Environmental Justice Foundation Charitable Trust

A global environmental organization seeks a Deputy CEO to drive strategic direction and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to environmental justice. This position involves guiding the senior management team, shaping impactful campaigns, and ensuring organizational performance. Offering a flexible working model and a rewarding package, this role is pivotal in tackling urgent environmental challenges and driving systemic change.

A leading environmental charity based in London is seeking a Deputy Chief Operating Officer to oversee global operations and support effective financial and HR systems. This senior role involves improving operational processes across international teams, managing donor relations, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in operations and finance, a proactive mindset, and strong administrative skills. This position offers flexibility with hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.

Position: Deputy Chief Operating Officer Location: London, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office Contract type: Full-time, permanent Salary range: Competitive dependent upon experience Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer (COO) 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 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. Join Us. About the role This is a rare and exciting opportunity to play a central role in driving effective, efficient, and impactful global operations at one of the world's leading environmental and human rights organisations. As Deputy Chief Operating Officer, you will report directly to the COO and support the smooth, efficient, and ethical running of EJF's international operations across 16 countries on four continents. You will work at the heart of the organisation, supporting critical priorities such as donor relations, recruitment and retention, financial controls and development, safeguarding, risk and security, cybersecurity, and ensuring the compliance and efficient operation of offices around the world. This is a senior operational role that offers broad responsibilities and meaningful engagement across global teams and strategic priorities. You will be a solutions-focused, highly organised, and values-driven individual who brings experience in HR, compliance, finance, and broader operations. This role is ideal for a professional seeking senior-level responsibility and broad, meaningful engagement across global teams and strategic priorities. Key responsibilities Global administration and Office Management: Ensuring efficient day-to-day operations of EJF's global offices. Supporting the development and maintenance of cost-effective, compliant and efficient systems. Finance and Organisational Integrity: Work closely with the finance team to ensure strong financial controls and systems are in place, robust against fraud and error. Ensure operational systems work effectively when they interface with finance, such as ensuring compliance with country requirements and undertaking procurements. The role will help ensure the finance team can provide exemplary, time-bound tracking of financial data and expenditure against agreed budgets and make recommendations on banking and investment opportunities and changing needs. Human Resources: Supporting and enhancing EJF's HR systems to ensure they are fit for purpose, equitable, and appropriate across all jurisdictions. Coordinating and supporting Managers with effective recruitment processes globally. Ensuring managers have the systems and tools they need to induct, manage, and retain staff, including guidance on management, issue escalation, and performance reviews. Fundraising Support and Donor Reporting: Leading the coordination of donor requests and reporting across global teams. Actively engaging to support donor relations and fundraising. Supporting decision-making relating to strategic priorities and new income streams. Safeguarding, Risk and Security: Overseeing the implementation of EJF's safeguarding policy and monitoring, ensuring consistency and compliance across countries. Maintaining and regularly reviewing safety and security protocols, including digital systems and data security. Leadership and Coordination: Leading on the improvement and implementation of operational processes and systems across the organisation, ensuring buy in across teams. Providing clear, detailed updates to the COO, where appropriate, to the Senior Management Team. Deputising for the COO when required. IT and Artificial Intelligence: Ensuring that the IT, software systems and internal processes that the EJF team depend on are available, secure and cost-effective. Contributing to EJF's approach to tech and innovation, particularly the effective, ethical use of AI. Essential skills and experience Strong administrative and organisational skills. Financial literacy and experience working with finance systems, controls and protocols. At least five years' experience in HR, finance, operations or legal/compliance roles. Demonstrated experience managing or supporting recruitment and HR systems. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones. A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with confidence, taking initiative and improving systems. Strong ethical commitment to safeguarding and equality. An interest in developing a career in NGO operations, preferably with experience in the sector. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced environment. Fluency in English. Desirable skills and experience Degree in a relevant discipline; relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CIPD, accountancy, legal) and additional relevant languages are desirable. 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 We offer a rewarding package designed to support your well-being, flexibility, and professional growth: 22 days' annual leave, 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. A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages) Your CV (max 2 pages) The deadline for applications is 6pm GMT on Sunday 8 March. Interview processes and number of rounds for different roles will vary, but is likely to include three stages: a short screening call, a panel interview with a task relevant to the role, and a final interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK. EJF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.

