At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research and advocate for ocean conservation and climate justice.
- Company: Join the Environmental Justice Foundation, a leader in environmental protection and human rights.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive work culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global debates on climate and ocean policy.
- Qualifications: Degree in environmental policy or related field; strong research and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: London, UK (Hybrid working available)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 (dependent on experience)
About the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF)
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) works internationally to protect the natural world and defend the human rights of those who depend on it. We use powerful films, campaigns, and investigations to expose abuses and drive systemic change, from illegal fishing and deforestation to climate breakdown and threats to environmental defenders. We believe in equity, transparency, and justice - empowering communities on the frontlines of environmental crises and amplifying their voices to secure lasting change.
The Role
EJF is seeking a Research and Advocacy Officer to play a central role in EJF's growing team advancing our campaigns on Deep Sea Mining (DSM) and on key areas of our Oceans policy work, especially as it relates to Climate. The postholder will conduct high-quality research, contribute to policy development, and directly engage in advocacy to influence decision-makers, industry actors, and international institutions. This is a unique opportunity for an early-to-mid-career professional passionate about ocean conservation, climate governance, and environmental justice to contribute to urgent global debates at the intersection of science, policy, and human rights.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct rigorous desk-based research on deep sea mining, and developments in related governance frameworks.
- Analyse the social, environmental, and geopolitical implications of emerging ocean and climate technologies, specifically including mCDR.
- Produce advocacy reports, briefings, and policy analyses to inform EJF’s advocacy and communications.
- Monitor developments across international fora and within international specific MEAs (e.g., ISA, UNFCCC, CBD) and scientific literature.
- Provide detailed briefings for leadership including the CEO on emerging science, policy and activities across the portfolio.
- Support EJF’s advocacy strategy to influence national, regional, and international policy processes on DSM and mCDR.
- Draft policy recommendations, position statements, and submissions to governments, intergovernmental organisations, and industry bodies.
- When requested represent EJF in meetings, conferences, and coalitions, effectively communicating EJF’s positions and priorities.
- Contribute to the development of compelling written and visual content (blogs, op-eds, briefings) to amplify campaign messages.
- Support public engagement and media outreach in collaboration with EJF’s communications team.
- Assist in preparing campaign materials and presentations for donors, partners, and public audiences.
- Work closely with EJF’s global team of researchers, campaigners, and filmmakers to integrate findings into multimedia advocacy outputs.
- Engage with external partners, academic experts, and civil society networks.
- Contribute to funding proposals and donor reporting as required.
Essential Requirements:
- A degree (Master’s preferred) in environmental policy, marine science, international relations, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in research and policy analysis within environmental, ocean, or climate issues.
- Strong understanding of international environmental governance, particularly relating to ocean protection, climate policy, or emerging marine technologies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality materials for both expert and general audiences.
- Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
- A demonstrable commitment to environmental justice.
- A clear understanding of and strong commitment to EJF’s mission of environmental protection and social justice.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of the International Seabed Authority, UNFCCC ocean agenda, or relevant EU / UK policy frameworks.
- Experience in advocacy or campaigning within NGOs, think tanks, or intergovernmental bodies.
- Experience analysing scientific or technical data and translating it into policy-relevant insights.
- Fluency in another language (especially French, Spanish, Mandarin) would be an advantage.
What We Offer:
- The opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental protection, human rights, and international policy.
- A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
- Professional development opportunities and exposure to high-level advocacy arenas.
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining your interest and suitability for the role to recruitment@ejfoundation.org with the subject line: Research and Advocacy Officer - Climate and Oceans. Please let us know how you heard about the position at the end of your application.
Application deadline: December 10, 2025
Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the UK. EJF is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in the environmental sector to apply. If you believe you would be a good fit for this role but are unsure whether you meet every requirement, we warmly encourage you to apply.
Research and Advocacy Officer - Climate and Oceans employer: Environmental Justice Foundation
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work at the intersection of environmental protection and human rights. With a supportive and inclusive work culture based in London, EJF provides professional development opportunities and the chance to influence global policy on critical issues like climate governance and ocean conservation. Employees are empowered to amplify the voices of communities affected by environmental crises, making a tangible impact while working alongside passionate colleagues in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Environmental Justice Foundation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research and Advocacy Officer - Climate and Oceans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those involved in ocean conservation and climate advocacy. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for environmental justice and ocean protection. Let them know why this role matters to you and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching EJF’s recent campaigns and projects. Familiarise yourself with their advocacy strategies and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and well-informed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at EJF.
We think you need these skills to ace Research and Advocacy Officer - Climate and Oceans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Research and Advocacy Officer role. Highlight your passion for ocean conservation and environmental justice, and connect your experience directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves a lot of research, don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or experiences. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex topics before, especially in environmental policy or climate issues.
Keep It Concise:Your cover letter should be no more than two pages, so get straight to the point! Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets your message across effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to include how you heard about the position at the end of your application, as it helps us understand where our outreach is working!
How to prepare for a job interview at Environmental Justice Foundation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you dive deep into the latest research and policies related to deep sea mining and climate governance. Familiarise yourself with EJF's mission and recent campaigns, so you can speak confidently about how your skills align with their goals.
✨Show Your Passion
EJF is all about environmental justice, so let your passion shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to ocean conservation and climate issues. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about EJF’s advocacy strategies and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a Research and Advocacy Officer, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Practice explaining your research findings or policy recommendations in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with both expert and general audiences.