National LPIS Specialist

Job Highlight

This role offers a unique opportunity to significantly contribute to Albania's EU accession process and modernize its land administration system. As a National LPIS Expert, you will lead the development and implementation of a critical system, directly impacting agricultural land management, subsidy allocation, and property rights. You will work closely with national authorities and international experts, gaining exposure to high-level policy implementation and driving sustainable economic growth and public trust.

This position is ideal for a seasoned professional seeking to apply their expertise in a transformative national project with international implications.

For the "EU for Property Rights" project, reporting to the UNOPS Senior Project Manager and in close collaboration with the International LPIS expert, the local Expert will be essential for the coordination of tasks related to Activity 5.

The Expert will support in the development and implementation of a fully functional LPIS that supports agricultural land mapping, subsidy compliance, fraud prevention, and environmental monitoring, providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture (MARD) and the Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (ARDA) and its working group, as well as other key stakeholders. They will ensure the LPIS system is fully compatible with EU requirements and support its integration with national systems such as the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS).

• Contribute in refining the project implementation plan related to the LPIS component, based on actual needs
• Provide strategic support the Project Manager in stakeholder management and coordination ARDA, and other stakeholders
• Contribute to the definition of LPIS objectives and ensure alignment with existing national plans and EU requirements.
• Responsible for the setting-up of one or more LPIS pilots in selected areas and coordinate their implementation including preliminary activities, such as setting up establishment of data-sharing agreements and MoUs with relevant institutions to create a collaborative framework for LPIS implementation.
• Provide technical input on technical specifications and operational requirements for the LPIS, ensuring alignment with EU accession criteria and taking into account the results of the pilot as well as best practices implemented in other EU Member States. This includes contributing to the preparation and drafting of the related Terms of Reference, as well as providing recommendations for system design to ensure compliance with EU standards and CAP requirements.
• Contribute to the mapping of existing data sources (cadastre, land maps, satellite imagery) and assess the integration needs for LPIS.
• Support the LPIS model selection based on national requirements, cadastral status, legal framework, and technological capacity.
• Undertake other related technical assistance tasks, as required and agreed with the Project team

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in Agricultural Engineering, GIS, Geography, IT, or related fields.
• A first-level university degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

• Additional certifications in LPIS or cadastral systems.

• At least 5 years experience in working on agricultural policies is required
• At least 5 years experience in working with national authorities and government agencies is required.
• Familiarity with EU agricultural regulations, IACS, and LPIS is required.

• Experience in the area of digitalisation processes in regards to property rights and land administration is a strong asset.
• Experience working with EU and international donors is an asset