Key Responsibilities:

• To lead the processes of updating the entire LCW database of 700+ land conflicts with legal data and perspective. 

The variables for legal analysis will include but are not limited to:

• the nature and type of land and the classification of land ownership in terms of extant laws; 
• the current stage of the conflict — whether it is sub-judice or extra-legal; 
• a review of court proceedings and orders if the matter is sub-judice, or a review of the applicable laws if it is extra-legal; 
• the alleged violations (consent, rehabilitation, computation of compensation etc.); 
• whether there is a gap in the law or existing provisions have been inadequate; 
• discrepancies between state and Central laws, and the nature of the documentation entered into by the state and private parties for the investment lease, concessions, purchase agreements, revenue sharing, etc.
• legal processes/loopholes enabling the conflict

Qualifications: 

An undergraduate degree in law. Experience in legal research around land governance will be of added advantage.  

Location: 

The legal researcher will lead a team of three members and will be based out of our New Delhi office.

Remuneration:

Remuneration is negotiable based on the experience and competence of the candidate.

If you think you are the right fit for this role, send us your one-page resume and one-page cover letter in .pdf format detailing your interest in this position to landconflictwatch@gmail.com by April 15, 2020.

India's ambitious agenda of industrial and infrastructure growth has resulted in an increasing number of land conflicts. Voices of communities -- often the most marginalised sections of the society-- affected by such conflicts do not properly get heard on media platforms. Land Conflict Watch is trying to bridge this gap. So far, we have documented more than 720 land conflicts in India, affecting nearly 7 million people!

We are keen on expanding our team to ensure land conflicts are reported from the remotest corners of the country.

We are currently looking for researchers based in the states of Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as well as in the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.

The researcher should have:

• Proficiency in research and fact-checking
• Knack for getting information (phone calls/emails to the government, NGOs, community leaders and activists)
• Interest in development issues and current affairs

She/he will be paid per case study basis. 

Perks of being a member of the LCW community:

• The researcher will work with industry experts to learn more about diverse social and development issues, including land rights, Forest Rights Act, Land Acquisition Act, tribal rights etc.
• She/he will get the opportunity to connect with social activists, journalists, researchers, academicians, environmentalists and community leaders.
• His/her work will be documented on our website which, in the long term, may contribute to policy change to help marginalised communities.
• LCW’s work on issues related to land is being recognised globally, with the case studies reported by our contributors being used in data journalism classes and cited in the international media. 
  

We are an equal-opportunity organisation. People with disabilities and those from the Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi, LGBTQ and other communities that are not traditionally present in media houses are encouraged to apply. 

Send us your resume, along with a cover letter on why you would like to work with us, to landconflictwatch@gmail.com latest by April 5, 2020, and we will get back to you at the earliest.