Ocean Campaigns Assistant

Based: London
Contract: Full-time, permanent. Hybrid working arrangements are in place and flexible working
arrangements can be considered.
Salary range and benefits: depending on location and experience [£28,000-£35,000, depending on
experience]
Reporting to: Senior Researcher in EJF’s Oceans Team.

Position overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF):
one of the world’s leading non-profits working at the intersection of environmental
conservation and human rights. We are lean, agile, creative, strategic and most of all, results
driven.

The Oceans Campaigns Assistant will provide essential campaign support to the EJF Oceans team
by undertaking research, writing, communications and outreach across multiple issues and
geographies. The role will have a primary focus on EJF’s efforts to document and combat
illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This is a challenging, fast-paced and varied role
demanding meticulous attention to detail, creative thinking, an ability to quickly grasp new
issues, and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Working with colleagues across the organisation, the Campaigns Assistant will support relevant
campaigners and researchers in their efforts to detect and deter IUU fishing and associated
human rights abuses amongst the world’s largest distant-water fishing fleets. This will include
using a range of technologies and data sources to shine a light on vessel behaviours and to
document robust and compelling evidence to ensure those inflicting harm upon the ocean and
those who rely on it are brought to account. The successful candidate will have superb
interpersonal and communication skills including excellent research and writing abilities, and
a proven ability to quickly produce polished written documents. Direct experience working on
fisheries issues is desirable.

The Campaigns Assistant will be part of the EJF Oceans team, which has a presence in 15
countries, to drive the necessary changes at local, regional and global scales to detect and
deter IUU fishing and human rights abuses. The role will have a particular geographical focus
on coastal West Africa, given the significance of the region for global fisheries and the fact
that it is heavily impacted by IUU fishing – however the successful candidate should expect to
also support EJF’s work in other areas. This role offers superb opportunities to learn and
progress professionally within a high-impact international organisation. Join our world-leading
professional team to help protect people, wildlife, and our shared natural world.

Key responsibilities.

• Conduct research and investigations on IUU fishing and human rights abuses on board
  industrial fishing vessels, including legal/policy and other areas that can be applied to
  campaigns and projects.
• Produce or support production of high-calibre advocacy and communications materials
  including policy briefings and reports; web-copy and blogs; speeches and presentations.
• Providing ad-hoc assistance to the broader oceans team, including literature reviews,
  scoping exercises, proof reading.
• Use satellite technology to track vessel behaviours and identify suspected instances of IUU
  fishing, converting findings into robust evidence that can be shared with relevant authorities.
• Processing highly sensitive qualitative and quantitative data on IUU fishing and human
  rights abuses to enable its use in EJF’s advocacy campaigns.

Essential skills and attributes.

• Outstanding research skills, intellectual and academic rigour. An ability to compile
  information and make it easily accessible to multiple audiences (including non-expert).
• Excellent writing and presentation skills with meticulous attention to detail, precision,
  and accuracy.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply information to the specific needs of the campaigns and
  projects.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to balance diverging demands and
  interests.
• Understanding that change is not easily won, but worth winning.

Desirable skills.

• Proven professional experience in research and/or political advocacy, ideally in
  environmental protection or related area.
• Direct experience working on the issue of IUU fishing and/or human rights abuses at sea.
• Experience working on environmental or political issues in the Global South.
• Previous experience using vessel tracking technologies.
• Proficiency in French or other relevant languages.

We offer you.

Pay and benefits will be adjusted according to location.

• Annual leave starting at 22 days per year and increasing every year. In addition, the
  office is closed between Christmas and New Year.
• Hybrid working (60:40 split of office:home).
• Flexible working arrangements considered.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Potential for unique opportunities and dynamic career development.
• An opportunity to work within a supportive and committed professional team that delivers
  high impact, protecting our natural world.
• The position offers great opportunities for professional growth and personal development in
  close collaboration with our diverse team in our offices across Europe, Africa and Asia.

Applications: Please send your CV and a cover letter in English explaining why
you are the right person for this position to [email protected].

Closing date for applications: We would like to fill this position as soon as
possible and will consider incoming applications until 23
August 2024. We therefore recommend that you apply in good time
before the deadline.

We welcome applications from a diversity of professional backgrounds where there are
transferable skills which would help you to succeed in this role. EJF is an open and inclusive
team, committed to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please indicate your location and the
right-to-work eligibility in your Cover letter.