A global environmental organization seeks a Deputy CEO to drive strategic direction and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to environmental justice. This position involves guiding the senior management team, shaping impactful campaigns, and ensuring organizational performance. Offering a flexible working model and a rewarding package, this role is pivotal in tackling urgent environmental challenges and driving systemic change.

Location: London or Bath, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office. Contract type: Full-time, permanent. Salary range: Competitive, 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 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. Join Us. About the role This is an extremely rare opportunity to help lead a globally respected organisation at a pivotal moment for people and planet. As Deputy CEO, you will play a central role in shaping EJF's strategic direction and operational excellence, working in close partnership with the CEO and senior leadership team to scale our impact, strengthen our global presence, generate new income and ensure the organisation continues to deliver courageous, evidence-led change. You will help translate EJF's mission, ethos and vision into action - providing leadership across programmes, operations, and partnerships, and supporting a diverse international team working across four continents. You will assume specific, designated areas of management, supervising and guiding EJF's campaign teams, providing a clear line of decision-making and direction. From strengthening governance and organisational performance to driving innovation, growth, and collaboration, you will be instrumental in maintaining an agile, resilient organisation capable of confronting some of the world's most urgent environmental and human rights challenges. This role calls for a values-driven, experienced and confident manager and leader with strategic vision, operational rigour, communications acumen and a deep commitment to justice. You will bring people together across cultures and disciplines, empower emerging leaders, and foster a high-performance, inclusive organisational culture. Externally, you will help represent EJF with credibility and influence, building alliances with funders, policymakers, partners, and frontline communities to accelerate systemic change. At EJF, leadership means courage, integrity, and impact. As Deputy CEO, you will help steer campaigns that expose environmental crime, defend those on the frontlines, and secure lasting protections for ecosystems and communities alike. Together, we work to protect people by protecting the planet - and to build a fairer, more resilient future for all. EJF strongly encourages applications from women and underrepresented communities. Key responsibilities 1. Mission and Purpose Alongside the CEO and Founding Director, continuously reaffirm and embed EJF's Mission, Vision, and Values, ensuring they are deeply embedded across all programmes and teams to foster cohesion and strategic alignment globally. Safeguard our core mission of environmental justice and building capacity in the Global South, ensuring that the organisation, across its multiple geographies and jurisdictions, adheres to this core purpose and scope. Articulate and deliver the highest possible professional standards across all aspects of EJF's work. 2. Campaign Delivery, Amplification and Impact In close partnership with the CEO, guide and oversee the organisation's strategic and tactical approach across its operations and campaigns. Provide additional guidance, recommendations and scrutiny on the planning, production and release of reports, films and other campaign materials. Help shape EJF's external positioning, ensuring coherence between evidence, advocacy, partnerships and communications. Build EJF's visibility and reach by engaging the media, attending and presenting at high-level meetings, liaising with key contacts and major funders, and acting as a spokesperson in the CEO's absence. 3. People, Culture and Leadership Help to further develop and support a high-performing senior management team (SMT), individually and collectively, fostering accountability, collaboration and strong leadership practice, centred around EJF's Mission and core purpose. Articulate and deliver the highest moral and professional standards across all aspects of EJF's work, guiding and mentoring teams to ensure they remain focused on delivering EJF's mission and objectives with cohesion and strategic impact. Ensure fairness and equity for staff across the organisation, alongside consistently high standards of management. As directed by the CEO, serve in his absence to ensure the campaigns and programmes continue uninterrupted, working closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT). 4. Operations and Funding Work with the COO and Chief of Staff to ensure EJF's exemplary operational efficiency across all areas of its work, championing continuous improvement of systems, processes and tools to strengthen efficiency, resilience and internal knowledge sharing. Work with the CEO, Founding Director, COO, and other team members to secure funding to support all our operations. This will require direct liaison with key donors, identifying new funding streams and ensuring compelling proposals, grant reports and updates are delivered on time. Ensure our operations across geographies and jurisdictions adopt a unified approach across all aspects of our work while respecting local contexts and needs. 