Oceana is dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans on a global scale. We are a leader in science-based advocacy, and we campaign for policies to make the world’s oceans more abundant, vibrant, and biodiverse.
Globally, Oceana has won more than 200 policy victories for marine life and habitats. From stopping bottom trawling in sensitive habitat areas to protecting sea turtles from commercial fishing gear, our victories represent new hope for the world's oceans.
We operate as a combined international organization, though national teams are run and staffed by national staff. Rough recent expansion, our talented staff consists of about 240 people, working in more than 12 countries, including scientists, communications, fundraising, finance, administration, policy, and advocacy experts.
In July 2018, Oceana UK launched its first London office to strengthen its research, policy, and campaign work in the United Kingdom, building on Oceana’s 2016 and 2017 research expeditions in the North Sea to locate and explore environments that deserve protection.
Oceana UK is now focused on some of the biggest threats facing UK seas, alongside climate change. Fighting habitat destruction, stopping industrial overfishing, and preventing new offshore oil and gas developments with their inextricable link to the climate crisis.
The UK registered charity has a vision for thriving seas around the UK, using highly visible campaigns and detailed policy interventions to secure measurable changes to rebuild and maintain ocean abundance and health. Oceana UK will act as a vital public-policy interface – raising the profile of our issues through campaigns, science, communications, and expeditions, and influencing policymakers directly for commitments at key moments throughout the year.
Our small, experienced, and highly motivated team will work in geographically diverse locations in London and Cornwall, coming together both digitally and in person as part of developing and delivering our ambitious campaign strategy to restore ocean biodiversity and abundance.
Job Purpose
Oceana UK is looking for an experienced Fisheries Campaign Lead to develop and implement our ocean abundance and sustainable fisheries campaigns. The position can be based in Oceana’s UK flexible workspaces in Cornwall or London. Regular travel may be required to meet team members and stakeholders in geographically diverse locations.
Reporting to the Campaigns Director, the Fisheries Campaign Lead will ensure Oceana UK’s fisheries campaigns are scientifically robust and on target to ensure the recovery and sustainability of UK and shared commercial fish populations, and the protection of marine wildlife and ecosystems from industrial fishing practices. The role will help Oceana to carve out its niche and leadership in this complex campaigning landscape, and drive forward bold campaign actions that inspire meaningful change.
Eligible candidates should have experience in campaigning and communications, as well as being strategic and proactive. They should be a self-starter, with a strong ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
Role Overview
- Develop and lead on the delivery of Oceana UK’s Fisheries campaigns.
- Contribute to strategy development and annual planning and budgeting processes.
- Ensure that all fisheries campaigns have scientifically robust foundations and evidence in line with Oceana UK’s strategy and goals.
- Lead all of Oceana UK’s Fisheries campaign activities, from evidence and insights gathering through to lobbying and campaign actions, and public mobilization to achieve our goals.
- Commission and manage consultants to produce research, reports, briefings, and scientific guidance.
- Work closely with and collaborate with the UK Policy team in lobbying and advocacy work.
- Work closely with the Oceana UK Communications team to ensure that all Fisheries-related communications are in line with campaign goals, science, and evidence.
- Collaborate internally and externally with Directors and staff to ensure high level of campaign impact.
- Engage with and regularly meet decision-makers and actively participate in key policy events to defend and advance Oceana campaign goals drafting briefings and letters and responding to consultations.
- Build strong external relationships and represent Oceana UK to ensure we advance our policy goals with a wide range of stakeholders including civil servants, politicians, the fishing industry, NGOs, and business.
- Represent Oceana externally in relevant networks, with partners and in the media.
- Regularly monitor campaign progress in line with agreed KPIs and contribute to wider organizational monitoring and evaluation processes as required, including reports to Executive Committee and funders.
- Manage the campaign budget, including forecasting and annual budget setting.
- Other campaign tasks as required.
Candidate Requirements
Education and work experience:
- At least 5 years of professional experience in campaigning (Essential)
- Experience managing ocean protection and/or fisheries-related campaigns in the UK, with a sound knowledge of the main issues, processes, and stakeholders in this area (Essential)
- Experience turning complex policy issues into innovative and engaging campaigns (Essential)
- Degree or masters in fisheries, marine science, or a related field (Desirable but not essential)
Skills and knowledge
- Demonstrable advocacy skills, with an ability to confidently communicate campaign messages to high level stakeholders and engage in relevant debates and negotiations. (Essential)
- Experience commissioning and analyzing audience insight research and ensuring its application to campaign delivery. (Essential)
- Familiarity with fisheries or marine and environmental regulations and policies in the UK, as well as with the key institutions and decision-making processes (Essential)
- Proficiency at understanding and distilling complex scientific issues for campaigning purposes (Essential)
- Excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills (Essential)
- Strong project management skills, with demonstrable experience managing multiple workstreams effectively (Essential).
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. (Essential)
- Integrity and the ability to work with confidential information with discretion. (Essential)
- Prioritizing skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and timelines. (Essential)
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and other organizations. (Essential)
