Good understanding of various electoral and political systems
Experience in liaising with government agencies and NGOs
Experience in management or supervision of subordinate staff
Ability to work under tight deadlines and in a difficult and politically sensitive environment
Negotiating and diplomatic skills

Level of Professional Competence Requirements

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience

Mission Specific Requirements

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

Knowledge of international law, human rights, and election standards and principles
Experience in drafting and/or reviewing legislation and legal texts
Knowledge of the following areas, inter alia: civil registration, voter list, districting, complaints and appeals bodies, counts and results methodologies
Strong analytical and drafting skills and ability to take into account various policy implications and identify strategic issues for the Mission in the field of elections
Professional fluency in the English language
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
Cultural sensitivity and judgement
Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and within limited time frames
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Ability to operate windows applications, including word processing and email

Desirable:

Experience of working in an international environment including management experience in an international context involving multi-cultural staff
Previous international work experience and/or experience in field missions preferably in the fields of rule of law, human rights and/or elections
Knowledge of the regional political situation and the legal system of the mission area
Knowledge and demonstrable experience in change management and electoral transition process

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Elections Division, the Senior Election Legal Adviser:

Advises on electoral matters providing consultancy support, as required, on the electoral legal and procedural framework in accordance with international standards;
In conjunction with the Deputy Chief of the Elections Division, supports the design and implementation of the handover of OSCE electoral responsibilities and the technical capacity building programme of the Central Elections Commission and its Secretariat;
Together with the Deputy Chief of Elections Division, provides advice and on-the-job training to Central Elections Commission Secretariat counter-part(s) and their management team;
Assists in formulating Division policy on issues pertaining to electoral legal and procedural framework, international elections standards, best practice and the technical implementation of the electoral legal framework;
Provides technical advice to legislative stakeholders in the area of elections for compliance with international standards and international best practice;
Provides rapid analysis on issues that arise in the Mission's Headquarters (HQ) and Regional Centres in the field of elections, and follows up with policy advice and recommendations to internal senior staff or responsible external stakeholders;
Liaises with local and international stakeholders to achieve policy objectives of the Elections Division;
Informs and advises the Department/Division on legal, procedural and technical questions regarding the electoral process;
Becomes familiar with all areas of the legal framework in Kosovo;
Provides legal advice to other units within the Mission;
Performs other duties as assigned.

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. The nomination of female candidates is particularly encouraged.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered.

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.