Specialist - Land, Food and Natural Resource Governance (internationally recruited)

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development. IDLO works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity.

IDLO’s Strategic Plan 2025-28 recognizes that applying a justice lens to the governance of land and natural resources can prevent climate-related instability, conflict and migrations, transform food systems and empower communities to participate in decision-making affecting their livelihoods. IDLO’s work on governance of land and natural resources focuses on ensuring that people are legally empowered, institutions are effective, accessible, responsive and accountable, and there is broad participation in decision–making affecting the livelihoods of communities. Typical activities include supporting the development of equitable laws and policies that govern environmental protection and the equitable use and management of land, food systems and other natural resources; promoting participatory approaches to climate and environmental decision– making; fostering community participation in the governance of natural resources, the development of related policies, and the implementation of sustainable land and agricultural practices.

THE POSITION

Under the supervision of the Director, Research and Learning, the Specialist, Land and Natural Resource Governance, will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Support the development and implementation of a portfolio of IDLO’s objectives related to land, food, and natural resources, in line with IDLO’s Strategic Plan 2025-28.
• In collaboration with the departments of programmes and external relations and partnerships, identify opportunities to expand IDLO’s programme portfolio on land and natural resources and contribute to global policy dialogues on the link between rule of law and sustainability, climate, land and natural resources.
• Coordinate policy advocacy related to land, food, natural resources and climate governance within IDLO and champion related activities, including through knowledge-sharing webinars and curation of a thematic knowledge repository.
• In coordination with the Department of External Relations and Partnerships, strengthen strategic partnerships and resource mobilization in rule of law and sustainability.
• Provide technical input and drafting support for climate and environmental governance-related programme proposals, knowledge products and advocacy materials.
• Prepare briefing materials for IDLO engagement in all events related to climate, sustainability and environmental governance.
• Guide and integrate environmental governance into IDLO’s work at all levels, including through mentoring staff and other capacity development activities.

Education and Experience

• Graduate degree in Law, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field and post-graduate degree related to land or environmental issues is required.
• Minimum 6-7 years of relevant professional experience in the rule of law, sustainable development, SDGs or justice sector, with a focus on environmental law and/or climate issues, preferably in an international organization or global NGO is necessary.
• Proven experience working with local governments, communities, and cross-sector stakeholders on environment and land governance initiatives.
• Solid experience in policy and programme development.
• Proven track record in rule of law and environmental issues, including in researching and writing.

Languages

• Fluent oral and professional writing skills in English are essential. Knowledge of additional languages would be an asset.

Specific Knowledge / Skills / Competencies

• Knowledge of legal / technical terminology related to environmental governance is essential.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable development, environmental law and climate justice-related policy and programming.
• Demonstrated knowledge of rule of law and access to justice policy and programming.
• Demonstrated knowledge of key stakeholders and funding environment for rule of law and environmental issues.
• Established network in land governance, natural resources governance, climate change, climate justice, environmental law.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Ability to work effectively across and within organizational boundaries.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working in a diverse professional environment.
• Works well with others and actively participates, shares information, contributes, encourages, and motivates others to become involved in thematic activities, including providing constructive feedback.
• Proven ability to see tasks through and set and deliver results.
• Proven ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability and willingness to travel, even to hard-ship countries if necessary.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate. 

For this internationally recruited professional position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an Affiliate Contract of 24 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding.

IDLO shall offer an annual basic salary of Euro 60,430. - and a benefit package including provident fund contribution (14%), medical insurance, and leave entitlements. Relocation and installation support are also available for internationally recruited employees, in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules.

Salaries and benefits paid by IDLO to employees are exempt from taxation in Italy. IDLO employees are responsible for compliance with income tax laws of their country of nationality or residence and/or of any other relevant fiscal jurisdiction.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and in compliance with IDLO’s policy on personal data protection. In the interest of making most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

Application deadline: 8 May 2026 (23:59hrs Rome time)