Senior Campaigner - South Korea

Position: Senior Campaigner (Oceans Programme)

Based: Seoul, South Korea, with regular travel within Korea and occasional international travel

Salary range: Competitive, dependent on experience

Reporting to: East Asia Manager

Benefits:

• Annual leave of 15 days (plus all Korean public holidays), increasing by 2 days each year of service after completing a full year of service.

• 4-5 days per week in the office during the probationary period (6 months) and hybrid working (3 days in the office) after the probationary period.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Opportunity for career development and new skills working for an effective, inspiring international environmental organisation.

Application deadline: 28 Feb 2026 18:00 (GMT)

Note: Visa sponsorship is NOT available. This is a local recruitment, and candidates must have the legal right to work in South Korea.

About EJF

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) exists to protect the natural world and defend our fundamental human right to a secure environment. We believe in equity and justice and the urgent need to respect, defend and empower communities most at risk from climate breakdown, biodiversity collapse, and environmental injustice.

EJF campaigns internationally, presenting field-based evidence and strategic advocacy to shape policies, drive system reforms, and secure lasting environmental protections. Our campaigns focus on four interlinked areas: ocean, climate, forests and wetlands, and the protection of environmental defenders.

In South Korea, EJF focuses on advancing transparency and accountability in one of the world’s most significant distant water fishing nations. Through evidence-based advocacy, strategic partnerships, and direct engagement with policy-makers, we work to eliminate IUU fishing, protect fishers’ human rights, and strengthen Korea’s leadership role in regional ocean governance. Our Korea programme is at the forefront of driving regulatory reforms that have implications across the Asia-Pacific region and global fisheries governance. Our investigators, researchers, filmmakers, and campaigners work with grassroots partners and environmental defenders across the globe to create lasting change that protects both people and planet.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Position Overview

EJF is seeking an exceptional Senior Campaigner to lead and expand our oceans programme in South Korea—a critical player in regional fisheries governance and distant water fishing operations.

This is a unique opportunity to shape policy at the national level while positioning Korea as a regional leader in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Working at the intersection of advocacy, research, and coalition-building, you will drive strategic campaigns that increase transparency in Korean fisheries, strengthen human rights protections for fishers, and advance traceability and monitoring systems across Korea’s fishing fleet.

The successful candidate will lead junior colleagues in Korea, work closely with EJF’s East Asia Manager and international teams to implement high-impact strategies that deliver measurable policy change. This role offers exciting opportunities to an ambitious campaigner who thrives on building influential relationships, translating complex evidence into compelling advocacy, and coordinating diverse stakeholders toward shared environmental justice goals.

If you’re a strategic thinker with deep understanding of Korean policy environments, strong networks across government and civil society, and a passion for ocean conservation and fishers’ rights—this role offers the platform to drive systemic change at a pivotal moment for Korea’s fisheries governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement EJF’s South Korea oceans campaign of strengthening transparent fisheries management, driving progress toward core outcomes including beneficial ownership transparency, enhanced traceability systems, strengthened IUU fishing enforcement, improved human rights protections, and positioning Korea as a regional leader

• Design and execute advocacy strategies targeting policy change within Korean government ministries, Parliament, industry and regulatory bodies while monitoring policy developments for strategic intervention opportunities

• Serve as EJF’s primary Korean representative in meetings with government officials, parliamentarians, and private sector stakeholders, building and expanding networks across Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, National Assembly, and industry associations

• Coordinate advocacy efforts with Korean civil society partners and participate actively in coalition planning with NGOs combating IUU fishing and protecting human rights.

• Guide the Korean researcher and collaborate with EJF’s global investigation teams to gather, verify, and analyse evidence that contributes to better fisheries management.

• Coordinate with international EJF offices to ensure key developments and opportunities in Korea are identified and well communicated to strengthen global advocacy efforts.

• Maintain and expand database of Korean media contacts and work with communications teams to develop Korean-language content, press materials, and multimedia resources

• Manage programme progress, including financial records, donor reports, monthly progress reports, and compliance with organizational and donor requirements​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• This role requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in environmental policy, international relations, marine science, law, or related fields, AND minimum 5 years' experience in policy advocacy, campaigning, or programme management—ideally in environmental, fisheries, or human rights sectors. A proven track record of achieving policy change in South Korea is essential.

• Candidates must demonstrate strategic campaign design skills, a deep understanding of Korean government structures and legislative processes, and experience engaging officials, parliamentarians, and private sector leaders. Strong diplomatic abilities are crucial for building relationships across diverse stakeholders and coordinating civil society coalitions.

• Proactive, solution-oriented, resilient in complex political environments.

• Ability to synthesise complex technical information into compelling advocacy messages and translate evidence into policy recommendations.

• Native/fluent Korean and professional English proficiency are required.

• Excellent writing, presentation, and media communication skills.

• Strong administrative competencies, including project management and budget oversight.

• A deep commitment to environmental justice, ocean conservation, and human rights protection aligned with EJF's mission to protect nature and the people.

Desirable Skills and Attributes

• Familiarity with fisheries management, maritime law, or ocean governance is highly desirable.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the application form here. This includes:

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

2. Your CV (max 2 pages)

Please submit in both Korean and English.

The deadline for applications is 28 Feb 2026 18:00 (GMT). Please note that applications will be considered on an ongoing basis so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you have any questions about the role, the application process, or using this form please email recruitment@ejfoundation.org

EJF is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity within the workplace. We actively encourage applications from women, minorities, and underrepresented groups.