EU Advocacy Officer

Based: Brussels. 

Contract: Full-time, permanent. Hybrid working arrangements are in place, and flexible working arrangements can be considered.

Salary range and benefits: 3.000-3.400€ gross per month (depending on experience), plus a range of benefits.

Reporting to: Head of EU Ocean Policy and Campaigns.

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.

As an EU Advocacy Officer, you will be working in our team in Brussels towards our goals on ocean conservation and greater transparency in fisheries governance in Europe. You will provide essential campaign support to the Head of EU Ocean Policy and Campaigns and work closely with Senior EU Ocean Policy and Advocacy Officers in the team, by undertaking research, providing support in strategy development, establishment and strengthening of political relationships, and in planning and conducting advocacy actions on EJF EU priority policy objectives. This will include drafting impactful policy and legal advocacy materials and monitoring relevant environmental-related developments in the EU Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament, as well as advising on ad-hoc or emerging political developments and debates. Initially, the position will focus on supporting the delivery of EJF’s objectives on the enforcement of EU legislation and preventing the rollback of EU environmental standards. It will also contribute to the operations of the EU team, including planning, reporting, and strategic alignment.

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. 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 EU policy development and implementation is desirable.  

The EU Advocacy Officer will be part of the EJF EU Ocean Team, which plays a key role across the global organisation to drive the design and delivery of EJF’s major advocacy and campaign efforts in Europe. We deliver an ambitious agenda, grounded in national and EU-level change and impact. 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 across multiple issues; research will include scientific, socio-economic, legal/policy and other areas that can be applied to campaigns and projects.
• Produce high-calibre advocacy materials including policy briefings and reports; legal briefings to support litigation or legal advocacy efforts; web-copy and blogs; speeches and presentations.
• Support new campaign scoping and advocacy strategy development, including through research into the target audiences and contacts for campaign outreach.
• Monitor key policy developments and identify emerging issues in the Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament and carry out advocacy and other campaign actions together with relevant campaigners.
• Represent EJF in external meetings and events with policymakers, industry, NGO and other expert or public audiences as requested by the Head of EU Ocean Policy and Campaigns and in coordination with the senior campaigners in the team.
• Support the coordination of a multiyear marine biodiversity protection project and contribute to effective team operations across the EU team, including planning processes, internal reporting, and alignment with organisational priorities.

Essential skills and attributes.

• At least two years of proven professional experience in research and/or political or legal advocacy, ideally in environmental protection or a related area.
• Outstanding research skills, intellectual and academic rigour. An ability to compile information and make it easily accessible to multiple audiences (including non-experts).
• Excellent writing and presentation skills with a meticulous attention to detail, precision and accuracy.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply information to the specific needs of the campaigns and projects.
• Ability to build strong networks and relationships and interest in engaging with policymakers across the political spectrum, as well as civil society and industry representatives.
• Keen interest in politics at EU and national levels, and personal drive to understand the dynamics behind interest representation and decisions reached.
• Sound knowledge of the EU legislative processes and policy formulation.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with shifting priorities and occasional heavy workloads.
• A clear, strong and demonstrable commitment to EJF’s Mission and goals.

Desirable skills.

• Demonstrated understanding of environmental regulations, including national, EU and international legal frameworks.
• A law degree and/or legal research, analytical, and drafting skills.
• Direct experience with EU decision-making.
• Proficiency in other EU languages.

We offer you.

Pay will be adjusted according to experience.

• An annual leave that increases with the length of service.
• Lunch vouchers.
• Home office two days a week.
• Flexible working arrangements can be considered.
• 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 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 recruitment@ejfoundation.org [1]. Please include the job title in the subject line when applying.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. If you feel you would be a good fit for this role but are unsure if you meet every single requirement, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Closing date for applications: We would like to fill this position as soon as possible and will consider incoming applications until 15 September 2025. We therefore recommend that you apply in good time before the deadline.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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