Partnerships Advisor (Advisor on EU negotiations - [Chapter 13 Fisheries - ERS])

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. 

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

-       Infrastructure

-       Procurement

-       Project Management (full service, back on track)

-       HR and Transactional Services

-       Grants Management

-       Technical and Advisory Services

-       Project Information

Project Information

Under the framework of the multi-year project titled “Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans,” UNOPS is providing support in the six countries of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) with access to tailored expertise, knowledge and best practice to assist them with advancing their respective reform agenda. Learning and exchanges will be promoted across the Region, as well as from neighboring countries which have joined the European Union (EU). The aim of the project is to strengthen institutional, administrative and legislative frameworks and practices.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor, and in close cooperation with beneficiaries, the Advisor on EU negotiations - [Chapter 13 Fisheries - ERS] will provide technical expertise to government authorities, primarily the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) of the Republic of Albania that is responsible the negotiations of Chapter 13, the Chief Negotiator’s Office and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, as well as other institutions as appropriate, with regard to the electronic recording and reporting of fishing activities.

1. Technical Expertise

1. Assessing the whole communication system in FLUX language for electronic recording and reporting of fishing activities (ERS) for the purpose of daily reporting of fishing activities.
2. Preparing and delivering terms of reference for electronic recording and reporting of fishing activities.
3. Supporting the drafting of Decision of the Council of Ministers on the obligation of the ERS.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

● Establish solid working relationships, engage, discuss, negotiate and liaise with key national stakeholders, including government officials.

● Support the development of good working relationships with key personnel in the EU, through a network of key contacts at EU institutions.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Advisor on EU negotiations - [Chapter 13 Fisheries - ERS] directly impacts on UNOPS’ contribution in supporting the country’s EU accession process. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS, and strengthens its competitive positions as a partner of choice in working with governments in enhancing and modernizing their legal, economic and institutional system.

The incumbent will be engaged as a retainer and asked to perform specific tasks linked to supporting delivery of the project's work in Albania in advance when the requirements arise. The incumbent’s contributions and milestones will be assessed based on this agreed work plan for each assignment.

Expert deliverables

● A Workplan with details of the steps (activities and measures) that the expert will take for the successful finalization of the assignment prepared.

● Assessment of the whole communication system in FLUX language for electronic recording and reporting of fishing activities (ERS) prepared. The assessment document should provide aimed at the recording and reporting of fishing activities for the purpose of daily reporting of fishing activities.

● Draft Terms of reference for electronic recording and reporting of fishing activities prepared and delivered,

● Draft Decision of the Council of Ministers on the obligation of the ERS prepared.

● A brief final mission report prepared and delivered to UNOPS. The report should contain the information on the assignment and accomplishments that have been made under the work of the expert.

a. Education

-  An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) either in Agriculture/Fisheries, Information-Communication Technologies, EU integration, Development Studies or other relevant discipline is required. A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with 2 additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

b. Work experience

-  A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience working for/with the EU institution and/or working for/with the beneficiary countries in the area of fisheries of the EU is required.

-  Familiarity with the IT systems in fisheries in EU Member States is highly desirable.

-  Proven records of building strong relationships and/or operate in an influential manner with gov authorities and/or UN officials is required

-  Ability to consistently exercise discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information is highly desirable.

c. Languages

-  Proficiency in English is required.

-  Knowledge of locally spoken languages including lingua franca is an advantage.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
  
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.