Senior Legal Officer | Serbia

About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES' approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

ELIGIBILITY: Open to Serbian nationals only.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Senior Legal Officer is an advanced professional position at IFES providing technical and legal advisory support for IFES programming in Serbia. Specific duties will include program development, technical assistance, legal analysis support and progress monitoring.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead in providing substantive input on key legal programmatic activities, including on electoral reform, political finance and anti-corruption, and other electoral process related activities;
• Serve as program expert on electoral legal matters related to the election laws, rules, regulations and procedures, including election dispute resolution;
• Provide research, analysis, advice and written and verbal presentations on electoral legal matters;
• Support development and delivery of training programs to election administration and stakeholders focused on legal analysis and development components;
• Establish, maintain and develop productive working relationship with HQ staff, consultants at large, and IFES partners and beneficiaries in Serbia;
• Provide support during project meetings and special events/activities, prepare and assemble briefing materials as directed;
• Troubleshoot project problems and identify and implement creative solutions, in consultation with the project team;
• Conduct research and provide design support in project proposal development process;
• Provide input into annual workplans, PMPs, and other programmatic reports;
• Achieve project requirements within budget, established time frame, standards of quality;
• Develop a sound understanding of IFES technical areas;
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION SCOPE:

Provide varied support functions and perform moderately complex job duties requiring knowledge of program management, partner interface, and legal research and development initiatives. Contribution to program planning, design, and delivery. Manage work activities with internal and external partners to help ensure achievement of assigned objectives project(s). Performance and outcomes are subject to management oversight.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING:

Multi-factor decision-making requiring research and analysis, subject to supervisory guidance. Analyze and interpret issues, propose and implement solutions relying on knowledge of professional standards, principles, and sound judgment. Coordinate activities necessary to achieve work goals.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships, which require highly-developed interpersonal skills, involving active listening and problem solving, to assure desired outcomes. Seek opportunities to improve working relationships and work outcomes with internal and external partners.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's in Law, with preference for higher degree in Law, Public Administration, or similar.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in relevant field is required, with at least four years in legal advisory and/or analysis.
• Experience in broader electoral reform and institutional capacity building processes will be considered an advantage.

RELATED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

Legal analytical and research skills are required. Experience in developing and delivering training programs is desirable. Strong communication and advocacy skills are considered an advantage.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Native in Serbian language; fluent English language is required.

TRAVEL:

Travel up to 10% of the time.

LOCATION:

The position will be based in Belgrade, Serbia.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office work environment, with occasional field travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.