Position Title: HR Compliance Specialist

Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Reports to: HR Director
Department: Human Resources

Terms: Full time, subject to 6 months’ probation period, 1-year employment contract initially.

Application Deadline: August 6, 2025 at 11:59 P.M. CET

About the Organization:

OCCRP is one of the largest investigative journalism organizations in the world, headquartered in Amsterdam and with staff across six continents

Our mission is to spread and strengthen investigative journalism around the world and expose crime and corruption so the public can hold power to account. Our work has four main pillars:

• Investigations - we lead collaborative cross-border projects and publish hard-hitting stories;
• Infrastructure - we provide training, tools, and resources so investigative outlets can thrive;
• Innovation - we develop new technology and solutions that serve the field of journalism; and
• Impact - we accelerate the fight against global crime and corruption with groundbreaking partnerships.

Position Summary:

We are looking for an HR Compliance Specialist to take ownership of the legal and compliance aspects of HR operations, working closely under the supervision of the HR Director. This role is key to ensuring our global HR practices meet all applicable labor laws, regulations, and internal policies across multiple jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. They should have a strong foundation in employment law and HR processes, with a proactive mindset and a willingness to grow and adapt within a dynamic international organization.

Key Responsibilities

Legal & HR Compliance (Core Focus)

• Develop, implement, and maintain HR compliance policies and procedures aligned with local and international labor laws, in cooperation with the HR Director.
  
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments across jurisdictions and ensure timely updates to HR policies and practices.
• Conduct regular audits of HR processes and documentation to ensure ongoing compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare and maintain compliance reports and documentation required for audits or internal review.
• Lead or support compliance-related training and awareness efforts for staff and management.
  
  

HR Documentation & Contract Management

• Draft and manage employee and consultant contracts, using approved templates (employment, consultancy, fellowships, internships).
• Ensure all HR documentation is legally compliant, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Maintain and update employee records, HRIS, and other systems in line with data protection and labor regulations.
  
  

Operational HR Support

• Conduct employee onboarding and offboarding processes, including orientations and HR briefings.
• Coordinate timecard processing and provide HR input for payroll across multiple locations.
• Support the HR Director in the implementation of broader HR strategies and initiatives.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Finance, Programs, and Admin teams to ensure HR compliance is integrated into wider operational workflows.
• Handle HR-related administrative tasks such as insurer registration, staff surveys, and vendor communication.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline HR processes and increase efficiency through tech solutions.
  
  

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance frameworks.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills; ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Problem-solving mindset with a proactive and collaborative approach.
• Comfortable working across multiple time zones and legal jurisdictions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Tech-savvy and able to quickly learn new HR systems and tools.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, HR, Business Administration, or related field.
• Must be based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with either BiH citizenship or the legal right to reside and work in BiH.
• 2–4 years of experience in HR compliance, HR operations, legal support in an international or fast-paced environment.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and spoken.
• Familiarity with HR compliance requirements in the EU and/or other international settings is a strong advantage.
• Good knowledge of labor legislation, particularly within EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Experience working with HRIS platforms and digital document management systems.
• Strong interest in continuous learning and professional growth in HR legal frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with integrity and discretion.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a diverse, international team.
• Able to communicate clearly and professionally with staff and management in both written and verbal formats.
• Goal-oriented and self-motivated, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to learn.
• Comfortable working across different time zones and adapting to changing priorities.

Additional Note

• While the position is not senior-level, we are looking for a candidate eager to develop deep HR legal and compliance expertise.

To Apply

To apply, please upload a cover letter and resume.

All applications must be submitted in English. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Whilst we have internal goals to reply to unsuccessful candidates, we regret that the high number of applicants greatly exceeds our capacity to respond to each person. We apologise that we will not be able to reply to any unsuccessful applicants.

As an equal opportunity employer, OCCRP values having a diverse workforce and continuously strives to maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace. We offer competitive compensation and benefits and encourage people with a diverse range of backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate against any person based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, medical conditions, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics. If you are a qualified applicant requiring assistance or an accommodation to complete any step of the application process, please contact hr@occrp.org.