This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer or legal professional to contribute to ClientEarth’s Fisheries Project which aims to improve fisheries management in Europe and end overfishing and to develop our work to promote a fairer tax system that better reflects the “polluter pays” principle across different sectors. 

The EU heavily subsidizes its fishing industry, notably through tax exemptions on fossil fuels for large fishing fleets. Many of these subsidies are not only harmful to marine biodiversity, but also contribute to climate change.  Reforming tax systems is a key component in the fight for a healthier planet. 

Meet your Manager

In this role, you will be managed by Laurène Provost.  Laurène leads the Public Finance, Energy Markets and Competition team which aims to better align public finance and taxation with climate and environmental objectives. Before joining ClientEarth in 2020, Laurène was a qualified lawyer in France and Belgium, practising energy and environmental law. In her spare time, Laurène enjoys painting and is also a certified yoga teacher who gives classes to women and children.

Main Duties

• Work on  the advocacy efforts of ClientEarth and work with its partners to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies in the EU
• Contribute to developing and expanding our strategy for using tax laws and a fairer tax system to achieve systemic change as part of ClientEarth’s global strategy to promote a healthy planet where nature and all people can thrive together
• Represent ClientEarth, participate in external meetings and undertake advocacy with relevant stakeholders, including politicians at the highest political level (Commissioners, MEPs, members of cabinets), government representatives, private sector actors and NGOs

See the job description (below) for a full list of duties for this role.

Role requirements

• Fluent (CEFR level C2) in English
• Upper intermediate (CEFR level B2) in another European language
• Degree in law
• Experience in law or policy development and relevant decision making processes, at national or EU levels preferably in an NGO, national government or EU institution
• Significant knowledge of EU law, fisheries, tax and subsidies
• Strong alignment with ClientEarth’s values and commitment to our vision and mission and equity, diversity and inclusion strategy objectives and a working style that reflects these

See the job description (below) for a full list of requirements for this role.

Note to candidates: We know that long lists of criteria can be daunting and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

Further Information

Have a question about this job? Please visit our Careers site for advice on applying, FAQs, and more.

Flexible working:  We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based  See our Benefits page for more.

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. 

Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in Belgium.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.