Executive Assistant to the CEO

Location: London or Bath office, hybrid working

Contract type: Full-time, permanent

Salary range: £45,000 - £55,000 dependent upon experience

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 support as the Executive Assistant (EA) to the CEO of the Environmental Justice Foundation. The EA will play a critical role, supporting the CEO to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of EJF’s environmental campaigns in the UK and internationally. The EA will undertake a range of administrative tasks and diary management; help coordinate and promote effective team-working and reporting; and support the CEO’s engagement across multiple audiences to optimise EJF's impact. This is a challenging, busy and varied role that requires superb interpersonal and communications skills, a proactive, engaging ‘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 further build their career in the NGO sector.

Key responsibilities

• Diary management, administrative and organisational development: Proactive management and coordination of the CEO’s diary. Administrative support to the CEO across a range of priorities. Manage and monitor executive inboxes and prepare responses. Support engagement with high-level donors and draft campaign updates.
• 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. Attend meetings with the CEO to take notes and record follow-up actions, ensuring that these are shared and actioned.
• Communications, research 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. Undertake high-quality research and support the production and distribution of materials to target stakeholders.

Essential skills and experience

• Demonstrable commitment to EJF's vision, mission and values and a determination to change the world for the better.
• Degree-level education, ideally in a related subject.
• Experience in a similar role (executive support and/or campaigns).
• Outstanding organisational, project management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and multitask, responding to needs and opportunities.
• An understanding of 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.
• Ability to work independently and take direction.
• Accuracy and reliability in all aspects of your work.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience in the NGO sector.
• Proficiency in one or more relevant languages (e.g. French, Spanish or 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

• 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.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. EJF is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.