Senior Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is a UN agency that provides project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to help governments and organizations implement sustainable development projects. Established in 1973, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries, with a mission to help partners achieve their development goals by providing efficient and effective project management services. The UNOPS Office in Albania was established in 2020 and is part of the UNOPS European and Central Asia Regional Office in Geneva, under the oversight of the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) in Vienna. The office currently has around 25 personnel and focuses on supporting the Government of Albania in various projects, including those related to property rights and digitalization of the justice system. UNOPS aims to foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life for people in the regions it serves, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Manager will oversee the implementation of a project focused on property rights and state cadastre in Albania, which is undergoing a significant transformation to enhance land governance and economic development. This project aims to modernize cadastral records, facilitate first-time property registration, and develop an EU-compatible Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS). The Senior Project Manager will ensure that the project aligns with Albania's EU accession goals and effectively addresses challenges such as data accuracy and incomplete property registration. The role requires strategic guidance on legal, technical, and institutional aspects of property rights reform, as well as capacity-building initiatives for national institutions. The project is set to commence in July 2025, contingent upon the signing of the project agreement, and will be implemented over a duration of three and a half years. The Senior Project Manager will work closely with national authorities, stakeholders, and donors, leading a team of experts to achieve project objectives and enhance administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">land administration processes in Albania.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project, ensuring efficient service delivery to donors, partners, and beneficiaries. Key responsibilities include:

• Project Delivery and Performance: Develop and update the implementation plan, manage project outputs within defined tolerances, ensure quality compliance, and liaise with external suppliers.
• Procedures: Comply with organizational policies, manage reporting, collaborate with the procurement team, and oversee financial management.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Prepare regular project and financial reports, review project status, and maintain progress documentation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop stakeholder profiles, establish communication strategies, and coordinate project communications.
• Quality Assurance: Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and ensure compliance with audit requirements.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Encourage capacity-building activities, share lessons learned, and contribute to continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.
• Personnel Management: Lead and motivate the project management team, ensure performance reviews, and foster a culture of respect and inclusion.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in project management, particularly in areas related to property rights and land administration. Required qualifications include: - Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Land Administration, Geospatial Sciences, Public Administration, International Development, or a related field. - A first-level university degree with additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. - Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in project management, with a proven track record in procurement and contract management. - Experience working with national authorities and international donors in EU accession countries is essential. - Familiarity with UNOPS project management methodologies and financial management processes is an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Law, Land Administration, Geospatial Sciences, Public Administration, International Development, or a related area. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional years of relevant experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of land administration and property rights, as well as the legal and institutional frameworks involved in these processes.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in project management, particularly in contexts related to property rights and land administration. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing contracts and leading multidisciplinary teams. Experience with EU accession processes and working with national authorities and international donors in EU accession countries is essential. Familiarity with digitalization processes in property rights and land administration is considered a strong asset, as is experience with UNOPS project management methodologies and financial management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNOPS and with international partners. Knowledge of the Albanian language is considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance project implementation.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA), with a contract level of I-ICA 3 (ICS-11). The contract duration is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive working environment. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.