Environmental Justice Foundation

Position description

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) exists to protect the natural world and uphold our fundamental human right to a secure environment. We work at the frontlines of environmental injustice, alongside communities most affected by climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and exploitation – transforming evidence into action, and injustice into lasting change.

EJF is a global non-profit driven by a powerful belief: that environmental protection and human rights are inseparable. Through courageous field investigations, rigorous research, and strategic international advocacy, we expose environmental crime, challenge impunity, and catalyse systemic reform. Our work delivers real-world impact, shaping policy, strengthening governance, protecting vital ecosystems, and defending those who risk their lives to safeguard them.

Our campaigns span four deeply interconnected areas: oceans, climate, forests and wetlands, and the training, protection, and empowerment of environmental defenders and journalists. From illegal fishing and forced labour to deforestation, land grabs, and climate displacement, we confront some of the most complex and urgent crises of our time – always with a focus on accountability, equity, and durable solutions.

EJF is an international organisation with a diverse team working across four continents, united by a shared ambition: to protect people by protecting the planet. We are bold, evidence-led, and impact-driven. We speak truth to power – and we build pathways to a fairer, more resilient future. Join Us.

For more than two decades, EJF has been at the forefront of global efforts to expose illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and associated human rights abuses at sea. EJF documents these abuses through rigorous, field-based investigations and uses this evidence to drive policy reforms grounded in increasing transparency in the sector. The European Union is a particular focus of this work, recognising its status as the world’s largest seafood market. This work is carried out both independently and in close collaboration with partners, including through EJF’s active role in the EU IUU Fishing Coalition..

About the role

We are seeking a passionate and principled Ocean Campaigner to join our international team in the fight to end IUU fishing and promote transparent, sustainable fisheries. You will play a pivotal role in advancing EJF’s EU-level advocacy strategy, helping to ensure that the EU upholds strong fisheries laws grounded in transparency and resists any rollback of standards, particularly in the context of potential revisions to the Common Fisheries Policy.

Working closely with colleagues in London, Brussels, France, Spain and Germany, you will drive forward high-impact engagement with EU institutions and represent EJF within key NGO platforms, including the EU IUU Fishing Coalition.

This is a rare opportunity to gain direct experience in shaping policy at the heart of global fisheries governance, working alongside a world-leading team of investigators, campaigners, researchers and communications specialists.

EJF is open to hearing from candidates with a range of experience (from 2+ years of relevant experience). This flexibility is reflected in the advertised salary range.

Key responsibilities

The Ocean Campaigner will:

• Support the implementation of EJF’s EU-level advocacy strategy on combating IUU fishing and promoting fisheries transparency. The major component of this strategy for the next 24-36 months will focus on resisting rollbacks in EU fisheries laws;
• Undertake advocacy and engagement with EU institutions to communicate EJF’s findings and policy recommendations;
• Work closely with national advocacy officers in France, Spain and Germany to ensure coordination between EU-level and national advocacy efforts;
• Represent EJF within the EU IUU Fishing Coalition, contributing actively to joint advocacy efforts and taking responsibility for delivering on EJF-led coalition objectives, in coordination with partners and internal colleagues;
• Monitor EU political, legislative and policy developments related to fisheries governance, transparency and IUU fishing, and provide timely analysis to inform advocacy priorities;
• Contribute to the preparation of briefings, policy papers and other advocacy materials to support EJF’s transparency objectives; and
• Work closely with EJF’s communications team to support effective external communication of key findings, messages and advocacy positions.

Person specification

Essential

• At least three years’ professional experience in advocacy, campaigning, policy or a related field. Candidates with more experience are also encouraged to apply;
• Strong research, analysis and writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and persuasive policy materials;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders;
• Confidence engaging with a range of audiences, including policymakers, civil society organisations and industry representatives;
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to factual accuracy;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines and to prioritise effectively;
• Full professional fluency in written and spoken English; and
• A strong commitment to EJF’s mission, values and objectives.

Desirable

• Prior knowledge of ocean governance, fisheries management or related policy frameworks is highly desirable;
• Fluency in one or more additional languages is strongly desirable, particularly French, Spanish or German;
• Experience engaging directly with EU institutions or Member State governments;
• Experience representing an organisation within NGO coalitions or joint advocacy initiatives; and
• Familiarity with EU fisheries, IUU fishing or transparency-related policy processes.

What we offer

We offer a rewarding package designed to support your well-being, flexibility, and professional growth:

• Competitive annual leave, increasing with each year of service, plus additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year.
• Private healthcare package.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office / 2 from home).
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• A dynamic, supportive, and inclusive working environment, with genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Application instructions

To apply, please complete the application form here. This includes:

• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages)
• Your CV (max 2 pages)

The deadline for applications is 6pm GMT on Friday 20th March

Interview processes and number of rounds for different roles will vary, but is likely to include three stages: a short screening call, a panel interview with a task relevant to the role, and a final interview.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK or Belgium, as applicable.

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