War Crimes Justice Project Intern

In view of the imminent closure of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the fact that the ICTY has already been transferring cases back to local justice systems, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) developed a project (commencing in summer 2008) which sought to identify lessons learned and best practices in investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating war crimes in South Eastern Europe. Project partners were the ICTY, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and South East Europe based OSCE Field Operations.
A Research Team conducted interviews with local practitioners, experts and international actors in Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia involved in capacity building activities for the benefit of local justice systems. The first phase of the project consisted of a needs assessment resulting in a Final Report which presented the best practices/lessons learnt in addition to a set of recommendations on comprehensive knowledge transfer methodologies and priority needs. The Final Report was issued in September 2009 and the first phase of the project has been finalised.
The OSCE ODIHR Democratization Department is engaged in a follow-up project together with the ICTY, UNICRI, and relevant OSCE Field Operations in the former Yugoslavia. The general purpose of the project is to support the domestic justice sector practitioners in South-East Europe to effectively handle the processing of war crimes cases.
A detailed project proposal was submitted to the European Commission (EC) in November 2009 requesting funding of EUR4M for a comprehensive project ‘Supporting the transfer of knowledge and materials of war crimes cases from the ICTY to national jurisdictions’ later renamed the War Crimes Justice Project (WCJP). The contract for the project (the Contract) was signed in December 2009 and implementation began on 1 May 2010.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The War Crimes Justice Project requires the services of an enthusiastic and hard working intern to assist in all aspects of this very important project.
The candidate will have to be available from May 2011 for a period of 6 months.

The desired intern will have the responsibility of supporting the Project Coordinator, the Project Administration Officer and the Project Assistant. This will require flexibility and a practical approach.

In support of the Project Co-ordinator (War Crimes) assigned tasks may include:

Providing first drafts of project documents and reports;
Assisting to draft and proofread speeches for senior ODIHR staff;
Compiling briefing packs for senior ODIHR staff;
Assisting to draft and proofread official War Crimes Justice Project correspondence; and
Preparing first drafts of assessments on project activities and proposals for future courses of action on that basis.

In support of the Project Administration Officer assigned tasks may include:

Assisting to draft and proofread contracts;
Assisting to draft and proofread terms of reference for implementing partners;
Assisting to draft and proofread donor reports;
Assisting to draft and proofread project reports;
Taking minutes of project meetings; and
Supporting the development of the projects plan of activities.

In support of the Project Assistant assigned tasks may include:

Helping to draft/ proofread consultancy agreements;
Helping to organise events in the region of the former Yugoslavia;
Helping to draft/ proofread event agendas; and
Coordinating with other parts of the ODIHR to solve IT problems (e.g. organising project e-files).

Necessary Qualifications

An undergraduate degree in law or a law-related field;
English as a first language or near native proficiency;
An interest in project management;
An interest in event organisation;
Flexibility to carry out many different types of work as required;
A very practical approach;
An ability to handle stress and manage time well so as to cope with deadlines;
Understanding of the political sensitivities of dealing with war crimes issues in South-East Europe;
Familiarity with the work of the ICTY;
Work experience with the ICTY is desirable; and
An understanding of the national jurisdictions of the former Yugoslavia is an advantage.

For the duration of the internship the person will be covered with life, accident and disability insurance at the cost of the OSCE/ODIHR. The intern will also be able to participate in a group health insurance scheme at his/her own expense. The OSCE/ODIHR is unable to pay any remuneration or bear any expenses incurred by the intern during the stay in Warsaw or for travel to or from the place(s) of assignment. However, any foreign travel (not guaranteed) to the former Yugoslavia or to the partner institutions in The Hague and in Turin will be funded by the ODIHR and interns will receive a per diem allowance for the duration of such travel.
The intern will also be able to participate in training sessions on subjects such as international diplomacy or negotiation skills.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for internship programme at the OSCE/ODIHR, please use the application form for internships found under http://www.osce.org/employment/91, complete it, write a short essay explaining your motivation and send these via e-mail to recruit@odihr.pl mentioning in the subject line "War Crimes Justice Project Internship 2011”. You can add a CV, but no other documents. Please read carefully the requirements mentioned on this page before applying.
Please note that only applicants who succeed in the initial screening will receive a response.
Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/who/83

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