Researcher/Campaigner: Forests - SE Asia / Africa London, England
Job description
Full-time, with flexible hours and some homeworking considered
Interested in an exciting, investigative role which helps protect forests, the climate and
human rights? This may be the job for you.
Earthsight is looking for a researcher/campaigner to work alongside our Southeast Asia / Africa
Forests Team Lead delivering impactful research, analyses and advocacy on forest-risk-commodity
supply chains.
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. But now we
need to ensure those laws are enforced.
This role will be key to that. As part of a small team, you will monitor developments in two
key regions of deforestation – SE Asia and Africa – as well as developments with the most
important commodities driving deforestation in those regions, including palm oil, rubber and
wood products. You will help deliver in-depth investigations which expose large companies for
sourcing products linked to horrific abuses, and trigger government action in response.
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. Flexible
working will be considered, as will some level of homeworking. 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
Monitor relevant media, NGO, think-tank, government and academic reports on EU and US palm
oil, rubber, pulp, paper and wood supply chains linked to forests in SE Asia and Africa,
particularly Indonesia and the Congo Basin
Monitor developments with the palm oil industry and its lobbying efforts – particularly in
relation to certification and traceability systems and technologies
Provide regular summaries from this monitoring to the SE Asia / Africa Forests Team Lead
Build and maintain a strong understanding of relevant trade links for palm oil, rubber,
pulp, paper and wood from key SE Asian/African countries to consumer countries/regions of
particular interest (e.g. EU, UK, US), through analysis of third-party reports and raw trade
data and shipment records
Keep abreast of wider policy and industry developments in key SE Asian/African countries,
including case studies of deforestation or rights abuses related to the commodities of concern,
general developments with forests and with government policy related to the impact of
commodities on forests
Carry out additional desk research into chosen case studies, including by exploring
shipment data, company reports and websites, satellite imagery, corporate records and trading
websites, and holding remote meetings with relevant actors including researchers and activists
in the countries concerned
Assist in planning and carrying out field research on selected cases if needed
Provide detailed reports of research findings for internal review
Assist with turning research findings into published reports, analyses, policy messages and
recommendations, films and other external outputs
Assist with efforts to secure media coverage for reports, analyses and op-eds, including by
helping draft press releases and brief journalists on details of research
Support SE Asia / Africa Forests Team Lead in implementing advocacy activities based on
research findings and the organisation’s overall strategic goals
Help build and maintain relevant contacts, including with NGOs, journalists and researchers
in key countries
Other suitable tasks as required by the SE Asia / Africa Forests Team Lead
Person specification
Essential
At least two years’ experience working as a researcher, campaigner or journalist on
environmental, forests, climate change, human rights or a related field
Ability to establish and maintain effective contacts and relationships
Excellent research and/or campaigning skills with proven ability to analyse and use
information from a variety of sources to produce meaningful content or influence a desired
campaign outcome
Strong attention to detail and factual accuracy
Excellent written English skills (to be tested at interview) with ability to produce clear
and concise research summaries and findings
Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel
Self-motivated and collaborative team player
Ideal
Fluency in either Indonesian or French
Experience conducting research in relevant countries/regions, especially Indonesia and the
Congo Basin
Experience working with shipment records and satellite imagery
Strong writing skills, with ability to produce compelling, impactful and persuasive texts
in English for external audiences
Desirable
Advanced knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Excel
Knowledge of GIS software and platforms
Formal training in investigative journalistic techniques
How to Apply
Please complete this application form by Tuesday October 3rd.
