Chief Representative

Chief Representative

EJF - Environmental Justice Foundation

Madrid, Spain

Contract: Full-time, permanent. Hybrid working arrangements are in place.
Salary range: 50-60,000 euros per annum

About the Environmental Justice Foundation

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

As Chief Representative in Spain, you will lead our policy and advocacy work, connecting closely with colleagues in Madrid, Brussels and other EU Member States. This is a senior role that requires exceptional political judgment, strong strategic vision, and a proven record of achieving measurable advocacy wins.

Working in close liaison with the Global Lead on Transparency and, initially, under the direction of the Brussels Chief Representative, you will shape and advance EJF’s policy engagement in Spain. You will share an office with and manage EJF’s Madrid-based Ocean Policy Officer.

You will oversee Spanish policy analysis and lead national advocacy initiatives across priority areas, including combatting illegal fishing, ending destructive bottom trawling, safeguarding and promoting blue carbon ecosystems, strengthening corporate due diligence on human rights and environmental standards, and advancing ambitious ocean and climate protections.

We are looking for a dedicated and self-motivated team member, based in modern offices in Madrid (Centro District), with excellent skills in political advocacy, project management and communication, capable of managing a diverse role and bringing a broad range of experience in policy advocacy. You will have an in-depth understanding of the Spanish decision-making process, ideally in the context of environmental and human rights issues.

This role offers unique opportunities for career progression and personal development, as well as the chance to work closely with a talented, motivated international team of investigators, campaigners, and communications experts across Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is a stimulating, rewarding, and dynamic position offering rare insight and experience.

Key responsibilities

The Senior Advocacy Officer will:

• Implement advocacy strategies to advance EJF’s national, European, and global campaigns within Spain;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior officials, particularly within government and parliament, as well as with civil society and industry, to achieve EJF’s policy goals;
• Stay informed about the complex, rapidly evolving political debates to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the Spanish policy landscape, ensuring our advocacy remains relevant and responsive;
• Provide strategic analysis and advice based on political and legislative developments to inform and guide EJF’s advocacy positions;
• Manage EJF’s Madrid-based Ocean Policy Officer;
• Understand and influence Spain’s positions and those of Spanish MEPs and officials within EU institutions on issues relevant to EJF’s priorities;
• Lead the development of advocacy and policy materials for Spain, including drafting or commissioning publications related to EJF’s key issues;
• Liaise with EJF’s communications team to produce Spain-focused content, such as press releases, opinion pieces, blogs and social media materials, to strengthen engagement with the public, industry, and policymakers;
• Give media interviews, speak publicly and deliver compelling presentations on EJF’s global work on ocean and climate issues, promoting our policy recommendations at meetings and events, and tailoring messages for diverse audiences;
• Represent EJF within Spanish NGO coalitions, as appropriate.

Person specification

Essential:

You will have a strong track record in advocacy, demonstrating proven strategic impact at the policy level. You will know how to mobilise research, lobbying, public campaigning, media and digital tools to effectively influence political agendas. In addition, you will have:

• Experience and impact: At least seven years’ proven experience in environmental, human rights or related campaigning, with concrete, high-impact results;
• Analysis and strategy: Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with a demonstrated ability to design, implement and evaluate advocacy or campaign strategies, including identifying opportunities for policy change;
• Influence and engagement: Demonstrated experience in lobbying, networking and building engagement with government, industry and civil society decision-makers, using research, communications and other innovative tools to influence political agendas;
• Communication and synthesis: Strong written and verbal communication skills (fluent) in both Spanish and English, with the ability to produce advocacy materials, distil complex political language, and make issues accessible to a wide audience;
• Professionalism and diplomacy: Sound judgement, professionalism and diplomacy, combined with a passion for communicating and promoting our campaigns to diverse audiences to generate understanding and support;
• Autonomy and adaptability: Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, adapt to a dynamic environment with shifting priorities and periods of high workload, while showing initiative and self-motivation;
• Commitment to mission: A clear, demonstrable commitment to EJF’s mission and goals.

Desirable:

• Experience working with or within the Spanish government and/or parliament, particularly on relevant topics;
• Experience managing other advocates;
• Record of giving confident and accurate media interviews;
• Knowledge of ocean and climate issues.

Benefits

• Annual leave increasing with length of service;
• Up to two days of remote working per week. The other three days will be based in EJF’s offices in central Madrid;
• A “Cycle to Work” scheme;
• A highly motivated and open-minded team of committed colleagues, and the opportunity to develop and deliver persuasive proposals contributing to EJF’s campaign and organisational objectives;
• Excellent opportunities for professional growth and personal development, working closely with our diverse team across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form using the Apply Now button below. This includes:

1. A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages);
2. Your CV (max 2 pages).

The deadline for applications is 6pm CEST on 13 April 2026.

Interview processes and the number of rounds for different roles will vary, but are 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 Spain.

EJF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.