Earthsight is looking for a researcher/campaigner to join our Southeast Asia and Africa team, delivering impactful research, analyses and advocacy on forest-risk commodity supply chains.
Earthsight is a London-based 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, exposing greenwashing 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 proportion of this production is to meet demand in major international markets. Earthsight plays a key role in highlighting the complicity of corporations in the EU, UK and US in the destruction of ecosystems and human rights violations overseas. As part of global coalitions, we have succeeded in getting laws developed or passed in all these jurisdictions which aim to eliminate environmental or human rights abuses from these supply chains.
As part of a small team, you will monitor developments in Southeast Asia and Africa relating to commodity-driven deforestation, including wood, palm oil, cocoa and rubber. You will help to deliver in-depth investigations which expose large companies for sourcing products linked to horrific abuses, and trigger government action in response.
You will lead Earthsight’s monitoring of the global timber industry, and will share your findings and insights with the rest of the team, particularly in relation to the sector’s certification and traceability schemes and technologies.
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 on a regular basis. 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 supply chains of palm oil, rubber, cocoa, pulp, paper and wood from Southeast Asia and Africa, particularly Indonesia, West Africa and the Congo Basin, to the EU, UK and US
- Monitor and analyse developments within the global timber industry and trade, particularly in relation to certification and traceability systems and technologies
- Build and maintain a strong understanding of relevant trade links for palm oil, rubber, cocoa, pulp, paper and wood from key countries in Southeast Asia and Africa 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 countries in Southeast Asia and Africa, including case studies of deforestation or rights abuses related to the commodities of concern; general deforestation trends; and developments in government policy related to the impact of commodities on forests
- Carry out desk-based research into chosen case studies, drawing on shipment data, company reports and websites, satellite imagery, corporate records and trading websites; and through 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. Occasional travel to moderately risky environments may be required
- 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. Tasks may include fact-checking; drafting and editing written outputs; contributing to graphics, videos and other multimedia outputs; and other tasks as required
- Assist with efforts to secure media coverage for reports, analyses and op-eds, including by helping draft press releases and briefing journalists on details of research
- Assist with production of social media content, particularly on LinkedIn
- Support Southeast Asia & Africa Team Lead in implementing advocacy activities based on research findings and the organisation’s overall strategic goals, including by participating in meetings with policymakers, civil servants, NGOs and other key stakeholders (either remotely or in person in the UK or EU)
- Help build and maintain relevant contacts, including with NGOs, journalists and researchers in key countries
- Other suitable tasks as required by the Southeast Asia & Africa Team Lead
Person specification
Essential
- At least two years’ experience working as a researcher or campaigner in the field of environment, forests, climate change, human rights or related issues
- Excellent research and/or campaigning skills, with proven ability to analyse and draw on detailed information from a variety of sources to produce meaningful content or influence a desired campaign outcome
- Strong writing skills, with ability to produce compelling, impactful and persuasive texts in English for external audiences
- Ability to establish and maintain effective contacts and relationships with external stakeholders
- Strong attention to detail and factual accuracy
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel
- Self-motivated and collaborative team player
- Commitment to Earthsight’s mission and values
Ideal
- Experience conducting research in relevant countries/regions, especially Indonesia, West Africa and/or the Congo Basin
- Experience working with shipment records and satellite imagery
- Fluency in either Indonesian or French
Desirable
- Advanced knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Excel
- Knowledge of GIS software and platforms
- Formal training in investigative methods, such as OSINT
- Knowledge of timber trade and relevant certification schemes
Benefits
- Among what Earthsight offers is:
- Generous employer’s pension contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working policies
- 25 days annual leave with one extra day for every year with the organisation (up to 30 days)
- Cycling to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to coaching and counselling
Location: preferably London (hybrid and flexible work available, with three days a week in the office expected for those living in London)
35 hours a week (40 hours including a one-hour paid lunch break)
How to apply
Please complete the linked application form by Thursday 22 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and a writing or research test. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Benefits: 39 days annual leave (including bank holidays), company pension
Lead. Inspire. Serve. Transform Lives.
Are you a Christian leader with a heart for young people and a passion for community transformation?
Do you believe in the God-given value and potential of every person?
Are you ready to guide one of the country’s oldest and most trusted Christian youth movements into its next chapter?
YMCA North Staffordshire is seeking an exceptional Christian Chief Executive Officer to lead our mission, embody our values, and continue shaping a movement that is transforming the lives of thousands of young people and families.
With a proud 160-year history and an award-winning campus at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, this is a rare opportunity to lead a charity that is deeply rooted in Christian faith, committed to radical inclusion, and driven by a vision where all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.
Our Christian Vision and Values
YMCA North Staffordshire is an inclusive Christian movement.
Our mission flows directly from our faith and is grounded in four core values:
PROTECT
We provide sanctuary and safety, ensuring every young person feels seen, valued, and respected.
HOPE
We see young people not through the lens of their past, but their God-given potential.
PERSEVERE
We walk with young people through challenges, setbacks, and breakthroughs.
TRUST
We act with integrity, accountability, and belief in the dignity of every human being.
Because these values are Christian in origin and practice, and because the CEO is the guardian of our mission, this role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) for the postholder to be a practising Christian.
About the Role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will lead an organisation of 130 staff, a £5m+ budget, and a £35m estate, helping strengthen community through youth development, education, housing, healthy living, and social responsibility.
