Government Affairs Specialist, Wildlife Team

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is a 501(c)(3) independent, international, non-profit advocacy organization based in Washington, DC, with proven records of triggering and affecting systematic change to protect the Earth’s environment. Over the last three decades, EIA has established a unique paradigm of methods – including pioneering the use of undercover investigative techniques to expose environmental crimes and drive change. These crimes include illegal trade in endangered wildlife, illegal logging and associated trade in illegal timber, and the trade in both climate-damaging and ozone layer-depleting gasses.

Since its founding in 1989, EIA has led efforts to protect elephants, rhinos, cetaceans and their habitats around the world, and has directly brought about positive changes in international laws and government policies that have saved the lives of rare and endangered species and reduced illegal logging and associated timber trade.

EIA-US is seeking to hire a talented and highly motivated full-time Government Affairs Specialist to join its Washington, DC-based Wildlife Team to further its campaign goals.

 

The position will entail a wide range of responsibilities, including:

  • Working closely with the Wildlife Team to implement campaign strategies for priority species, especially orangutans, as well as cetaceans, rhinos, and elephants.
  • Conducting outreach and advocacy to Congressional offices and various U.S. government officials.
  • Maintaining existing relationships and building an effective network of relevant stakeholders including congressional offices, government officials, and civil society partners.
  • Representing EIA at meetings with NGO colleagues and at events.
  • Developing advocacy materials, including but not limited to legislative summaries, policy analyses, fact sheets, letters, public comments, memos, blogs, reports, talking points, etc.
  • Traveling domestically as required, with the possibility of international travel.
  • Supporting other Wildlife Team activities as needed.

 

Essential Expertise and Qualifications:

  • Four-year degree in a relevant field.
  • Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience of advocacy and lobbying on Capitol Hill.
  • Understanding of lobbying, federal budget and appropriations processes, and federal legislative procedures.
  • Good judgment and understanding of political sensitivities and dynamics.
  • Professionalism and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Strong time-management skills, attention to detail, high standards, and ability to multitask.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively in a fast-paced working environment.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including proactively identifying problems.
  • Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills with a strong sense of self-motivation.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

 

Other highly desirable qualifications include:

  • Experience working with members and staff of relevant House and Senate Committees.
  • Experience with wildlife conservation issues and awareness of relevant federal laws and international treaties.
  • Experience developing and implementing legislative advocacy campaigns.

 

Commitment to Inclusion, Racial Justice and Anti-oppression:
EIA strives to integrate values of equity, fairness, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability into our work, which includes reflecting our commitment to racial justice in our programmatic work and our organizational structure and values. We are seeking candidates who have a commitment to engage in this ongoing process and work with us to create an inclusive work environment and world.

EIA is an equal-opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All employment at EIA is decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs.

 

Compensation and benefits:

This is a full-time position, with an estimated starting salary range between $63,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience.

EIA offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance coverage, 401(k), paid time off (vacation, sick, and personal leave), disability benefits, workers’ compensation, professional development support, cell phone monthly allowance, and commuter monthly allowance. EIA offers opportunities for flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

 

Contact:

Send a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae with subject line “Government Affairs Specialist – Wildlife Team” to: [email protected]. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to respond to those selected for interviews and will not be able to answer emails or phone calls.

 

This position is available immediately and is based in Washington, DC. Being authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment.

 

Closing Date for Applications: Open until filled