Landesa (the former Rural Development Institute 美国农村发展研究所) is a US non-profit organization of lawyers helping the rural poor in developing countries to obtain property rights.
We are now looking for an Associate Researcher based in Beijing. The detailed JD is as follows:
Position Title: Associate Researcher
Status: Full Time
Location: Beijing
Classification: Exempt
Date: November, 2011
Job Summary:
The Associate Researcher conducts and documents research and supports the research efforts of others on a variety of topics relevant to Landesa’s work.
Reporting and relationships:
The position has direct reporting relationship to a Land Tenure Specialist and has dotted line reporting relationships to other project leaders/experts.
Availability:
The Associate Researcher is expected to work 40 hours per week. Some occasional travels are required.
Essential Job Functions:
• Conducts research on a broad range of topics and issues related to rural land law and policy in China and other countries. such as rural land rights in developing countries, comparative real property law, commercial law, and world affairs.
• Undertakes rural fieldwork (rapid rural appraisal, key informant interviews, public meetings, workshops, surveys, and the like) in China to gather information about current land tenure conditions and the prospects for reform.
• Engage in qualitative and quantitative analysis of data and information gathered in the field.
• Prepares memoranda or other written work product presenting and explaining research results.
• Edits and cite-checks work product prepared by Landesa’s professionals.
• Contribute to the preparation of program progress and final reports in compliance with contract/agreement deliverables and commitment.
• Assist in the design and implementation of project work plans and project budgets;
• Programmatic and research ddocument and file management and maintenance, including organizing and filing both electronic and printed materials; Carries out miscellaneous administrative tasks and other duties in support of the Program team, depending upon the needs of the organization
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• A deep commitment to the mission of a better, safer future for the world’s poorest people through land ownership and secure land rights.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams regardless of role within team and to proactively seek ways to contribute to team success.
• Excellent research, analysis, synthesis, reasoning, and writing abilities are required for this position.
• Exceptional ability to communicate in writing and orally in Mandarin and English is required.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Suite of products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other software; proficiency using electronic legal and/or social science research tools.
Education and Experience:
• A Master’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Law, Economics (including Agricultural, Natural Resource or Institutional Economics), development studies or closely related field.
• A minimum of 2 years social science research experience. Fieldwork research experience is preferred.
• Preference will be given to individuals with work experience on land and/or gender-related issues. Prior work experience with international or national development institutions is considered highly beneficial.
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 places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.
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 which are prevalent for the location and/or country of assignment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is primarily performed indoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to electronics work. The employee may be required to travel overseas and domestically. When traveling overseas in a developing country, the employee may be exposed to: Physical Hazards (illnesses, noise, extreme temperatures, wet or humid climates, etc.) Road Hazards (unfinished/dirt roads, potholes, traffic-related accidents, etc.), and Atmospheric Conditions (odors, dust, fumes, smog, etc.).
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.
Qualified applicants may apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to xzeng@landesa.org, with the title “Associate Researcher” in the subject line. No phone calls please. Landesa is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