5. Risk and Security Ensure that robust security and safeguarding measures are in place, regularly reviewed and actively embedded across teams. Oversee organisational risk management, including legal, reputational, political and operational risks across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations and ethical standards in all operating contexts. Essential Experience, Skills and Attributes We are seeking a values-driven, strategic leader with the judgement and organisational capability to help guide EJF through its next phase of growth and impact. You will bring: Significant senior leadership experience (typically 10+ years), ideally 6 + years within the charity or not-for-profit sector. Proven success in programme design and delivery and organisational management, including oversight of complex budgets and resources. Strong financial acumen, with the ability to improve cost-effectiveness and maximise impact. Outstanding communication skills, including exceptional written English and the ability to engage diverse audiences, from teams to funders and senior decision-makers. Sound judgement and strategic thinking, with the ability to navigate complexity and make high-quality, values-led decisions, including in fast-moving or high-stakes environments. Strong people leadership, with experience building inclusive, high-performing teams, supporting senior colleagues, and developing emerging leaders across cultures and geographies. Experience contributing to organisational strategy, change, and governance, with confidence engaging Boards and leading through growth or transition. A collaborative, diplomatic approach, combined with resilience, adaptability, and composure under pressure. Experience working in international or distributed organisations, and building effective external partnerships, including with donors, business partners and grassroots groups. An ability to travel internationally, occasionally at short notice. A clear commitment to EJF's Vision, Mission and Values, and to fostering a culture of excellence, equity, safeguarding, and impact. While not essential, the following would be a strong advantage: Additional languages, particularly French, Spanish, Portuguese, or German. Professional media or communications experience, with demonstrable skills in shaping narratives, engaging audiences, and supporting organisational visibility. Experience in field research and/or investigations, ideally in complex or international contexts. Proven ability to manage projects, people, and budgets remotely, including supporting geographically dispersed teams. What We Offer In return for your leadership and commitment, we offer a rewarding package designed to support your well-being, flexibility, and professional growth: 22 days' annual leave, increasing with each year of service . click apply for full job details

Location: London or Bath, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office. Contract type: Full-time, permanent. Salary range: Competitive, 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 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. Join Us. About the role This is an extremely rare opportunity to help lead a globally respected organisation at a pivotal moment for people and planet. As Deputy CEO, you will play a central role in shaping EJF's strategic direction and operational excellence, working in close partnership with the CEO and senior leadership team to scale our impact, strengthen our global presence, generate new income and ensure the organisation continues to deliver courageous, evidence-led change. You will help translate EJF's mission, ethos and vision into action - providing leadership across programmes, operations, and partnerships, and supporting a diverse international team working across four continents. You will assume specific, designated areas of management, supervising and guiding EJF's campaign teams, providing a clear line of decision-making and direction. From strengthening governance and organisational performance to driving innovation, growth, and collaboration, you will be instrumental in maintaining an agile, resilient organisation capable of confronting some of the world's most urgent environmental and human rights challenges. This role calls for a values-driven, experienced and confident manager and leader with strategic vision, operational rigour, communications acumen and a deep commitment to justice. You will bring people together across cultures and disciplines, empower emerging leaders, and foster a high-performance, inclusive organisational culture. Externally, you will help represent EJF with credibility and influence, building alliances with funders, policymakers, partners, and frontline communities to accelerate systemic change. At EJF, leadership means courage, integrity, and impact. As Deputy CEO, you will help steer campaigns that expose environmental crime, defend those on the frontlines, and secure lasting protections for ecosystems and communities alike. Together, we work to protect people by protecting the planet - and to build a fairer, more resilient future for all. EJF strongly encourages applications from women and underrepresented communities. Key responsibilities 1. Mission and Purpose Alongside the CEO and Founding Director, continuously reaffirm and embed EJF's Mission, Vision, and