Chief of Staff

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced person to join the team at the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF): one of the world's leading non-profit organisations, working at the intersection of environmental conservation and human rights.

About the Environmental Justice Foundation

EJF exists to protect the natural world and defend our fundamental human right to a secure environment. We believe in equity and justice and a need to respect, defend, and empower communities most at risk from habitat loss, biodiversity collapse and global heating. We campaign for environmental justice.

We use hard-hitting investigations, cutting-edge film and photography and strategic, high-level advocacy to secure lasting, systemic change to protect the ocean, wetlands and climate for biodiversity and for people. Our programmes are underpinned by grassroots partnerships and film-led investigations in the Global South, where our dedicated local teams work on complex, challenging issues, speaking truth to power. We partner and support environmental defenders and journalists, providing vital equipment and targeted training in filmmaking, investigations and communications that amplify grassroots voices and build local leadership and resilience to environmental injustice.

The Role

As Chief of Staff to the CEO, you will be a strategic partner and trusted advisor, playing a pivotal role in driving EJF’s mission forward during an exciting period of growth and global impact. You will support and empower the CEO to lead effectively across multiple programmes, geographies, and teams, ensuring the highest levels of operational focus, internal alignment, and mission delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Support: Act as a force multiplier for the CEO, helping to prioritise initiatives, manage high-level projects, and streamline decision-making processes. The role will act as a gatekeeper for the CEO, addressing and balancing competing demands and workloads.
• Executive Coordination: Prepare and arrange briefing documents, talking points, and correspondence. Attend meetings with or on behalf of the CEO and ensure timely follow-ups. Coordinate the CEO’s public and media engagements to ensure he is well-prepared.
• Organisational Alignment: Facilitate communication between the CEO and global teams to ensure alignment on goals, priorities, and values. Provide objective assessments of teams and their efficiency and effectiveness.
• Project Management: Oversee special projects from inception to completion, ensuring they align with organizational strategy and deliver measurable impact. Support for income generation, including grant applications, monitoring and reporting.
• Donor Engagement: Support major donor engagements and high-stakes partnerships.
• Thought Partnership: Serve as a critical sounding board, offering insights and constructive challenge on complex organisational and strategic issues.

About You

• You are highly organized, diligent, intellectually curious, and deeply committed to environmental and social justice.
• You have a strong background in strategy, operations, or executive-level coordination, ideally in a nonprofit, policy, or international development setting.
• You possess exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and a strong ability to research, synthesise and apply information quickly and to a high standard.
• You are diplomatic, discreet, and thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• You are proactive, resourceful, and capable of working independently on complex problems.

Desired Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in a senior strategic, advisory, or operational role
• Prior experience working with or reporting to C-suite executives
• Understanding of the nonprofit or advocacy sector, preferably in environmental or human rights fields
• Ability to travel internationally if required

What We Offer

• A purpose-driven role where your work will have a real-world impact
• A supportive, mission-led team with a shared commitment to environmental justice
• Opportunities for international engagement and professional growth

Application Deadline: 1st August 2025