Policy and Comms Lead

Interested in an exciting role which helps protect forests, the climate and human rights? This
may be the job for you.
Earthsight is looking for an experienced campaigner to lead our policy and comms work
delivering impactful analyses and advocacy on the impacts of Western consumption on the world’s
forests, native biomes and local communities.
Earthsight is a non-profit organisation dedicated to researching and investigating
environmental and social crime and injustice. We use cutting-edge investigative methods to
uncover and expose wrongdoing. Since emerging as a fully-fledged organisation in 2016, our
reports have garnered headlines, won awards and triggered major changes by governments and
corporations.
We seek to create positive change by influencing government policy, uncovering greenwash and
raising awareness among key constituencies about the impacts of global supply chains on the
world’s forests and forest communities.
Most global deforestation is driven by industrial production of a handful of major commodities,
including beef, soy, palm oil and wood. A large chunk of this production is to meet demand in
Western consumer markets. Over the past few years, Earthsight has played a key role in
highlighting the complicity of corporations and consumers in the EU, UK and US in the
destruction of forests overseas, as well as the abuses of local people which accompany that
destruction. As part of a global coalition, we have succeeded in getting laws passed or under
development in all those jurisdictions which aim to clean up these supply chains. Now we need
to ensure those laws are effectively enforced.
This role will be key to that. As part of a small team, you will help design and coordinate
implementation of our policy strategy and outputs. You will represent the organisation in
meetings with policymakers, government authorities and civil society, as well as help draft and
disseminate policy briefings and other advocacy material. You will also oversee our comms work.
The position is offered as a full-time permanent contract. The successful candidate would
preferably be based in the UK and able to come into our office in London regularly. Earthsight
is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring careers in the charity sector
are open to all. We value difference and believe it enhances our capabilities. We therefore
particularly encourage applications from people from a range of different backgrounds.
Main tasks and responsibilities
Input into policy strategy and planning for the three geographic teams (Latin America,
Southeast Asia/Africa, Northern Forests)
Produce annual overarching policy strategy for policy/advocacy work in cross-cutting areas, for
approval by SMT. Oversee delivery of the strategy and provide progress reports to SMT
Oversee production of annual communications strategy (plan for building press contacts
database, social media engagement, website development, mailing lists). Oversee delivery of the
strategy and provide progress reports to SMT
Line-manage the Content Creative and Press Coordinator and the Researcher/Campaigner: EUDR
Support Content Creative and Press Coordinator in ensuring website and social media outputs
consistently adhere to correct format, message and language
Conduct advocacy on areas which are cross-cutting, not falling clearly under the responsibility
of one of the three geographic teams (e.g. EU Deforestation Regulation implementation issues
and reviews, other EU laws, UK and US regulations, etc.)
Participate in relevant civil society coalitions in Europe and the UK and coordinate
Earthsight’s inputs and contributions to coalition work
Build and maintain relationships with key policy stakeholders in Europe and the UK, including
policymakers, civil servants, civil society, enforcement authorities
Attend relevant international conferences and meetings
Manage an operational budget for the Policy and Communications Team
Support recruitment and selection of new team members for the team, and line manage selected
candidates once they’re in place
Stay abreast of, coordinate and assist with advocacy work conducted by the geographic team
leads and their teams
Report regularly on progress with policy and comms work, and finances to Deputy Director
Person specification
Essential
At least five years’ experience working as a campaigner on environmental, forests, climate
change, human rights or a related field
Excellent campaigning skills with proven ability to understand complex policy issues and convey
effective messages to influence a desired campaign outcome
Ability to establish and maintain effective contacts and relationships, not only among civil
society but also with policymakers and government authorities
Line management experience
Strong writing skills, with ability to produce compelling, impactful and persuasive texts in
English for external audiences
Strong attention to detail and factual accuracy
Self-motivated and collaborative team player
Organised with the ability to manage a variety of tasks and competing priorities
Desirable
Knowledge and experience of EU policymaking processes and institutions
Fluency in a major EU language (for example French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish or Polish)
Benefits
Among what Earthsight offers is:
Generous employer’s pension contribution
Flexible and hybrid working policies
25 days annual leave with one extra day for every year with the organisation (up to 30 days)
Cycling to work scheme
How to apply
Please completethis application form by Tuesday 7 May 2024. Shortlisted
candidates will be invited for an interview and a writing or presentation test. Only
shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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