The consortium implementing the EUPA4BiH project is seeking a qualified candidate as Deputy Team Leader. This vacancy notice provides an overview of the project and its consortium, a breakdown of the relevant components, and outlines the qualifications, skills, and professional experience required for this position. Information on the application process is available at the end of the document.

Consortium

The consortium, under the leadership of the Center for International Legal Cooperation (The Netherlands), further consisting of the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (Germany), CIVIPOL (France), FIIAPP (Spain) and CPMA (Lithuania), has started the implementation of the EU Grant Contract “EUPA4BiH – European Union Police Assistance for Bosnia and Herzegovina” on 2 September 2024.

The project

The global objective of this project is to improve the security of citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The specific objectives of the project are as follows:

• To enhance the effectiveness of institutions involved in the fight against transnational organised crime, corruption, drugs, money laundering, cybercrime, trafficking of human beings, terrorism, radicalisation, violent extremism, corruption and ensure better institutional interoperability,
  • To further improve the collection and data exchange, and data protection according to the EU applicable standards and best practices,
  • To improve governance standards to embed stability and progress towards EU membership, better identify and responds to threats and strengthen capacities to prevent and fight crimes.

The project started on 2 September 2024, and the contract’s implementation period is 52 months from this date.

The project consists of 10 components, each has various outputs:

• Component 1: Fight against transnational organised/serious crime, Trafficking of Human Beings (THB), drugs, corruption and cybercrime
• Component 2: Prevention and Countering terrorism and violent extremism
• Component 3: Prevention and Countering Financial crime, Money Laundering
• Component 4: Support the enhancement of effective cooperation among law enforcement bodies and with prosecutors and judges
• Component 5: Enhancing external cooperation and coordination, information exchange, as well as international cooperation and coordination with EUROPOL and Interpol
• Component 6: Support for drafting legislation in line with EU acquis, European standards and best practices
• Component 7: Support to the criminal justice authorities in demonstrating progress towards establishing a track record of proactive investigations, confirmed indictments, prosecutions and final convictions against organised crime and corruption, including at high-level
• Component 8: Enhance border security and fight cross-border organised crime
• Component 9: Complementary assistance to procure required equipment to support better use of Special Investigative measures (SIMs), effective investigations, forensic capacities and specialised IT equipment to enhance the LEAs’ capacity and further strengthen data security and exchange.
• Component 10: Communication and outreach to BiH citizens / EU Visibility

The Position

The Deputy Team Leader will play a central role in supporting the Team Leader in the day-to-day coordination, organisation, and implementation of project activities. The Deputy Team Leader will lead and coordinate the work of the Project Assistant and other project support staff to ensure smooth planning, preparation, and delivery of all project activities. This includes the timely organisation of events, workshops, and meetings in close cooperation with the wider expert team and beneficiaries.

The Deputy Team Leader will also support the Team Leader in strengthening and maintaining strategic relations with project beneficiaries and partners. A key responsibility will be to coordinate activities across the project clusters to avoid overlaps, ensure coherent scheduling, and strengthen beneficiary participation. The Deputy Team Leader will actively contribute to identifying and engaging relevant stakeholders and ensuring effective communication and cooperation.

This is a full-time position based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the entire duration of the project (42 months). The Deputy Team Leader will report directly to the Team Leader and work closely with the EU Delegation, project beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.

Eligibility Requirements

• This position is open only to nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• The candidate must not have had any contractual relationship in the past 6 months with any law enforcement agency in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the work of the support team (Project Assistant and Financial & Administrative Assistant) to ensure smooth logistical and administrative arrangements for project activities.
• Support the Team Leader in building, maintaining, and strengthening relations with project beneficiaries and partners.
• Coordinate the planning and scheduling of activities across clusters to ensure coherence, avoid overlap, and maximise beneficiary engagement.
• Contribute to identifying and inviting relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries to activities and events.
• Liaise closely with experts, beneficiaries, and other project representatives to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Support the monitoring, reporting, and follow-up of activities and ensure their alignment with project objectives.

Qualifications and Skills

• Relevant degree in law, public administration, political science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple parallel activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with beneficiaries and partners.
• Hands-on approach, structured way of working, and ability to identify and implement solutions.
• Sound understanding of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutional, political, and cultural context; background or strong connection in the law enforcement sector is an asset.

General Professional Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of post-graduate professional experience in project management, public administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate teams and activities within a local context.
• Experience in the implementation of donor-funded projects, preferably in the Western Balkans.

Specific Professional Experience

• Proven experience working with or within law enforcement and justice authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Solid understanding of the BiH criminal justice systems.
• Previous experience on EU or other donor-funded projects, preferably in an advisory or coordination role.
• Familiarity with European and international benchmarks and successful practices in this sector.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain stakeholder networks, including with government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations.
• Experience supporting the development and implementation of work plans and activities.

Procedure

Candidates interested in participating in the tender procedure are encouraged to hand in their letter of interest at canura@cilc.nl by latest 31 October 2025, 12:00 CET.

The email must refer to the assignment title “EUPA4BiH” followed by the exact expert position, and must comprise:

• a motivation letter (1 page)
• a CV that clearly indicates the required qualifications and experience. References must be available upon request.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place in the week of 10-14 November 2025.