Position title:

VN Number:

 Legal Adviser Human Rights

 LS 008/2022

Category/Grade:

Grade 2

Vacancy Notice issued on:

Deadline for applications:

22 August 2022

01 September 2022

Unit/Office/Section:

Office of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo

Duty Station:

Pristina

Scope of the Position:

The European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (EUSR) mandate is, inter alia, to promote Kosovo that is committed to the Rule of Law, to contribute to the development and consolidation of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including with regard to women and children and protection of minorities, in accordance with the Union’s human rights policy and Union Guidelines on Human Rights, to assist and facilitate Kosovo's progress on European Union priorities, and to ensure the consistency and coherence of European Union's action in Kosovo.

To assist the EUSR to pursue these objectives, the Legal Adviser Human Rights shall, as core responsibilities, analyse and provide advice on rule of law and human rights -related policies and legislation including their implementation, contribute to the reporting, produce briefs, and monitor the institutions in charge of human rights and the key legislative developments in Kosovo Government and Assembly, with special focus on human rights and gender equality related aspects.

Given the political context within which the EUSR operates, the Legal Adviser shall demonstrate a combination of attributes including appropriate technical knowledge and legal acumen, ideally within a Kosovo or wider south Eastern European jurisdiction.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Rule of Law, Legal, and Human Rights Section, the Legal Adviser Human Rights, in accordance with the EUSR mandate, is expected to perform the following tasks:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To contribute to the EUSR´s mandate implementation in relation to the rule of law, with particular focus on analysing and advising on the human rights and gender equality aspects of the mandate implementation and applicable legislation;
• To conduct legal research, draft legal opinions, produce briefs and provide legal advice as required;
• To liaise with the Political, Economic and European Integration Section, Non-majority communities, Religious Cultural Heritage and North Section and other EU Office sections as needed;
• To develop and maintain direct and regular contacts  with relevant national institutions and international stakeholders involved in advancing and promoting human rights and gender equality, as well as with relevant civil society organisations;
• To follow up and report on the implementation of Kosovo human rights, gender equality and antidiscrimination legislation and policies;
• To monitor and report on developments in the institutions in charge of human rights and gender equality,
• To monitor, analyse and report on legislative developments, advise on legislation and provide legal opinion on applicable international and European legal standards and EU policies and best practices in the fields of human rights and gender equality;
• To participate in working groups drafting and reviewing new legislation with particular focus on human rights, gender equality and non-discrimination;
• To undertake any other work-related tasks as requested by her/his supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience:

• University degree in Law. Advanced university degree in Law, Human Rights or other relevant field will be considered as an advantage;
• After having obtained the university degree at least five (5) years of relevant and proven full-time professional experience in the field of Rule of Law, legal and human rights in national or international context.;
• Demonstrable analytical capacities;
• Excellent knowledge of the applicable law in Kosovo and legislative drafting process, including the approximation of Kosovo legislation with the EU Acquis;
• Sound knowledge of international and European legal instruments and mechanisms, particularly in the fields of human rights and gender equality;
• Excellent spoken and written command of English, including high-level drafting skills;
• Excellent spoken and written command of Albanian plus working knowledge of Serbian OR excellent spoken and written command of Serbian plus working knowledge of Albanian;
• Excellent computer skills in particular with MS Word;
• Ability to take initiative and to prioritize and manage high workloads on occasions, to have careful attention to details and to be able to work effectively with minimum supervision;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations as a team member in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment.
•  Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Valid driving licence obtained at least two (2) years ago.

How to Apply:

Applicants need to complete a EUSR Application Form for Local Staff.      

Applications submitted on any other application form will NOT be accepted.

Applicants are required to send their applications by e-mail to:

            recruitment@eusrinkosovo.eu

Only short-listed applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Applicants who do not comply with the afore mentioned application guidelines or do not meet the essential requirements specified in this Vacancy Notice will not be considered.

Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only.

Testing can be part of the recruitment process. 

E-mail address to send the EUSR Job application Form:

                 recruitment@eusrinkosovo.eu

Additional information

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

Data protection

The EUSR Office processes personal data pursuant to Regulation (EC) 2018/1725 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the EU institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data, as implemented in the EEAS by the Decision of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 8 December 2011. The Privacy statement is available on the EEAS website.