Background Information – Job-specific

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

UNOPS in Albania

Established in 2020 to support, develop and manage a growing portfolio of projects, UNOPS Albania supports the government of Albania in implementing the Build Back Better approach in addressing the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2019 earthquake. In close collaboration with partners, UNOPS in Albania supports efforts to boost social and economic development of local communities throughout the country.

From rescuing, repairing and renovating important cultural heritage sites, to procuring and delivering equipment and services, UNOPS is supporting partners’ work to improve the lives of communities across Albania. UNOPS Albania reports into the Multi-Country Office in Vienna (AUMCO) for oversight and support.

Project Background and Role of the incumbent

The Project “Support to the Rule of Law through digital transformation: Advancing Case Management and Business Intelligence capabilities in Albania ” is designed to contribute to the enhancement of the Rule of Law system by increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary institutions in Albania and bringing the system for promotion and protection of human rights in line with the best EU practices. The project is funded by the EU and started November 2024. It is led by an international Project Manager. The Change Management Specialist will be supervised by the Project Manager and work with the project team and key stakeholders of the project, in particular Government counterparts / beneficiaries of the Justice Sector.

We are looking for a team member with a solid background and proven track record in change management, preferably with experience working with public institutions. As the change management lead, the Specialist will align stakeholders with project objectives, manage resistance, and maintain clear communication channels. This role involves designing and implementing strategies for organizational change, managing quality assurance control mechanisms, and ensuring all parties including the public are well-informed about project progress and benefits. The Specialist will merge technical and non-technical aspects, ensuring comprehensive stakeholder engagement and alignment including establishment of feedback mechanisms. The Specialist will also make sure that diversity and gender considerations are addressed throughout the project’s lifecycle. For the training component of the role, responsibilities may include identifying training needs across judiciary stakeholders and developing a training strategy on the use of the new ICT capabilities to be implemented afterwards by a responsible Training, Learning and Knowledge Manager

Functional Responsibilities

Change Management:

1. Change Strategy:

• Develop and implement change management plans to support organizational initiatives and projects.
• Identify potential risks and resistance to change, and develop mitigation strategies.

2. Communication and Engagement:

• Communicate change initiatives clearly and effectively to all stakeholders.
• Engage with employees to foster acceptance and support for change initiatives.
• Establishing solid working relationship with the project board and other key stakeholders
• Managing project communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions
• Advising the PM and Project Board on issues that may impact the achievement of the outcomes

3. Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Support the PM in the preparation and managing of the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
• Track and report on the progress and impact of change management activities.
• Adjust strategies as necessary based on feedback and outcomes.

Training Management:

1. Training Needs Analysis:

• Conduct assessments to identify training
• Develop a comprehensive training strategy to address identified gaps to be implemented by a responsible Training, learning and Knowledge Manager.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in Education, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree with additional experience may be accepted.

Experience

Required:

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in change management, preferably within the UN system or an international organization.

Desirable:

• Proven ability to design and deliver effective change management and training programs.
• Working with public institutions
• At least 2 years of proven experience in managing change initiatives and mitigating resistance.

Language Skills

• Excellent command of English.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
• Albanian desirable.

 

Contract type, level and duration

 

Contract type: ICA
Contract level: LICA 10 / IICA2. The contract modality (Local ICA or International ICA) will be evaluated based on the nationality of the preferred candidate.
Contract duration: Up to 150 working days within 2 years, with possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funds.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Competencies

 

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Additional Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and 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 personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.