Programme Assistant to the CEO

Location: London or Bath, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office

Contract type: Full time, permanent

Salary range: £34,000-40,000, dependent upon experience and location

Reporting to: CEO

About EJF

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 investigative 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.

About the role

This is an opportunity to provide Executive Assistant (EA) support to the CEO of the Environmental Justice Foundation, a leading international environmental and human rights organisation. The EA will play a critical role, supporting the CEO to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of EJF’s campaigns in the UK and internationally.

The EA will:

• Undertake a range of administrative tasks;
• Take on end-to-end diary management;
• Help coordinate and promote effective team-working;
• Support the CEO’s engagement across multiple audiences and optimise our impact.

This is a challenging, busy and varied role that requires superb interpersonal and communications skills, a friendly ‘can-do’ approach, alongside commitment and determination to deliver on EJF’s ambitious plans to Protect People and Planet. It will give the successful candidate broad exposure to the range of EJF’s activities and is ideal for somebody looking to build their career in the NGO sector.

Key responsibilities

• Diary management: Proactive management and coordination of the CEO’s diary (scheduling, preparing rundowns, tracking key dates, navigating potential clashes and sending reminders).
• Meeting support and preparation: Ensure the CEO is well-prepared for meetings by coordinating agendas, briefings and other documentation from the team or external stakeholders. Prepare agendas, briefings and presentations independently. Attend meetings with the CEO to capture notes and follow-up actions, ensuring that these are shared and actioned.
• Administrative support: Provide comprehensive administrative support to the CEO across a range of priorities. Manage and monitor shared and executive inboxes.
• Communications and events: Draft internal communications from the CEO. Produce high-quality communications on behalf of the CEO e.g. letters, briefings, op-eds and blogs, speeches and presentations.

Essential skills and experience

• Demonstrable commitment to EJF's vision, mission and values and a determination to change the world for the better.
• Demonstrable experience in a similar role.
• Outstanding organisational, project management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and multitask, responding to needs and opportunities.
• Understanding the need for absolute integrity, confidentiality and discretion.
• Excellent written and presentational skills in fluent English.
• Willingness to address difficult issues; the role requires discretion, tenacity, determination and patience.
• Able to work independently and according to specific direction, the EA will have strong interpersonal skills and team working.
• Accuracy and reliability.

Desirable skills and experience

• Degree level or above.
• Experience in the NGO sector.
• Proficiency in relevant language/s (French, Spanish, German).

We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in the environmental and human rights sectors to apply. If you believe you would be a great fit but don’t meet every requirement, we would still love to hear from you.

What we offer

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

• 22 days’ annual leave (exclusive of bank holidays), increasing with each year of service, plus additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year.
• Generous pension scheme, with employer contributions increasing over time.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office / 2 from home).
• A dynamic, supportive, and inclusive working environment, with genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The chance to contribute to an organisation delivering real-world impact for people and planet.

Application process

To apply, please complete the application form here by 6pm on 1st July 2026. This includes:

• A personal statement outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages)
• Your CV (max 2 pages)

Interview processes for different roles will vary, but are 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 legal right to work in the United Kingdom. EJF is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.