Korea Researcher/Investigator

Environmental Justice Foundation; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environmental Justice Foundation seeks a researcher to support its work in Korea, focused on fisheries governance and human rights issues. This role requires exceptional analytical skills, strong written communication abilities, and a passion for environmental justice. The researcher will work with local teams and partners to produce impactful research and advocacy outputs.

Benefits

19 days leave plus national holidays

Cycling to work scheme

Qualifications

• At least two years’ professional work experience in environmental policy or related field.
• Experience in designing and implementing research projects.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research on fisheries governance and human rights issues.
• Draft high-quality reports and communications.
• Manage and analyze large datasets for advocacy.

Skills

Fluency in English

Fluency in Korean

Passion for conservation

Strong analytical skills

Excellent written communication

Attention to detail

Education

University degree in relevant field

Job description

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Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Other Benefits:

• 19 days leave (and all national holidays), increasing each year of service
• Cycling to work scheme

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) protects the natural world and defends our fundamental human right to a secure environment. We believe in equity and justice and a need to respect, defend, and empower communities most at risk from biodiversity loss and climate change.

EJF seeks a highly motivated candidate to provide high-calibre research to support EJF’s work in Korea. Reporting to EJF’s Chief Representative in Korea, the researcher will gather information and provide analysis on a range of issues related to Korea’s fisheries governance and related human rights issues.

The researcher will work closely with EJF staff in the region and grassroots partners. The role will focus on supporting the campaign to secure Korea’s implementation of different international conventions, enhance fisheries information transparency, and increase human rights protection. This is a rare opportunity to apply strong research skills to deliver tangible advocacy outcomes that protect our natural world and associated human rights.

The ideal candidate will be capable of synthesising large quantities of technical information to produce succinct, academically rigorous outputs for multiple audiences, focusing on high-level political decision-makers and industry. The researcher will also work with EJF’s in-house film and communications teams to help translate research findings into effective campaign outputs that reach our strategic audiences. The role will inform the planning for field investigations and substantiate the findings from investigations and grassroots partnerships.

The work requires exceptional analytical and written communication skills, with a commitment to accuracy and intellectual rigour. The researcher will be responsible for leading specific research and producing named outputs while also meeting ad hoc research needs arising from external opportunities and challenges, such as policy announcements or unforeseen events that require a swift response and action.

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing, international team of researchers, campaigners, and investigators who are working at the cutting edge of efforts to combat environmental insecurity and associated human rights abuses.

Specific duties:

• Initiating, leading and undertaking research on issues to further EJF’s campaign objectives, including through literature reviews, analysis of publicly available data sources (e.g., fisheries, trade and customs statistics, corporate records, fishing vessel tracks, geospatial data), data obtained via requests for information, interviews and collaboration with local staff to gather data in-country.
• Drafting high-quality and compelling briefings, reports, position papers, and other written communications, such as op-eds, and setting out research findings and recommendations for action (internal and external audiences).
• Supporting fact-checking and ensuring colleagues have robust information and evidence for media, comms and film-led advocacy; reviewing EJF publications for accuracy and ensuring adherence to the highest research standards.
• Managing and analysing large datasets (e.g. key informant interviews, corporate ownership, infringements).
• Identifying grassroots organisations and partners who can support our research and the advocacy it underpins.
• Carrying out additional tasks as directed by the CEO or East Asia Manager.

Required qualifications:

• University degree and/or at least two years’ professional work experience in a relevant field (e.g., environmental policy, law or management, conservation, climate change, human rights, international development, international relations, natural resource governance, environmental economics or finance)

Essential skills and experience:

• Fluency in English and Korean
• Passionate about conservation, human rights and/or sustainable development
• Experience in designing and implementing research projects in a relevant field
• Proven track record of producing high-quality technical briefings
• Superb written communication skills and ability to work to a deadline
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team
• Strong work ethic and outstanding attention to detail are paramount for this role
• An understanding of OSINT applications and their utility to campaigns and investigations.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience in using OSINT tools and conducting analyses of publicly available environmental and related datasets, e.g., fisheries statistics, trade and customs data, corporate records, geospatial data, land use maps, subsidies, and finance flows.
• Proficiency in one or more additional languages relevant to EJF’s campaigns (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, or Bahasa) would be an asset.
• Experience in using qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies relevant to environmental research.
• Proficiency in data management and analysis tools.
• Experience in conducting supply chain analyses and/or tracking financial flows.
• Experience in the use of presentational tools to display data in a compelling format.
• Willingness to undertake some regional and international travel.

To apply please send your CV (English and Korean) and a short covering letter explaining why you are the perfect candidate to [emailprotected] by 31 July 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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