Background:
The mandate of the OSCE Presence in Albania is to promote democratization, the rule of law, and human rights as well as to consolidate democratic institutions in line with OSCE principles, standards and commitments. Originally established in 1997, today, the Presence’s activities range from arms control and the fight against trafficking to electoral assistance; anti-corruption initiatives; gender mainstreaming and environmental projects; human rights protection; legislative, judicial, and media reform; and the capacity-building of law enforcement officials.
A local vacancy for a fix-term appointment has arisen in the OSCE Presence in Albania for a National Legal Officer (NP1). The post is located in the Electoral Reform Unit within the Democratization Department if the OSCE Presence in Albania. It is an extra-budgetary (ExB) post within the project “Support to Electoral Reform and Processes in Albania” that is currently envisaged to last four years.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the National Project Officer (NP2), the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:
- Providing technical legal advice and expertise in the analyzing and drafting of revisions for the project-relevant election-related legal framework and strategic documents (examining the electoral legislation for gaps/weaknesses and recommending interventions for improvement based particularly on the OSCE commitments and OSCE/ODIHR recommendations; preparing legal opinions to the Project Team on issues of importance within the project; carrying out desk research on different areas of election-related legislation of other countries and comparing them to Albania’s; following and providing information on all legal developments in the area of elections as relevant to the project; providing rapid analysis on any legal issues arising during the pre- and post-election process; preparing memoranda on solutions to identified legislative problems in order to give a foundation for further discussions; making recommendations for improvement in the secondary legislation/regulatory framework; cooperating closely as needed with the Project-hired consultants/experts on legal-related issues, etc.)
- Preparing working documents and background material pertaining to issues addressed through project outcomes and outputs, including spot reports, talking points, concept notes, agendas, summaries, and providing substantive input to project progress, implementation and evaluation reports.
- Conducting research, collating, synthesizing and presenting data and information in a required format from readily available sources on areas covered by the project; designing and drafting supporting flow charts, schedules, graphs and tables; co-ordinating the collection and verification of documents, actions and data with substantive or support units assembling and editing basic data required for planning and negotiation, in format dictated by agenda or supervisor’s instructions checking project documents for clarity, consistency and completeness.
- Assisting in designing and arranging co-ordination meetings, workshops, training, discussion fora, sessions, briefings, visits, publications and related activities. Taking notes on events and compiling minutes/summaries of discussion and outcome.
- Establishing and maintaining relations at relevant level and on technical/legal assistance matters with beneficiaries, stakeholders and partners, as necessary in ensuring proper and timely implementation of the project activities.
Necessary Qualifications:
- First-level university degree in law.
- A minimum of two years of professional-level experience in public administration, judicial institutions, legal consultancy firms, civil society organizations or international organizations/think-tanks;
- Proven knowledge of Albanian legislative framework and OSCE commitments/international standards for democratic elections.
- Experience in working with the domestic election-related legislation and pertinent regulatory framework is considered an asset;
- Excellent legal analytical skills and established experience in providing authoritative legal advice to senior levels.
- Excellent drafting ability in English with strong analytical and clarity/summarizing skills
- Experience in drafting or working with strategic plan documents is considered an asset
- Experience with project implementation and management and preparation of relevant project reports. Experience in organising events involving high-level stakeholders and on specialized legal topics is considered an asset;
- Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in Albanian and English.
Remuneration Package:
According to the OSCE salary scale, the remuneration for this position is approximately 1,805 EUR EURO, subject to National Social Security deductions. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation. Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.
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.
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 the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.
Additional Information
- Issued by: OSCE Presence in Albania
- Requisition ID: ALB000067
- Contract Type: Local Contracted
- Grade: NP1
- Job Type: Contracted
- Number of posts: 1
- Location: ALB – OSCE Presence in Albania, Tirana
- Issue Date: Aug 16, 2023
- Closing Date: Sep 5, 2023
- Employee Status: Fixed Term
- Schedule: Full-time
- Job Field: Elections
