National Individual Consultant Expert Legal Consultant – Access to Justice

The consultant will support the EU-funded programme aimed at strengthening child justice and protection systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring enhanced access to justice for children and strengthened protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation. The role involves legislative and policy development, capacity-building, and coordination across multiple institutions to advance child justice reforms.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the EU-funded programme to strengthen child justice and protection systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Provide expert legal advice and support on child justice reforms and access to justice for children.
• Engage with judicial institutions, social welfare systems, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to promote child protection and justice reforms.
• Draft, review, and contribute to legislative and policy documents, bylaws, strategies, and standard operating procedures related to child justice.
• Design and deliver capacity-building programmes for professionals working in child protection and justice sectors.
• Coordinate and facilitate workshops, consultations, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Translate complex policy frameworks into practical guidance for implementation.
• Manage multiple workstreams and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
• Collaborate closely with UNICEF and project teams to ensure alignment and effective project execution.

Requirements

• Master’s or higher in law required; degree in social sciences or a related field possible with proven relevant experience.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience in child protection, justice reform, rule of law, and child protection systems required.
• Proven experience in justice for children / child protection systems, including work with judicial institutions, social welfare systems, and law enforcement required.
• Demonstrated experience in legislative and policy development, including drafting or reviewing laws, bylaws, strategies, or SOPs required.
• Strong track record in design and delivery of capacity-building programmes for professionals (e.g. judiciary, police, social workers, educators) required.
• Strong analytical and advisory skills, with ability to translate complex policy frameworks into practical implementation guidance.
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder engagement skills, including ability to work across multiple institutions and administrative levels.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, including experience leading workshops and consultations.
• High level of written communication skills, particularly in drafting reports, policy documents, and technical guidance.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong collaboration with project teams.
• Fluency in English required.
• Fluency in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian required.
• Experience with EU standards related to rule of law and fundamental rights is an asset.
• Previous collaboration with government institutions and multi-sector stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina or similar governance contexts is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of diversion measures, restorative justice, and child victim/witness support models (e.g. Barnahus) is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with data systems and evidence-based programming in justice or social sectors is an advantage.

Skills

• Child Protection Systems Knowledge
• Justice Reform
• Rule of Law
• Legislative Development
• Policy Development
• Legal Drafting
• Capacity Building
• Judicial Institution Engagement
• Social Welfare Systems
• Law Enforcement Collaboration
• Analytical Advisory Skills
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Workshop Facilitation
• Report Writing
• Policy Document Development
• Technical Guidance
• Project Management
• EU Rule of Law Standards
• Diversion Measures
• Restorative Justice

Languages

English, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian