Key Legal Expert - International Project Management Support Specialist (Retainer)

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 organization focuses on sustainable infrastructure development, procurement, and project management services, and aims to support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS Albania, established in 2020, is part of the UNOPS European and Central Asia Regional Office and has around 25 personnel. It has been actively involved in supporting the Government of Albania in various projects, including those related to property rights and digitalization of the justice system.

Job Overview:
The Key Legal Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of a project aimed at transforming Albania's administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">land administration system. This position involves providing legal analysis, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance with national and EU regulations. The expert will assess existing laws and regulations, identify legal gaps, and propose necessary amendments. The role requires regular consultation with stakeholders, including government agencies and EU representatives, to stay updated on developments in property rights and land management. The expert will also contribute to the design and development of solutions, ensuring alignment with EU standards and addressing data protection concerns. This position is essential for enhancing land governance, transparency, and economic development in Albania, ultimately contributing to the country's readiness for EU accession.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Key Legal Expert will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Conducting legal analysis of existing national laws, regulations, and policies relevant to the project.
• Identifying potential legal gaps, risks, and compliance issues, and proposing judicial amendments as necessary.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including government agencies and judicial institutions, to monitor developments in property rights and land management.
• Analyzing EU regulations and ensuring project activities align with EU standards.
• Providing technical and quality support in the design and development of project solutions.
• Conducting risk assessments and recommending proactive solutions to mitigate regulatory risks.
• Preparing due diligence checklists and documenting legal advice and compliance activities.
• Evaluating local best practices related to copyright, intellectual property, and data protection.
• Collaborating with the project manager to ensure effective implementation of project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law (Bachelor’s or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A certification in law is considered an advantage. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in legal analysis, particularly in property rights and land administration, and familiarity with EU regulations related to these areas is required. Experience in providing legal advisory on EU accession is an asset, along with expertise in data protection and privacy laws. Knowledge of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">information security regulations and best practices for protecting sensitive data is also desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law or a closely related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law (Bachelor’s or equivalent) from an accredited university, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A certification in law is an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and commitment to the legal profession.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in legal analysis, with a specific emphasis on property rights and land administration. Familiarity with EU regulations, particularly in relation to property rights and land administration, is essential. Experience in providing legal advisory services related to EU accession is considered an asset. Additionally, expertise in data protection and privacy laws, such as GDPR or local data protection regulations, is desirable. Knowledge of information security regulations and best practices for protecting sensitive data and systems is also advantageous. Experience working in the region may be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the stakeholders involved in the project or the local context in Albania.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) - Retainer. The contract level is Local ICA Support 10 (ICS-10). The duration of the contract is up to 70 working days within one year, with the possibility of extension depending on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. Candidates must complete mandatory courses (approximately 4 hours) in their own time before providing services to UNOPS, and they will not receive compensation for completing these courses. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and creating an inclusive working environment.