Values, ensuring they are deeply embedded across all programmes and teams to foster cohesion and strategic alignment globally. Safeguard our core mission of environmental justice and building capacity in the Global South, ensuring that the organisation, across its multiple geographies and jurisdictions, adheres to this core purpose and scope. Articulate and deliver the highest possible professional standards across all aspects of EJF's work. 2. Campaign Delivery, Amplification and Impact In close partnership with the CEO, guide and oversee the organisation's strategic and tactical approach across its operations and campaigns. Provide additional guidance, recommendations and scrutiny on the planning, production and release of reports, films and other campaign materials. Help shape EJF's external positioning, ensuring coherence between evidence, advocacy, partnerships and communications. Build EJF's visibility and reach by engaging the media, attending and presenting at high-level meetings, liaising with key contacts and major funders, and acting as a spokesperson in the CEO's absence. 3. People, Culture and Leadership Help to further develop and support a high-performing senior management team (SMT), individually and collectively, fostering accountability, collaboration and strong leadership practice, centred around EJF's Mission and core purpose. Articulate and deliver the highest moral and professional standards across all aspects of EJF's work, guiding and mentoring teams to ensure they remain focused on delivering EJF's mission and objectives with cohesion and strategic impact. Ensure fairness and equity for staff across the organisation, alongside consistently high standards of management. As directed by the CEO, serve in his absence to ensure the campaigns and programmes continue uninterrupted, working closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT). 4. Operations and Funding Work with the COO and Chief of Staff to ensure EJF's exemplary operational efficiency across all areas of its work, championing continuous improvement of systems, processes and tools to strengthen efficiency, resilience and internal knowledge sharing. Work with the CEO, Founding Director, COO, and other team members to secure funding to support all our operations. This will require direct liaison with key donors, identifying new funding streams and ensuring compelling proposals, grant reports and updates are delivered on time. Ensure our operations across geographies and jurisdictions adopt a unified approach across all aspects of our work while respecting local contexts and needs. 5. Risk and Security Ensure that robust security and safeguarding measures are in place, regularly reviewed and actively embedded across teams. Oversee organisational risk management, including legal, reputational, political and operational risks across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations and ethical standards in all operating contexts. Essential Experience, Skills and Attributes We are seeking a values-driven, strategic leader with the judgement and organisational capability to help guide EJF through its next phase of growth and impact. You will bring: Significant senior leadership experience (typically 10+ years), ideally 6 + years within the charity or not-for-profit sector. Proven success in programme design and delivery and organisational management, including oversight of complex budgets and resources. Strong financial acumen, with the ability to improve cost-effectiveness and maximise impact. Outstanding communication skills, including exceptional written English and the ability to engage diverse audiences, from teams to funders and senior decision-makers. Sound judgement and strategic thinking, with the ability to navigate complexity and make high-quality, values-led decisions, including in fast-moving or high-stakes environments. Strong people leadership, with experience building inclusive, high-performing teams, supporting senior colleagues, and developing emerging leaders across cultures and geographies. Experience contributing to organisational strategy, change, and governance, with confidence engaging Boards and leading through growth or transition. A collaborative, diplomatic approach, combined with resilience, adaptability, and composure under pressure. Experience working in international or distributed organisations, and building effective external partnerships, including with donors, business partners and grassroots groups. An ability to travel internationally, occasionally at short notice. A clear commitment to EJF's Vision, Mission and Values, and to fostering a culture of excellence, equity, safeguarding, and impact. While not essential, the following would be a strong advantage: Additional languages, particularly French, Spanish, Portuguese, or German. Professional media or communications experience, with demonstrable skills in shaping narratives, engaging audiences, and supporting organisational visibility. Experience in field research and/or investigations, ideally in complex or international contexts. Proven ability to manage projects, people, and budgets remotely, including supporting geographically dispersed teams. What We Offer In return for your leadership and commitment, we offer a rewarding package designed to support your well-being, flexibility, and professional growth: 22 days' annual leave, increasing with each year of service . click apply for full job details