Researcher, EU IUU Fishing Coalition

Researcher, EU IUU Fishing Coalition

EJF – Environmental Justice Foundation

London, Bath, Brussels, Berlin or Madrid

Based: EJF office in London, Bath, Brussels, Berlin or Madrid with hybrid working (3 days per week office-based)
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until April 2026 (with possibility to extend)
Salary range: £28,000-£35,000, depending on experience and location

Position Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to work with the leading NGOs dedicated to the protection, conservation, and restoration of the world’s oceans. The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Oceana, The Nature Conservancy, The Pew Charitable Trusts and WWF are working together as the EU IUU Fishing Coalition to promote EU leadership in improving global fisheries transparency and governance to end illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Since 2014, the coalition has been working to improve both the EU’s own anti-IUU fishing systems and policies and to promote some of the EU’s best practices on ocean governance and fisheries transparency in other regions such as East Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Using the EU’s influence as a major flag and market State, we are helping the EU to drive policy change at the global level, prioritising increasing transparency in the fisheries sector as a means to improve global fisheries governance. To achieve this, we are working with the EU as it implements its zero-tolerance commitment against IUU fishing, primarily through its IUU Regulation. In addition, with the view to improve ocean governance, the Coalition also promotes better inter-agency coordination in relevant policy areas such as consumer rights (due diligence), human rights, labour rights, external trade and others, urging EU agencies to be ambitious and ensuring that ongoing positive reforms are sustained. We are also engaging the EU, as a major global player, to work more closely with other seafood markets such as Japan and the US to harmonise policies to stop IUU fishing and import of illegally-caught products through developing strong import control schemes. To make this happen, we are engaging with key decision-makers, strengthening relationships with the seafood industry, fisheries authorities and the NGO community, raising awareness among citizens on the topic, using media strategically and providing intelligence to the EU.

To support the delivery of these objectives, the coalition is seeking a full-time researcher who will be responsible for producing and supporting relevant research and other publications required for the coalition’s advocacy work. The individual we seek will have excellent research and writing skills in English and will be capable of working independently and coordinating with a dispersed and diverse multinational team. Good communication skills, initiative and drive are important. Knowledge of fisheries or ocean conservation issues is an advantage. This is a fast-paced role demanding attention to detail, an ability to quickly grasp new issues, and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Key responsibilities

• Working with and under coalition members’ supervision, the researcher will conduct specific research, as well as compile and process data relevant to campaign objectives (sometimes working jointly with consultants);
• Produce policy briefings, rebuttals, reports and communication materials and on occasion present them to relevant audiences;
• Edit and proofread all coalition public-facing outputs;
• Monitor the EU and international policy agenda related to IUU fishing, identifying key policy opportunities to successfully achieve coalition goals;
• The researcher will report directly to the coalition coordinator, consulting closely with coalition members, taking full consideration of their priorities and internal processes;
• Some travelling primarily within Europe might be required, including attending Brussels-based meetings relevant to coalition objectives.

Essential skills and attributes

• A university degree in a related field;
• Excellent and demonstrable research, writing, editing and proofreading skills;
• English language skills at native speaker level, both written and spoken;
• Excellent communication skills, initiative and independent working;
• Excellent time management skills;
• Capability of working independently in delivering research and policy advocacy outputs and coordinating with a dispersed and diverse multinational team;
• A keen interest in issues of ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries.

Desirable skills

• A good understanding of fisheries issues, especially of IUU fishing and its environmental, economic, and social impacts and of EU fisheries policy, or ocean conservation;
• Knowledge of other EU languages (particularly French, German, Spanish or Dutch);
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python or MATLAB for the purpose of data analysis;
• Experience in public speaking and engagement activities, such as workshops, seminars, and community outreach.

Applications: If you think you would be a strong candidate, even if you don’t meet every requirement above, please send your CV and cover letter explaining why you are the right person for this job to: recruitment@ejfoundation.org.

Please include the job title in the subject when applying.

Closing date for applications: We would like to fill this position as soon as possible and will consider incoming applications until 30 August. We therefore recommend that you apply in good time before the deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK or the EU.

EJF is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.

We offer you

• An annual leave that increases every year;
• Flexible start and end times and the possibility of further flexible work arrangements to allow for childcare and other caring responsibilities;
• ‘Cycle to work’ programme;
• A highly motivated and open-minded team of committed colleagues and the opportunity to develop and implement compelling propositions that can deliver campaign and organisational goals;
• The position offers great opportunities for your professional growth and personal development in close collaboration with the diverse team across Europe, Africa and Asia.