Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Policy Advocate Global Finance & Food Systems
at Friends of the Earth
🏢 About Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth is a hard-hitting, progressive environmental organization that has been advocating for global environmental justice and sustainable reforms for over 50 years. As part of the Friends of the Earth International federation, it operates in more than 70 countries, giving its campaigns a truly global impact. Working here means being part of a team that speaks truth to power and has a proven track record of victories for people and the planet.
About This Role
This Senior Policy Advocate role is central to the Stop Financing Factory Farming Campaign, focusing on ending Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) financing for industrial animal agriculture and redirecting public investment toward equitable, humane, and climate-resilient food systems. You will drive policy and project advocacy, strengthen Global South and frontline leadership, and build partnerships to advance systemic reform. Your work will directly influence international finance and food systems, contributing to environmental and social justice on a global scale.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your typical day might involve analyzing MDB project proposals and policies, preparing briefing materials for allies and policymakers, and participating in virtual meetings with partners across time zones. You might also be drafting advocacy letters, coordinating campaign actions with international coalitions, and updating your team on progress, all while working remotely from your home office.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Friends of the Earth Is Looking For
- Deep expertise in global food systems, development finance, and multilateral institutions (e.g., World Bank, IFC, regional development banks), with a track record of successful policy advocacy.
- Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and translate them into actionable campaign goals.
- Excellent communication and coalition-building abilities, particularly working with Global South partners and frontline communities in an equitable and inclusive manner.
- Commitment to environmental justice, agroecology, and systemic change, with experience in campaign planning and execution.
📝 Tips for Applying to Friends of the Earth
Tailor your resume and cover letter to explicitly mention your experience with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and industrial animal agriculture, using keywords from the job description.
Highlight any direct experience in policy advocacy, campaign strategy, or coalition work, especially with Global South partners or frontline communities.
Demonstrate your knowledge of Friends of the Earth's campaigns and history, and connect your skills to their specific mission and approach.
Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., 'led a campaign that influenced a $X million shift in funding' or 'built a coalition of X organizations').
Since it's a remote role, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage projects across time zones, and mention any experience with digital collaboration tools.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your deep understanding of the intersection between global finance, industrial agriculture, and climate justice, and why reforming MDB lending is critical.', "Specific examples of successful advocacy campaigns you've led or contributed to, particularly those involving international financial institutions or food systems.", 'Your experience and commitment to working in solidarity with Global South and frontline communities, ensuring their leadership in campaign strategies.', "Your alignment with Friends of the Earth's values and your passion for speaking truth to power, as well as your ability to contribute to a hard-hitting, progressive team."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Friends of the Earth's recent reports and publications on factory farming and MDB financing, such as 'Financing Factory Farming' or 'Towards a Just, Healthy and Sustainable Food System'.
- → Familiarize yourself with the Stop Financing Factory Farming Campaign and its goals, partners, and recent milestones.
- → Research the specific MDBs mentioned in the job description (e.g., World Bank, IFC, regional development banks) and their current policies on agriculture and livestock.
- → Learn about Friends of the Earth's broader campaigns and their approach to environmental justice, to show you understand their overall mission and values.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Friends of the Earth, the specific campaign, or MDB financing.
- Avoid focusing only on animal welfare or environmental issues without connecting them to systemic finance and policy reform.
- Don't overlook the importance of Global South leadership and frontline communities; failing to demonstrate your commitment to equity can be a red flag.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Friends of the Earth!