Wildlife Trafficking Analyst

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 systemic change to protect the Earth’s environment. Over the span of more than 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, illegalities in the extractives sector, 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 Wildlife Trafficking Analyst to join the Wildlife and Ocean Team to dedicate their energy and creativity to further its campaign strategic goals.

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

  • Work closely with team members to implement multifaceted campaigns to increase protections for priority species, including rhinos, elephants, and orangutans.
  • Secure strategy and policy goals that aim to address the illegal trade in rhino horn, elephant ivory, and other illegal wildlife products, and improve international enforcement efforts.
  • Support EIA policy priorities at multilateral environmental fora including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
  • Conduct desk-based research, with the possibility of field research, to inter alia: examine domestic and international trade dynamics for illegal wildlife products, analyze efficacy and gaps pertaining to law enforcement interventions, and review legislative frameworks in countries affected by the illegal trade in rhino horn and elephant ivory.
  • Produce briefings, reports, memos, letters, public comments, and other communications deliverables.
  • Liaise with counterparts in EIA’s UK office and with NGO partners.
  • Travel internationally and domestically as required.
  • Support the Team with other tasks as needed.

Essential Expertise and Qualifications:

  • Fluent in Chinese or Vietnamese.
  • Four-year degree in a relevant field.
  • Minimum of two years of relevant experience.
  • Good judgment and understanding of political sensitivities and dynamics.
  • Professionalism and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Strong time-management, 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:

  • Skills in open-source intelligence gathering to corroborate information and develop knowledge of an investigation or issue.
  • Ability to identify emerging trends, patterns, risks, and opportunities related to suspected illegal activities, commodity flows, and financial factors using various techniques and tools.
  • Experience with wildlife conservation issues and awareness of relevant laws and treaties.

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 $54,000-$63,000,  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 “Wildlife Trafficking Analyst” 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 primarily based in Washington, DC. While EIA has a strong preference for candidates who are currently based and authorized to work in the United States, we are dedicated to finding the most qualified individual for the role, and are open to considering candidates if based elsewhere.

Closing Date for Applications: January 1, 2024