ABOUT IDLO
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity. We contribute to creating stable and inclusive societies where every person can live free from fear and want, in dignity and under the rule of law.
To learn more about IDLO, please visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter @IDLOnews.
BACKGROUND
Access to land and other natural resources is emerging as a crucial issue in sustainable development, whether as a source of local and larger-scale of conflict, a resource for development, or the principal means of livelihood for the poor. Population pressure and economic growth, particularly in emerging economies, increase demand for land, water, energy and minerals. At the same time, their supply is put under pressure by climate change, degradation of land and forests, unsustainable practices, and outdated infrastructure. In this changing environment, weak laws and institutions pose enormous challenges to developing countries as they seek to manage their natural resources.
As part of its Management Plan for 2015, IDLO will both consolidate and expand the work on land and natural resources undertaken as part of its mainstream work on building confidence in institutions, increasing access to justice, and developing innovative approaches to support sustainable development. To this end, IDLO seeks a short-term expert in Land and Natural Resources for an initial period of 6 months, to develop its operational /programmatic strategy and explore opportunities in the area of specialization, focusing specifically, but not exclusively, on the following.
- Land rights and land policy reform;
- Women’s land rights and access to land;
- Land tenure security, livelihoods, and economic empowerment of the poor;
- Prevention, mitigation, and resolution of land dispute and land conflict;
- Commercial investments in land and natural resources and the interests of indigenous, poor, and vulnerable communities dependent on those resources;
- Strengthening the legal frameworks and providing protection for customary land-rights holders;
- Legal and institutional frameworks that create incentives for sustainable land use;
- Relationship between customary land tenure and formal land title systems.
EXPERT ROLE
The short-term Expert will be working within IDLO’s Research & Learning Department, in close collaboration with the Program Department and Program Development Unit. The Research and Learning Department drives knowledge generation and impact assessment across the organization. It contributes to IDLO’s thought leadership role, develops innovative research agendas and optimizes IDLO’s work by linking program strategy to thought leadership and best practices in the design and implementation of programming. It supports the formulation of policies in line with IDLO’s strategic plan by following and responding to global trends on the rule of law and justice, and by capturing lessons learned from IDLO’s own programming.
Working in a matrix management and shared resources environment, the short-term Expert in land and natural resources will develop IDLO’s operational /programmatic strategy, explore opportunities in the area of expertise, support IDLO’s overall program development, delivery, and thought leadership activities as needed, as well as the formation of cross-functional teams coalescing around initiatives and projects on land and natural resources.
Under the general supervision and coordination of the Director of Research & Learning, and in close cooperation with the Program department, the Expert will deliver and perform the following:
Develop a strategy and mapping of opportunities in the area of expertise; contribute to the development of new programs or expansion of existing ones; integrate substantive and technical inputs into the preparation of proposals, concept notes, reports, etc.
Provide support and assistance to program implementation teams and activities in the area of expertise, as needed.
Support the Head, Resource Mobilization with external stakeholders and donors to develop, maintain or enhance existing relationships to the benefit of the organization; actively participate, where possible, in advancing new donor and stakeholder partnerships.
Under the guidance of the supervisor and the Director of Programs, develop and leverage the organization’s networks, alliances, and partnerships with relevant governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs and civil society organizations, universities, think-tanks, and others in the area of expertise, for the purposes of increasing IDLO’s visibility and participation in the international community as well as expanding its reach, capabilities, and capacity to develop and deliver world-class programming;
Contribute to thought leadership and policy dialogue in the field of expertise through research, publications, active engagement with networks and partners, and attending conferences and other external meetings; and
Provide input into institutional and project communications media in the area of expertise, including websites, social platforms, marketing materials, etc.; prepare analytical reports, briefing notes, background papers, talking points, etc. as may be required.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
Education
Post-graduate degree in land and natural resources-related field, with a focus on development.
Work experience
Minimum of 8-10 (eight-ten) years of progressively responsible expertise in managing or designing land and natural resources strategies and programs at the international level.
Proven experience in land law policy development and/or legislative implementation.
Legal practice or access to justice experience in context of land usage an advantage. Knowledge of program development and program management techniques is an asset
Minimum of 5 (five) years of expertise in working with development issues and legal/justice issues, including in field situations. The candidate is expected to bring a consolidated network of partners and stakeholders in the area of expertise.
Languages
Strong professional oral and writing skills in English is required. Knowledge of one another of Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese or Portuguese is desirable.
Technical competencies
Demonstrated ability in researching and track record of publications in the area of expertise.
Demonstrated ability in designing and implementing constitutional reform strategies and field projects.
Excellent analytical, critical reasoning and problem solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to effectively use research methodologies,
Proficient in utilizing standard industry technology, including Microsoft Office and related software.
Behavioural competencies
Proven ability to work proactively and independently, as well as in a team environment;
Strong interpersonal skills and able to deal with people of different cultural backgrounds; Good sense of diplomacy;
Ability to take initiative, share and communicate ideas;
Openness to change and ability to work under pressure;
Proven ability to develop and foster working relationships across a globally based organization;
Good team player, positive attitude, flexible mind, comfortable in multi-cultural and matrix management settings;
Self-motivated, hands-on and solution oriented professional; able to function effectively in a rapidly changing and dynamic work environment;
Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to IDLO's mandate;
COMPENSATION
IDLO offers a competitive remuneration and benefits in terms of salary, annual leave and sick leave.
DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the staff member assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.
The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
Application deadline is 10 April 2015.
HOW TO APPLY:
All interested applicants are encouraged to apply via our website www.idlo.int/jobs and submit the completed IDLO Personal History Form (PHF), resume and cover letter.
IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.
