Project Management Support Specialist (Local Law)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) was established in 2019 and serves as a hub for operations across 12 countries in South-East Europe, Türkiye, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The organization focuses on delivering technical expertise, operational support, and sustainable infrastructure solutions for governments, donors, and international financial institutions. AUMCO is involved in flagship initiatives such as the Blueing the Black Sea project, which aims to reduce pollution and promote sustainable development, and Türkiye’s post-earthquake recovery programme, which enhances protective services for women and children. In Albania, UNOPS is engaged in projects that revitalize cultural heritage and advance digital justice, while in Kosovo, it supports the development of new university infrastructure. In Georgia, AUMCO facilitates the Eastern Partnership European School and strengthens rule of law and digital health access. The organization also undertakes various activities in Central Asia, including health system strengthening in Uzbekistan and hazardous waste management in Tajikistan. AUMCO plays a significant role in supporting UNOPS’ global Water, Environment, and Climate portfolio, reinforcing its position as a regional and thematic centre of excellence.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Support Specialist (Local Law) position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Albania's critical administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">land administration reform, which directly impacts property rights, legal certainty, and the country's efforts towards EU accession. The specialist will leverage their legal expertise to navigate complex national and EU regulatory landscapes, ensuring that project activities align with best practices and drive sustainable improvements in land governance. This role is essential in addressing challenges related to land administration by providing legal analysis and advisory support, ensuring compliance with national laws and EU regulations, and contributing to capacity building for national institutions. The position operates within a project focused on transforming Albania's land administration system to enhance governance, transparency, and economic development, involving modernization of cadastral records, first-time property registration, and implementation of an EU-compatible Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Management Support Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Senior Project Manager, including: conducting legal analysis to assess existing national laws, regulations, and policies relevant to project activities; providing an overview of the legislative base related to identified processes and data flows; identifying potential legal gaps, risks, and compliance issues, and proposing necessary judicial amendments; staying informed about developments in property rights, state cadastre, and land parcel management; monitoring changes in national laws and regulations; ensuring project activities align with EU regulations and standards; contributing to the design and development of proposed solutions by offering relevant legal analysis; evaluating legal gap analysis, including addressing data protection and privacy concerns; analyzing existing legal barriers to cadastral processes; providing legal advice and support in the Business Process Review; supporting digitization efforts and improvement of cadastral maps; conducting preliminary risk assessments; preparing due diligence checklists; and documenting legal advice and compliance activities as requested. The specialist will provide necessary local law advice in the context of project implementation and will refer other legal matters to the UNOPS Legal Group.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in law or a closely related area with 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in legal analysis and advising on national laws, with specific emphasis on 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 that bridges the gap between technical cadastral operations and legal requirements. Expertise in data protection and privacy laws, as well as knowledge of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">information security regulations, is desired.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in law or a closely related area, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields. The candidate must have relevant experience in legal analysis and advisory roles, particularly in the context of property rights and land administration.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of experience in legal analysis and advising on national laws, specifically focusing on property rights and land administration. Candidates should have a strong familiarity with Albania's legal system and national regulations, as well as demonstrated knowledge of the Albanian property legal framework. Technical understanding of cadastral operations and the ability to bridge legal requirements with technical processes is essential. Desired experience includes expertise in data protection and privacy laws, as well as providing legal advisory on EU accession matters.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Albanian is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages to effectively communicate and provide legal advice within the context of the project.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer, with a contract level of LICA 1

• The assignment duration is up to 20 days within one year, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The position is classified as mid-level, and applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not request candidates to make payments during the recruitment process. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunity, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups.