Application Guide

How to Apply for Campaigner, US Fossil Economy

at Center for International Environmental Law

🏢 About Center for International Environmental Law

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) uniquely combines legal expertise with grassroots advocacy to confront environmental harms, especially from fossil fuels and petrochemicals. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that has shaped international climate litigation and policy, offering the chance to make a tangible impact on global environmental justice.

About This Role

As a Campaigner focused on the US Fossil Economy, you will lead efforts to challenge petrochemical expansion and false climate solutions by translating complex legal and technical research into compelling campaigns. This role is impactful because it directly influences policy and public discourse on one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a morning call with partner organizations to align on campaign tactics, followed by drafting a fact sheet translating a new legal analysis for community advocates. Afternoon could include planning a webinar on petrochemical health impacts and reviewing policy briefs, with evening flexibility for calls with international allies.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center for International Environmental Law Is Looking For

  • Has at least 3 years of experience in advocacy campaigning specifically related to climate, fossil fuels, petrochemicals, or corporate accountability, with a demonstrated track record of achieving policy wins.
  • Excels at distilling technical or legal information into clear, persuasive messages for diverse audiences like community groups, policymakers, and media.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities, works well both independently and collaboratively, and is willing to travel frequently (including internationally).
  • Is proficient in a language other than English (e.g., Spanish, French) to support international campaign work.

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for International Environmental Law

1

Highlight specific campaign achievements with measurable outcomes (e.g., policy changes, coalition growth) rather than just listing responsibilities.

2

Show how you have translated complex legal or scientific information into accessible materials—provide examples like fact sheets, social media campaigns, or op-eds.

3

Mention any experience working with communities affected by petrochemical or fossil fuel projects, as CIEL values frontline perspectives.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize skills in coalition-building and event organization, as the role requires strong partnership management.

5

If you have language proficiency beyond English, state it clearly in your application, as it is a requirement.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for environmental justice and alignment with CIEL's mission to use law as a tool for systemic change.", 'Specific examples of how your campaign work has challenged corporate power or advanced climate policy.', "Your ability to bridge technical research and grassroots advocacy, showcasing a sample of a message you've distilled for a non-expert audience.", 'Your experience working collaboratively with diverse partners and your readiness to travel for campaign needs.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CIEL's recent reports on petrochemical expansion and false climate solutions, such as their work on plastic and climate.
  • → Understand CIEL's role in international climate litigation (e.g., the Urgenda case or human rights petitions) to see how campaigns support legal strategies.
  • → Look into CIEL's partnership networks, such as with frontline communities in the Gulf South or international coalitions, to understand the collaborative landscape.
  • → Familiarize yourself with current US policies on petrochemicals and fossil fuels, like EPA regulations or the Inflation Reduction Act's implications.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a campaign you led that targeted petrochemical expansion or false climate solutions. What was your strategy and what results did you achieve?
2 How would you communicate a complex legal ruling about fossil fuel liability to a community group? Give an example of how you've done something similar.
3 Tell us about a time you managed multiple campaign priorities under a tight deadline. How did you stay organized and ensure collaboration?
4 What is your understanding of 'false climate solutions' and how would you campaign against them specifically in the US context?
5 How do you build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, especially when there are differing priorities?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter—failing to mention CIEL's specific focus on legal campaigns or petrochemicals shows lack of research.
  • Avoid focusing only on your past roles without connecting them to the job's requirements, like translating technical info or coalition-building.
  • Don't underestimate the travel requirement—if you're not willing to travel frequently, this role may not be a good fit, and it's best to be honest.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center for International Environmental Law!

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