Global Programme Coordinator, Environmental Defenders
Position: Global Programme Coordinator, Environmental Defenders
Location: London (minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
Salary range: £48-56,000
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Applications: Please apply here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLvG02FukbovEsHKSd_K2I0_A7u8zE0ykE_Y2hDO1rllENGA/viewform?usp=publish-editor) by 31 July, 2026
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is a global non-profit organisation working to protect the natural world and 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.
Through 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 interconnected areas: oceans, climate, forests and wetlands, and the training, protection, and empowerment of environmental defenders and investigative journalists. From illegal fishing and plastic pollution to deforestation, land grabs, and climate breakdown, we confront some of the most complex and urgent crises of our time - always with a focus on accountability, equity, and durable solutions.
EJF has a diverse team of campaigners, filmmakers and community mobilisers 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.
The role
EJF is seeking a proactive, versatile and experienced coordinator to strengthen and expand our Environmental Defenders programme training, equipping and supporting frontline campaigners, and investigative journalists in the Global South. This senior role is a rare opportunity to support inspirational grassroots leaders dedicated to protecting the natural world and the human rights dependent upon it. Your contribution will be integral to our mission to Protect People and Planet.
The Coordinator will be responsible for supporting established partnerships as well as identifying outstanding people and organisations to benefit from the programme. You will oversee the production and dissemination of an extensive portfolio of training tools and guides, lead remote and field-based training potentially including research and investigations, cameras, drones and filmmaking, campaigns and communications. You will have the skills and experience to quickly identify and respond to needs, including those that will deliver long-term campaign outcomes and organisational resilience.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will manage a four-person team and work closely with EJF's extended teams in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America; the role requires regular and, occasionally, extended travel.
With superb organisational and communication skills, you are efficient in remote project management, able to quickly assess, synthesise, and apply information, agree on strategic priorities, and develop bespoke approaches that optimise outcomes and mitigate risks.
You are adept at tracking deliverables, bringing teams and project partners together to achieve meaningful conservation impact and share progress through inspirational communications outputs, including film, reports and grant reporting.
Key responsibilities
* Capacity strengthening - design capacity-strengthening programmes, review content developed by other team members, and deliver training to environmental defenders (on investigation, film, advocacy, storytelling, governance and security). Ensure high-quality, holistic support is provided to EJF partners through regular catchups, sharing funding opportunities, and providing strategic guidance on organisational development.
* Resource hub management – support the launch of the Environmental Reporting Resource Hub, ensuring environmental defenders from the Global South have access to these resources. Update content, create new materials, and coordinate translations and dissemination as necessary to optimise use and impact.
* Global coordination and support – coordinate with colleagues (regional leads, video producers, investigators, trainers, and campaigners) across target countries to provide support to environmental defenders. Facilitate knowledge sharing between teams to strengthen existing capacity and provide insights where necessary.
* Subgrants management - monitor subgrants provided to environmental defenders, review activity progress and financial reports, and identify potential new subgrantees.
* Financial monitoring - monitor the budgets and spending of different projects, develop budgets for new activities, training, and travel, review post-trip expenses, and ensure superb value for money.
* Monitoring and evaluation - evaluate the progress of different activities, identify lessons learned and successes, and report findings to the CEO and funders.
* Partnerships and advocacy - work with colleagues nationally and internationally to identify opportunities to amplify grassroots messages through communications and advocacy. Expand EJF's network with organisations supporting environmental defenders, represent EJF at conferences, and engage strategically with global advocacy efforts.
* Communications – draft compelling communications for EJF outreach, including development of news and features-led communications (UK and international) to support the programme, the issues and the campaign impacts.
* Programme expansion and communications - increase the visibility of the Environmental Defenders Programme strategically, identify new funding opportunities, support the development and submission of funding applications, and identify new avenues to expand EJF's work.
* Line management – manager a four-person team, supporting their professional development and providing strategic guidance on the programmes they lead.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://ejfoundation.org/jobs/global-programme-coordinator-environmental-defenders
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your application by uploading the following here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLvG02FukbovEsHKSd_K2I0_A7u8zE0ykE_Y2hDO1rllENGA/viewform?usp=publish-editor).
* A personal statement outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages)
* Your CV (max 2 pages)
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK and commit to a minimum of three days per week in the London office.
Deadline for applications: 31 July, 18:00 BST.
Interview process is likely to include three stages: a short screening call for shortlisted candidates, a panel interview with a task relevant to the role, and a final interview.
Please note that we are unfortunately only able to contact shortlisted candidates. No other form of communication, please.