OHR Fellowship Program

Applications are now open for fellowships at the Office of the High Representative (OHR) for 2024-2025.  OHR’s Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for professional development to young professionals and recent graduates. Through intensive training combined with on-the-job experience, Fellows will develop their professional skills and competencies in areas related to the organization’s mandate.

Under the mentorship of senior staff, primarily legal and political experts, selected candidates will participate in developing and executing various programs focused on the rule of law, anti-corruption, electoral integrity, and institutional resilience.

Through this program, selected candidates will gain comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the current socio-political and legal system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Fellowship provides excellent experience for a continuing career in public policy, particularly policymaking in a post-conflict context.

About the Office of the High Representative (OHR)

OHR is an ad hoc international institution responsible for overseeing implementation of civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement ending the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The position of High Representative was created under the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, usually referred to as the Dayton Peace Agreement, that was negotiated in Dayton, Ohio, and signed in Paris on December 14, 1995. The High Representative is working with the people and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina evolves into a peaceful and viable democracy on course for integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Under Annex 10 of the GFAP, OHR has the status of a diplomatic mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is made up of diplomats seconded by the governments of stakeholder countries, international staff, and national staff from Bosnia and Herzegovina. OHR employs 20 internationals of which 15 are seconded, and 75 national staff, with offices in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, and Bratunac. OHR is funded by the stakeholder countries of the Peace Implementation Council and its budget for the 2022/2023 fiscal year is 5.3 million euro.

Eligibility

• All nationalities.
• Individuals with a Law degree or advanced degree in Political Science, International Relations, Government, or a related field, awarded September 2022 or later, or expected before the start of the fellowship.
• Excellent academic achievement.

General requirements

• Excellent oral and written command of the English language.
• No previous OHR experience as a national contractor, consultant, or Junior Professional.
• Knowledge of the socio-political environment in the Western Balkans or Bosnia and Herzegovina in particular.
• Willingness to travel within Bosnia and Herzegovina and work with people from various cultural backgrounds.
• Computer literacy.
• Excellent drafting and research skills.

Program Details

Positions are located in Sarajevo and Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Available positions

• Legal department up to 4 positions
• Political & Economic department up to 2 positions
• Banja Luka Regional Office up to 1 position
• Principal Deputy High Representative’s Cabinet up to 1 position

Duration of fellowship: 12 months with possible extension, maximum of 24 months.

Expected commencement: September 2024

Employment conditions: Stipend, social contributions (for BiH nationals), arrangement of residency and work permits (internationals), leave entitlement, and health insurance.

Applying

Eligible applicants should submit the following documents in English:

• A one-page Statement of Interest that specifies position(s) of interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• A two-page writing sample
• Two Letters of Recommendation

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. Applications should be sent via email to application@ohr.int or by post to

Office of the High Representative
Human Resources Section
(Fellowship Program)
Emerika Bluma 1, 71 000 Sarajevo

Closing date: 7 June 2024
No telephone inquiries please.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.