Local Law Advisor Retainer Project Management Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an operational arm of the United Nations, dedicated to helping partners implement peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. Established to provide project management services, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries, with a focus on sustainable infrastructure development, procurement, and project management services. The UNOPS Albania office was established in 2020 and is part of the UNOPS European and Central Asia Regional Office in Geneva, under the oversight of the Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) in Vienna. The office has around 25 personnel and aims to support the Government of Albania in various projects, including the digitalization of the justice system and enhancing land governance. UNOPS is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and furthering the objectives set forth in the Paris Agreement, working closely with regional governments, international financial institutions, and other partners to realize development objectives.

Job Overview:
The Local Law Advisor will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of a project focused on property rights and state cadastre in Albania. This position requires a legal expert who can provide comprehensive legal analysis, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with EU regulations. The advisor will assess existing national laws and regulations, identify legal gaps, and propose necessary amendments to ensure compliance with both national and EU standards. The role involves regular consultation with various stakeholders, including government agencies and judicial institutions, to stay updated on developments in property rights and land management. The advisor will also contribute to the design and development of solutions, ensuring that project activities align with legal requirements and best practices. This position is essential for fostering a transparent and accountable administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">land administration system in Albania, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved public trust in property rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Local Law Advisor will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Conducting legal analysis of existing national laws, regulations, and policies relevant to the project, identifying gaps and compliance issues, and proposing necessary judicial amendments.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including government agencies and EU representatives, to monitor changes in laws and best practices, adapting project strategies accordingly.
• Analyzing EU regulations and standards related to property rights and land management to ensure project alignment with EU acquis.
• Providing technical and quality support by contributing legal analysis to the design and development of project solutions, including data protection and privacy concerns.
• Conducting risk assessments to identify regulatory factors impacting project viability and recommending proactive solutions.
• Preparing due diligence checklists and documenting legal advice and compliance activities as required.
• Evaluating local best practices and conducting research on relevant legal topics such as copyright, intellectual property, and procurement.

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 and advising on national laws, particularly in property rights and land administration. Familiarity with Albania's legal system and national regulations is essential, and experience in providing legal advisory on EU accession is a valuable asset. Knowledge of data protection and privacy laws, as well as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">information security regulations, is desirable. Experience in the region is also beneficial.

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, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in legal analysis and advising on national laws, with a specific emphasis on property rights and land administration. Familiarity with Albania's legal system and national regulations is required, along with experience in providing legal advisory on EU accession. Expertise in data protection and privacy laws, such as GDPR or local regulations, is desirable. Knowledge of information security regulations and best practices for protecting sensitive data is also an asset. Experience in the region will be considered beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Albanian is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in both English and Albanian to effectively engage with stakeholders and contribute to project activities.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an ICA Retainer Contract, classified at the Local ICA Support 10 (ICS-10) level. The contract duration is up to 155 working days within one year, with the possibility of extension based 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 equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. All personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals.