Nensi Jasharaj

The first time I met Norbert I was quietly discussing with my colleagues a presentation we were to give later that week. Suddenly - unannounced - the door flung open and two gentlemen entered our office. The older one - a senior international that was acting head of the Decentralization Support Section - introduced the other younger one as the new head of the Decentralization Division. The younger one had a big smile on his face. He shortly presented himself to us, asked our names, talked a little and left again. We looked at each other after the door closed. None of us had remembered his name. This guy was way too much energy for us…

Our section – the Local Good Governance Section – consists of 6 lawyers: 3 international (American, German, Austrian), 1 national (Kosovar Albanian) and 2 mixed ones (Kosovar Albanian - Croat and Kosovar Albanian - Montenegrin). Most of us have been working for the OSCE for more than 6 years. It is our job to monitor the development of the legal framework for (local) government in Kosovo. That means reading, analyzing, assessing, commenting and recommending on the work of the Provisional Institutes of Self Government and local governments in Kosovo. As you may know Kosovo is a unique political administrative creature: a place without a proper constitution, where legislative powers are shared between local institutes and international organizations, and where more than 100 laws will be issued in the coming year. You can imagine the magnitude of our work. Working in such a demanding environment it is good to have someone like Norbert around – someone who injects energy and at the same time gives you a feeling that could be described as "Don't worry, I am here."

During our short first meeting Norbert had expressed the desire to come see our presentation. Although he was just visiting for 3 days, he apparently had time to listen to my analyses of the Implementation of the Freedom of Information Law in Kosovo! “For how long will this energy last?” I thought to myself. Later that week we had the presentation. Norbert did come to see it. Driving back to head quarters he had so much question and ideas that we all felt a little dizzy! I had a smile on my face though, because I liked the feeling I had. This guy is going to make things move in our division.

But of course there are some things that I find not so nice about Norbert. For instance the way he keeps his office - and his life too I assume - so tidy and organized! I’m going to refrain from saying the second thing I don't like about Norbert. But, I‘m sure he knows what it is.

Although it is still premature to make a definite conclusion I have a hunch that he is going to be great to work with. He has proven already that he is very good in having gin tonics on the 9th floor during the weekly happy hour and in dancing the night away in the 212 Jazz Club...

Nensi Jasharaj