CCSI is hiring a Senior Legal or Policy Researcher to work on our Land, Agriculture & Food Systems portfolio of projects. This position will collaborate with CCSI’s Director and Research Staff to execute the Center’s applied research agenda on the laws, policies, and practices that shape investment and its alignment with sustainable development and human rights. Specifically, the incumbent will supervise and contribute to ongoing advisory, research, and technical support projects with the goal of advancing more responsible and rights-respecting laws, policies and practices in land and resource investments (e.g. agriculture, renewable energy and mining projects) at the local, national and international level. This position also drives CCSI’s technical advisory work with select governments and civil society organizations, as well as CCSI’s engagement of the private sector. Opportunities may also exist for work on international investment policy and legal frameworks, the energy transition, human rights, finance, and other related fields.
The incumbent will supervise and substantively contribute to ongoing projects, including through strategic reflection and learning, advisory work, desk research, in-country visits, close collaboration with partners, organizing and facilitating events and trainings, and the preparation and dissemination of publications and tools, among other potential activities. Requires a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, an ability to contribute to strategic decision-making, as well as clear, reasoned and persuasive writing and communication skills. The incumbent will also contribute to team and Center-wide strategy, inspire and mentor colleagues, and help to build long-term relationships with partners, funders, and other strategic stakeholders. The incumbent must be based in New York, within commuting distance to Columbia University’s campus.
In addition to the specifications in the job description linked below, the following qualities are strongly preferred:
- Legal training
- Experience designing and leading projects
- Experience supervising others’ work
- Experience working in the Global South, including collaborating with Global South-based actors (including national and sub-national governments, civil society, and social movements), global networks, and/or multilateral agencies
- Experience convening training and events
- An ability to disseminate research to influence debates and policy
- Interest in and knowledge of: the governance of land and resource investments; the field of business and human rights; international human rights law; and/or climate change.
Other desirable qualities include:
- Additional languages
- Knowledge or experience concerning: the private sector and investment chain actors, environmental protection, international investment law, and/or political economy.
For further details, and to apply, please see here. The application deadline is October 21, 2021.
Please note that the link is for an open-rank position to which applicants of all levels should apply; your application will be reviewed for the two open positions in light of your experience. Those who have already applied need not reapply.