Land Tenure Specialist, Corporate Engagement

Position description

The Land Tenure Specialist will be a core member of Landesa’s Corporate Engagement (CE) team, working on practical and impactful approaches to more responsible land-based investments throughout the world. The Land Tenure Specialist provides technical expertise and project management for Landesa’s work with the private sector, including in conducting and supervising research, analysis and synthesis on land-related topics and developing, delivering and advocating for policy and implementation recommendations that strengthen the land rights of rural women, men and communities.  The Land Tenure Specialist will also work collaboratively with Landesa program colleagues and partner organizations.

About the job:

As a member of the Corporate Engagement (CE) team, the Land Tenure Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Contributing to technical implementation of global CE projects and managing and executing technical deliverables. Assignments focus on working with various stakeholders on issues regarding the private sector’s role in respecting land rights and include: formulating, delivering and advocating for policy and implementation recommendations, including ensuring that gender considerations are addressed, particularly for companies and other relevant bodies in incorporating land rights into their operations and supply chains; performing research, analysis, and synthesis of topics and issues related to Landesa’s work; undertaking and supporting fieldwork (such as key informant interviews, focus group discussions, public meetings, workshops, surveys) to gather information about current land tenure conditions and the prospects for improvements; and designing and delivering capacity building for different stakeholders (e.g., company, civil society, government). Illustrative topics addressed include incorporating land rights into risk assessments; building more inclusive community engagement and FPIC practices; and ensuring company grievance mechanisms are equipped to address land rights-related grievances.
• Contributing to design and project management of global CE projects, as assigned, in conformity with Landesa policies and procedures. Projects range from complex multi-year donor funded projects to shorter term fee-for-service work funded by corporate partners. Duties include: developing and managing budgets and work plans; monitoring and controlling costs; managing and executing technical deliverables; managing project partner and donor relationships; managing project staffing and workflows; assessing progress and results; identifying problem areas; taking corrective steps to achieve project objectives; and internal and external reporting.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders, including Landesa colleagues, donors, corporate partners, and NGO and CSO partners, as assigned.
• Contributing to internal learning objectives by sharing project learnings with other staff, including through presentations.
• Performing other management and administrative tasks as assigned.

About the successful candidate: 

The following experience and qualities will support success as a candidate:

• A graduate or professional degree in law, agricultural economics, economics, sociology, geography, anthropology, or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant land tenure, international development, corporate accountability, human rights, and/or corporate social responsibility work experience
• Demonstrated skills in policy-oriented research, application of gender-responsive and socially inclusive approaches, project management, business development, fundraising, and/or grant writing
• Strong communication skills both orally and in writing. Experience in technical report writing and familiarity with academic citation practices preferred.
  • Fluency in English language required. Proficiency in Portuguese, Spanish, or other language widely spoken in countries where Landesa works preferred.
• Ability to collaborate with and support a range of stakeholders from different cultures and positions, including Landesa staff from all its offices, private-sector partners, donors, government officials, and civil society organizations 
• Deep commitment to systemic and rigorous work to alleviate poverty and foster social justice  

Reporting and relationships: The Land Tenure Specialist reports to the Program Director, Corporate Engagement.  

Availability: The Land Tenure Specialist is expected to work a standard workweek of 40 hours, plus additional hours as necessary to complete work. The position may require significant international travel. 

Application instructions

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