Position: Ocean Research Assistant
Based: London
Contract: Full-time, permanent. Hybrid working arrangements (minimum three days per week in the office). Flexible working considered.
Salary range: £28,000–£35,000, dependent on experience and location
About EJF
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.
EJF investigates and exposes abuses and supports environmental defenders, Indigenous peoples, communities, and independent journalists on the frontlines of environmental injustice. We work internationally to drive changes to the very ‘architecture’ of environmental governance, securing permanent solutions to protect our planet.
With over 115 staff, including grassroots mobilisers, filmmakers, investigators, and advocates in 16 countries, we campaign to protect our global ocean, climate, wetlands, and forests, as well as environmental defenders.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Ocean Research Assistant to join EJF’s Ocean team. The successful candidate will support our efforts to document and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and the associated human rights abuses occurring on many of the world’s industrial fishing fleets.
You will play a key role in gathering, processing and analysing data to produce high-quality research and insights that inform EJF’s global advocacy and campaign work. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to develop advanced research skills within an agile and impact-driven international NGO.
Working closely with colleagues across EJF’s global network, the Ocean Research Assistant will support investigations into IUU fishing and related abuses, contributing to reports, policy briefings and alerts that help protect marine environments and bring environmental and human rights offenders to account.
Key Responsibilities
1. Process qualitative and quantitative data on IUU fishing and human rights abuses for use in EJF’s advocacy and campaigns.
2. Conduct detailed research and analysis on IUU fishing and associated labour and human rights violations, with particular focus on key distant-water fleets including China and Taiwan.
3. Support the production of research outputs, including policy briefings, reports, and private alerts on vessel behaviours.
4. Conduct literature reviews, scoping exercises and contribute to internal research projects.
5. Use satellite technology and open-source data to track vessel activity and identify suspected illegal or unethical operations.
6. Collaborate with other EJF teams to ensure research findings inform advocacy and communications outputs.
Essential Skills and Attributes
7. Outstanding research and analytical skills with strong intellectual rigour.
8. Excellent written English skills and the ability to produce concise, accurate, and compelling materials for diverse audiences.
9. Strong attention to detail, precision, and accuracy.
10. Excellent time management and organisational skills, able to balance multiple priorities.
11. A quick learner with initiative, creativity and a ‘can-do’ attitude.
12. Commitment to EJF’s mission and values of integrity, courage and effectiveness.
Desirable Skills
13. Professional experience in research, investigations or related fields.
14. Familiarity with marine conservation, fisheries policy or IUU fishing issues.
15. Experience using satellite or vessel-tracking technologies.
16. Proficiency in data analysis software and programming (R, Python), and spatial analysis software (QGIS).
17. Proficiency in other relevant languages.
18. Experience working on environmental or political issues in the Global South.
We Offer
19. Annual leave starting at 22 days per year, increasing annually, plus office closure between Christmas and New Year.
20. Hybrid working (typically 60:40 office:home split).
21. Flexible working arrangements considered.
22. Cycle-to-work scheme.
23. Supportive, collaborative and high-performing team culture.
24. Opportunities for professional growth and learning within an international network.
To apply
25. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter (1.5 pages maximum) to recruitment@ejfoundation.org. Please begin the names of both files (CV and cover letter) with your own name or initials.
26. Closing date for applications: Friday 5th December 2025
Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
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.