Local Law Specialist (Project Management Support - Specialist)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established to provide project management services and support to various UN agencies and governments. UNOPS aims to help partners implement projects that improve people's lives and contribute to sustainable development. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, procurement, and project management. UNOPS is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Local Law Specialist (Project Management Support - Specialist) position is designed to play a pivotal role in Albania's administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">land administration reform, which is crucial for enhancing property rights and legal certainty as well as supporting the country's efforts towards EU accession. The specialist will utilize their legal expertise to navigate the complex regulatory frameworks at both national and EU levels, ensuring that project activities are aligned with best practices and contribute to sustainable improvements in land governance. This role involves providing legal analysis and advisory support to the project team, ensuring compliance with national laws and EU regulations, and contributing to the capacity building of national institutions. The position is integral to a project aimed at transforming Albania's land administration system, which includes modernizing cadastral records, facilitating first-time property registration, and implementing an EU-compatible Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS). The specialist will address challenges such as data accuracy, incomplete property registration, and legal inconsistencies, thereby enhancing land governance and transparency in Albania.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Management Support Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Senior Project Manager. Key responsibilities include: conducting legal analysis to assess existing national laws and regulations relevant to project activities, identifying potential legal gaps and compliance issues, and proposing necessary judicial amendments; staying updated on developments in property rights and land management, and adapting strategies to address emerging legal risks; ensuring project activities align with EU regulations and standards; providing technical and quality support by evaluating legal gaps, analyzing barriers to cadastral processes, and offering legal advice to optimize business processes within the State Cadastre Agency; conducting risk assessments to identify regulatory factors impacting project viability; preparing due diligence checklists and documenting legal advice and compliance activities as required. The specialist's advice will focus on local law matters related to project implementation, while other legal issues will be referred to the UNOPS Legal Group.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in law or a closely related field with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the same fields with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. The role requires a strong background in legal analysis and advising on national laws, particularly concerning property rights and land administration. Familiarity with Albania's legal system and national regulations is essential, along with demonstrated knowledge of the Albanian property legal framework. Candidates should also have a technical understanding of cadastral operations and the ability to bridge the gap between legal requirements and technical processes.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in law or a closely related area, or a Master’s degree in the same or related fields. The educational qualifications must be complemented by relevant professional experience, with a preference for candidates who have specialized training or certifications in property law, land administration, or related disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of experience in legal analysis and advising on national laws, with a specific emphasis on property rights and land administration. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of Albania's legal framework and experience in navigating the complexities of national regulations. Additionally, familiarity with EU accession processes and legal advisory roles related to EU regulations is highly desirable. Experience in data protection and privacy laws, such as GDPR, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Albanian is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages, as effective communication is crucial for providing legal advice and collaborating with project stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a mid-level role with a contract type of ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer. The contract duration is a retainer assignment for up to 20 days within one year, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. UNOPS emphasizes a fair and transparent selection process and encourages applications from diverse candidates, including women and individuals from underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, and background checks are conducted for all final candidates.