Roles and Responsibilities

Focal point for rule of law in Serbia and Montenegro within the Western Balkans Regional Rule of Law Network at the Embassy in Belgrade. The network provides up-to-date information on rule of law developments and contributes to Dutch foreign policy discussions and positions on the Western Balkans. The network also manages projects through the Dutch MATRA program, addressing rule of law challenges in the region. You’ll perform tasks on the request of the Regional Rule of Law Coordinator as well as the Deputy Head of Mission in Belgrade.

Policy Advisory

• Actively engage with and critically assess the rule of law situation in Serbia and Montenegro, using insights to represent Dutch positions and inform policy development.
• Analyze and monitor rule of law developments, particularly regarding the judiciary, justice system, anti-corruption efforts, organized crime, war crimes prosecution, checks and balances (including independent oversight bodies), human rights, public administration reform and media landscape in Serbia and Montenegro.
• Track relevant political developments, legislative processes, and reform implementation, while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of civil society and international organizations in the field.
•  Provide relevant policy input to ministries in The Hague, embassies in the region, and the Dutch Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels, while communicating Dutch policy positions to regional counterparts.
• Pro-actively drafting high-quality reports, assessments, visits, speaking notes, background papers, and interviews on rule of law topics. Contribute to regional products (i.e. cables, reports) as well.
• Active participation within the Regional Rule of Law Network.

Project Management

 

• Initiate and manage creative projects under the Dutch (regional) MATRA fund for civil society, in close cooperation with relevant colleagues.
• Organize public diplomacy activities to promote and support rule of law in Serbia and Montenegro. Contribute to social media on the topic of rule of law.
• Encourage Dutch participation in EU rule of law projects and programs (e.g., Twinnings, TAIEX) and other peer-to-peer opportunities for Dutch organizations.

Outreach & Representation

• Build and maintain a professional network with local and Dutch institutions, civil society, and international organizations. This requires regular travel to Montenegro and other countries.
• Represent the Embassy in rule of law-related meetings, workshops, and briefings, actively communicating Dutch positions and gathering relevant information.
• Organize events within the scope of rule of law responsibilities and support other embassy events as needed.
• Strengthen the embassy's visibility and advocacy through media statements, events, and other outreach activities.
• Organize and facilitate visits, meetings and conferences for the Western Balkans Rule of Law Network coordinator, assisting with translation and note-taking as required.

 

Job Requirements

Key Qualifications & Experience

 

• University degree in law, political science or a related field.
• Broad interest in constitutional, European, international and criminal law.
• At least 5 years of relevant working experience in an international setting.
• In-depth knowledge of governance and justice sectors in Serbia and Montenegro.
• Strong network with relevant Serbian and Montenegrin contacts in the public sector and civil society.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Serbian; knowledge of Dutch is a plus.

Key Competencies

1. Proactive & Resourceful: Takes initiative, identifies opportunities, and contributes actively as a result-oriented and flexible team player.
2. Analytical & Strategic Thinker: Quickly processes and summarizes complex information, translating insights into clear and concise policy recommendations. Continuously seeks professional development. Shows curiosity.
3. Contextual Awareness: Understands and able to place developments in Serbia and Montenegro within a broader geopolitical framework, considering Dutch interests.
4. Organized & Independent: Plans and executes responsibilities with a strong sense of ownership. Thinks outside the box and presents innovative ideas.
5. Networking Skills: Builds and maintains a strong professional network.
6. Communication: Excellent and adaptable communication and writing skill.

Contract Information

 

• Work week: 37.5 hours
• Contract duration: Fixed-term (1 year), renewable once before a potential open-ended contract
• Starting date: 1 June 2025 (some flexibility possible)
• Salary: pay scale 8, as specified according the Legal Status (Local Employees) Regulations 2020 (LSR 2020)

Application Procedure

Submit the following to BEL-jobs@minbuza.nl:

 

• A cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation and suitability
• A copy of your CV
• Deadline:19 March 2025
• Only electronic applications accepted
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 weeks for an interview and a written assignment

Working Environment

 

• The position offers a dynamic, international work environment with professional challenges, opportunities to develop and implement ideas, and possibilities for growth through training and courses.
• You will become part of a diverse embassy team of around 20 people and be working in our open-plan office in New Belgrade. Between work, we relax with various activities, such as a shared lunch, table tennis, a yoga on Monday afternoons and the training for the Belgrade Marathon.