Local Consultant, Legal Expert in Media and Related Legislation (Consultancy Roster)
Background
This vacancy is open only for the applicants with the citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia.
The OSCE Mission to Serbia’s Media Department is looking to increase the number of experts, on the Mission’s Consultancy Roster, who are highly qualified experts to provide sound legal analysis of the current media framework and Media Strategy goals and its implementation and to propose necessary improvements, bearing in mind digital developments. Those chosen may be engaged in one or more of the Mission’s current or future projects.
The Government of Serbia adopted the Strategy for the Development of Public Information System in the Republic of Serbia for the Period 2020-2025 (Media Strategy) on 30 January 2020, following a wide participatory process supported by the Mission. The overarching goal of the Media Strategy is to foster the improvement of the public information system “through a harmonised positive legal framework which guarantees the freedom of expression, freedom of media, safety of journalists, media pluralism, developed media market, empowered journalist profession, educated citizenry, and institutions capable of implementing the legislation.” This goal is elaborated in five objectives and their respective measures and indicators:
- Improved safety, socioeconomic, and professional environment for the work of journalists and other media professionals;
- Established functional, sustainable, and fair media market, protected against political influence;
- Functional, competent, professional, and open institutions with available mechanisms for protection against external pressure, which are consistently implementing public policies and regulations;
- Quality, plural, and diverse media content satisfying the information needs of different social groups;
- Enhanced professional knowledge and developed digital competences of individuals, institutions, media, journalists, and other media professionals.
The Media Strategy and 2023 media laws have left some of the issues to the future drafting and adoption of policy and/or legal documents, such as the second Action Plan for the implementation of the Media Strategy. The assessment of the implementation of the existing framework with recommendations, as well as the assessment and recommendation on the new regulatory trends in particular related to digital environment, are also needed.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the National Legal Officer, the consultants may be responsible for the following tasks:
- Analyse the legislation in force, international standards, the EU accession requirements and most recent trends in digital environment, relevant for the media and freedom of information and propose recommendations to move forward media reform in the country;
- As part of the analysis, interview relevant stakeholders (from state institutions, regulatory bodies, journalists’ and media associations, academia, civil society, chamber of commerce);
- Actively participate in debates and consultations on recommendations and drafting documents and, if deemed appropriate, include inputs in draft documents.
The consultants will work in the Mission area. Travel and accommodation costs for activities outside of the place of residence will be covered through Official Travel Authorizations (OTAs).
Necessary Qualifications
- Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia;
- University degree in law;
- Minimum 7 (seven) years of specific professional experience in legislation analysis and policy formulation;
- Experience in analysing legal framework and its implementation and preparing analytical reports;
- Proven knowledge of Serbian legal system, media legislation and media system; knowledge of civil, criminal and administrative law, business legislation including intellectual property, and/or electronic communications law would be an asset;
- Knowledge of proofreading legislation analysis would be considered as an asset;
- Knowledge of international media and human rights standards and regulations, public procurement and state aid, would be an asset.
- Professional fluency in the English and Serbian, both oral and written;
- Good analytical and interpersonal skills;
- Full computer literacy;
- Ability and willingness to work with people of different cultural, national and religious backgrounds;
- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, as well as the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the OSCE Competency Model available at: https://jobs.osce.org/osce-competency-model.
The purpose of this recruitment is to increase the number of consultants/experts on the Mission’s Consultancy Roster, who are highly qualified legal experts in the area of media and related legislation (public procurement, state aid, administrative, civil and criminal law, intellectual property, business, electronic communications). Inclusion on the roster does not constitute an obligation or promise of engagement or employment.
Remuneration Package
The selected experts would be put on the Mission’s consultancy roster and may be engaged on a Special Service Agreement, and would be remunerated in accordance with the Mission’s remuneration policy valid at the time of engagement, commensurate to individual qualifications and experience. The payment will be effected upon successful completion of all tasks.
How to Apply
Please apply online through this website (https://jobs.osce.org) no later than 30 April 2025. Only applications received through this website will be considered; applications received by email, post etc. will not be accepted.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Candidates who have not been contacted by 15 June 2025 should consider there will be no follow up to their application.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, cancel the recruitment, or offer a consultancy at a different level or with modified terms of reference or for a different duration.