Program Officer, Western Balkans Program (Maternity Leave cover), LES 5

Organization Profile  

Every year, millions of people around the world go missing as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes. This is a complex global challenge that can be tackled effectively through cross-cutting programs that address a variety of difficult, interconnected issues. 

The International Commission on Missing Persons, a treaty-based intergovernmental organization with Headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands, is seeking an experienced, dynamic and committed individual to join a highly motivated team working on this global challenge. ICMP’s overall strategy is based on upholding international law and securing the rights of families of the missing to truth, justice and reparations. 

Purpose

The Western Balkans Program Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the ICMP’ activities in the Western Balkans, ensuring that they are carried out in line with ICMP strategy, policies and procedures. This includes serving as point of contact for ICMP in relation to

regional commissions on missing persons, prosecutors’ offices, specialized institutions, government ministries and institutions, family associations of missing persons and other relevant stakeholders working on the issue of missing persons.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Government Relations Coordinator WB, the WB Program Officer’s duties and responsibilities will include, but will not necessarily be limited to, the following:

• Support the Government Relations Coordinator WB and Deputy HoP (WB) with analysis on political and other issues that affect implementation of program.
• Produce first draft reports, letters, summaries and analysis, and other documents to support the implementation of day-to-day activities of the WB program and coordinate with ICMP staff in the implementation of strategic goals and program.
• Provide logistical and administrative support in organizing roundtables, workshops and regional meetings and conferences on the issue of missing.
• Under the guidance and in coordination with the Government Relations Coordinator (WB), act as the point of contact with the local and international counterparts in the Western.
• Provide assistance in the implementation of the Office of the HoP (WB) and ICMP’s HQ
• initiatives and activities. 
• As necessary, give briefings and presentations on topics related to ICMP’s activities in the
• Western Balkans.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education and diploma in international relations, political or social science or equivalent experience in similar jobs with international organizations.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• In depth knowledge of local contexts (especially political).
• In depth knowledge of political structures, relevant governmental institutions, specialized agencies and IOs in the Western Balkans dealing with the rule of law, human rights and missing persons issues in particular.
• Experience in capacity building/institutional development.
• Experience in project preparation, implementation and monitoring.
• Experience in preparation of events, reports and briefing papers.
  
• Native or fluent in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language.
• English fluent (including exceptional written English).
• Knowledge of Albanian would be an advantage.

Other skills required:

• Tact, discretion and diplomacy.
• Good organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team and challenging environment.
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure and under tight deadlines.

Benefits

This is a full-time temporary position with a competitive base salary at L5, 1 on the ICMP Western Balkans salary scale, generous paid leave and extensive health insurance benefits for the incumbent. The contract is until 31 December 2026.

This position is not eligible for expatriate allowances.

VN close date: 26 February 2026

Expected start date:  ASAP

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.