Chris Jochnick

Chris Jochnick is a global land rights expert and social entrepreneur with decades of experience in international development.13 He currently serves as the President and CEO of Landesa, an organization focused on securing land rights for the world's poorest people.1

Professional Background

Jochnick has an extensive career in international development and human rights:

• He joined Landesa as CEO in August 2015.1
• Prior to Landesa, he led Oxfam America's work on corporate engagement.1
• He co-founded and directed two non-profit organizations: Center for Economic and Social Rights and Ecuador-based Centros De Derechos Economicos y Sociales.1
• He spent seven years working in Latin America, focusing on indigenous peoples' land rights.1
• Earlier in his career, he worked as a corporate attorney with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison.1

Education and Expertise

• JD (cum laude) from Harvard Law School in 19931
• BA in Political Science (cum laude) from Amherst College in 19871
• Areas of expertise include legal and policy research, expropriation, community mobilization, and policy advocacy1

Board Memberships and Affiliations

In addition to his role at Landesa, Jochnick holds several important positions:

• Board Member at Rights and Resources Initiative2
• Chair of the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre14
• Member of the Steering Committee of the Sorensen Center for International Peace and Justice1
• Advisory council member of the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility1
• Advisory council member of the Center for Business and Human Rights at NYU Stern School of Business1

Teaching and Publications

Jochnick teaches a course on business and human rights at Harvard Law School.1 He has published scholarly articles widely and has edited two books.1

Chris Jochnick's extensive experience in land rights, international development, and human rights makes him a valuable board member for organizations like the Rights and Resources Initiative, where his expertise can contribute to advancing land tenure security and sustainable resource management globally.