Job Summary

The Specialist will play a key role in advancing Landesa’s mission of policy influence by monitoring and analyzing legal and policy developments in China’s land sector, and interconnected areas including women’s equality, and sustainable development in rural areas. This role will facilitate knowledge exchange with experts and institutions, track global progress in relevant fields, support project fundraising and implementation, provide technical assistance to partners, and contribute to advocacy efforts.

Reporting and Relationships

The Specialist reports to the China Program Director and works closely with Project Leads and Program Operations team to address project research needs in Landesa’s China work.

Availability

The Specialist will be expected to work a standard workweek of 40 hours plus additional hours as necessary to meet project deadlines and responsibilities. This position may require international and domestic travel.

Essential Job Functions

In order to advance Landesa’s mission and strategic objectives, the Specialist will:

• Monitor and analyze China’s legal, policy, and regulatory developments in rural development and sustainable sectors, with a focus on land and land tenure issues, women’s development and gender equality, and prepare monthly briefings to inform internal teams and partners.
• Maintain close relationships with domestic experts, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and government agencies in relevant fields; participate in conferences, workshops and events on behalf of China Program; and prepare regular briefings synthesizing key insights and stakeholders’ perspectives.
• Liaise with the Landesa Global Program and other teams of Headquarters to track global and headquarters-level advancements in land rights, women’s empowerment, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) issues, carbon markets and sustainable development; compile and disseminate regular briefings to align China Program strategies with global trends, and provides updates to Chinese partners.
• Produce policy recommendations based on policy and legal analysis, and engage with Chinese partners on policy advocacy and best practice sharing for rural land tenure security and women’s development in China.
• Participate in internal fundraising discussions, providing research-based recommendations; contribute to drafting of project materials, including concept notes, proposals, and donor reports.
• Support project implementation by contributing to research designing, screening research experts, drafting Terms of Reference (TORs) for consultants, monitoring and evaluation, participating in field visits and project workshops, and co-authoring project reports.
• Provide technical support to project partners, including training on methodologies such as rural rapid assessment, participatory approaches, and climate change adaptation, etc.
• Assist in advocacy efforts for the China Program and headquarters by organizing, drafting and refining advocacy materials, case studies and knowledge products.
• Manage and maintain research documents and files, including organizing both electronic and printed materials.
• Provide guidance and supervision to domestic and international interns as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A deep commitment to the mission of a better, safer future for the world’s poorest people through secure land tenure.
• In-depth knowledge of China’s laws, regulations and policies of rural development, in particular land tenure and women’s development sectors.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with proficiency in drafting both English and Chinese documents, including reports and policy recommendations, advocacy materials, and project documents.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including domestic and international experts and partners, and Landesa’s internal teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other research tools.
• Experience in designing and delivering technical training (e.g., on participatory methods, rural assessment tools).
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and contribute proactively to collective goals.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in law, social sciences or development studies will be prioritized. Education in rural development and sustainable development or closely related field will be considered, in particular with in-depth knowledge of land issues.
• 8-10 years of relevant work experience in research, policy analysis and advocacy, or program implementation, and high preference will be given to individuals with experience on land issues and success cases on policy advocacy.
• Demonstrated experience in policy monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and technical report writing.
• Prior experience in Chinese research institutions or NGOs is an advantage.
• Familiarity with project cycle management and donor requirements in the development sector is an advantage.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

Work is primarily performed indoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to electronics work. This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of offices, meeting rooms, or commercial vehicles (e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls).

Work Environment and Working Conditions for Travelers to Developing Countries

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to working conditions and hazards prevalent in the location of assignment. Work is primarily indoors with some potential exposure to electronics-related safety hazards. Domestic and/or international travel may involve exposure to physical hazards (e.g., extreme temperatures, humid climates), road hazards (e.g., rural roads), and atmospheric conditions (e.g., dust).

Additional Comments

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should complete an online application on Landesa’s career page. Authorization to work in China is required. International travel may be required.

Equal employment opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at Landesa. Landesa is committed to a work environment in which relationships are characterized by dignity, courtesy, and respect. We are committed to nondiscrimination in all of our business operations and embraces diversity as a key strategic philosophy and strength of how we do our global work. Landesa actively seeks diverse candidates for employment.