The next CEO will:
- Provide strategic leadership to deliver the 2026–2029 Business Plan
- Champion youth voice and empowerment in all areas of work
- Sustain and grow financial strength, partnerships, and social enterprise
- Uphold and deepen our Christian identity, ensuring values-led practice
- Drive innovation, digital transformation, and organisational development
- Represent YMCA NS locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
- Be a visible advocate for young people in Stoke-on-Trent
- Strengthen our “village” culture: welcoming, relational, rooted in Ubuntu and Asset-Based Community Development principles (ABCD).
Purpose of the Role
To lead YMCA North Staffordshire in fulfilling its Christian mission, as described in the Associations charitable objectives
We develop young people; they develop their world.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic leadership in alignment with Board governance
- Upholding Christian ethos, values, and culture across the organisation
- Financial stewardship, compliance, and sustainability
- Community development and partnership building
- Youth advocacy and empowerment
- Oversight of housing, programmes, and impact measurement
- Staff leadership, pastoral care, and organisational culture
- External representation and communications
Person Specification – Summary
Knowledge
- Housing, youth services, and community development
- Charity law, governance, safeguarding
- Understanding of Christian ministry, mission, and values
- Organisational development and change leadership
Experience
- Senior leadership in values-led or Christian settings
- Track record of strategic development and organisational growth
- Experience working with young people, housing, or community sectors
- Experience nurturing Christian ethos across a diverse organisation
Skills & Abilities
- Inspirational leadership and people development
- Strategic planning and delivery
- Excellent communicator and ambassador
- Partnership building and stakeholder engagement
- Ability to articulate and embody Christian faith
- Deep commitment to Christian values and the Aims & Purposes of the YMCA
The Leader We Are Looking For
The landscape for young people is changing — and so must we.
We need a CEO who is:
- Faith-filled and prayerful
- Values-driven and courageous
- Relational, compassionate, and community-minded
- A champion of excellence, innovation, and good governance
- Grounded in Christian mission and committed to radical inclusion
- Able to inspire hope, build trust, and persevere through challenge
As George Williams, YMCA’s founder, said:
“You are not alone, and you can be more.”
Our next CEO must believe this not only for themselves — but for every young person we serve.
How to apply
An application pack can be found at the YMCA North Staffordshire website. This role is subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks.
Key Recruitment Dates
- Closing Date: 18th January 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 9th February 2026
We are a safe recruitment Organisation and an Equal Opportunities Employer, we run the disability confident guaranteed interview scheme.
We are an organisation with Christian values, committed to Equality and Diversity in the Workplace. YMCA is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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 join our Latin America team, delivering impactful research, analyses and advocacy on forest-risk-commodity supply chains.
Earthsight is a London-based 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, exposing greenwashing 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 proportion of this production is to meet demand in major international markets. Earthsight plays a key role in highlighting the complicity of corporations in the EU, UK and US in the destruction of ecosystems and human rights violations overseas. As part of global coalitions, we have succeeded in getting laws developed or passed in all these jurisdictions which aim to eliminate environmental or human rights abuses from these supply chains.
As part of a small team, you will monitor developments in Latin America and with the most important commodities driving deforestation and forest degradation there, including beef, leather, soy, cotton, wood. 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 on a regular basis. 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, UK and US beef, leather, soy, cotton and wood supply chains linked to biomes in Latin America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay
- Monitor developments with industry lobbying efforts – especially in relation to certification and traceability systems and technologies
- Provide regular summaries from this monitoring to the Latin America Team Lead
- Build and maintain a strong understanding of relevant trade links between key Latin America countries and consumer countries/regions of particular interest (e.g. EU, UK, US), through analysis of third-party reports, raw trade data and shipment records
- Keep abreast of wider policy and industry developments in key Latin America 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, publicly available government datasets, 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. Occasional travel to moderately risky environments may be required
- 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. Tasks may include fact-checking; drafting and editing written outputs; contributing to graphics, videos and other multimedia outputs; and other tasks as required
- 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
- Assist in managing social media content, particularly on LinkedIn and X, including drafting and scheduling posts
- Support Latin America Team Lead in developing and implementing advocacy activities based on research findings and the organisation’s overall strategic goals, including by participating in meetings with policymakers, civil servants, NGOs and other key stakeholders (either remotely or in person in the UK or EU)
- Help build and maintain relevant contacts, including with NGOs, journalists and researchers in key countries
- Other suitable tasks as required by the Latin America Team Lead
Person specification
Essential
- At least two years’ experience working as a researcher or campaigner on environmental, forests, climate change, human rights or a related field
- 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 writing skills, with ability to produce compelling, impactful and persuasive texts in English for external audiences
- Ability to establish and maintain effective contacts and relationships with external stakeholders
- Strong attention to detail and factual accuracy
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel
- Self-motivated and collaborative team player
- Basic knowledge of Portuguese or Spanish
- Commitment to Earthsight’s mission and values
Ideal
- Experience conducting research in Latin America
- Experience working with shipment records and satellite imagery
- Fluency in either Portuguese or Spanish
Desirable
- Advanced knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Excel
- Knowledge of GIS software and platforms
- Experience using digital storytelling tools such as Shorthand (or similar) is an asset.
- Experience crafting compelling social media content, particularly for X and LinkedIn
- Formal training in investigative methods, such as OSINT
Benefits
Among what Earthsight offers is:
- Generous employer’s pension contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working policies
- 25 days annual leave with one extra day for every year with the organisation (up to 30 days)
- Cycling to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to coaching and counselling
Location: preferably London (hybrid and flexible work available, with three days a week in the office expected for those living in London)
35 hours a week (40 hours including a one-hour paid lunch break)
How to apply
Please complete the linked form by Thursday 22 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and a writing or research test. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.