Policy & Food Systems Specialist
Job Type: Full time
Location: Remote
Date opened: February 16, 2026 (will remain open for 3 weeks)
Annual salary range: $45,000-$49,999 USD/year
Job Description
This is a remote position.
About Us
Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) was founded in 2019 as a hub for aquatic animal advocacy, focusing on mobilizing, connecting, and coordinating the international aquatic animal welfare movement. Placing research, coalitions, policy and advocacy initiatives under one roof means timely communication and engaged collaboration.
We are on a mission to reduce the suffering of the trillions of aquatic animals that are farmed or caught in the wild each year. Using a collaborative approach, we can generate and guide momentum for positive change. We are currently on the precipice of a global aquatic animal welfare movement, and we can ensure the work pursued in the years to come has the highest impact for the greatest number of aquatic animals. With our robust foundation in research, we have the unique opportunity to offer guidance on aquatic animal welfare, and to intervene where the humane treatment of aquatic animals is lacking.
How the Policy & Food Systems Specialist Supports Our Mission
The Policy & Food Systems Specialist strengthens ALI’s ability to embed aquatic animal welfare into influential policy, industry, and sustainability frameworks by supporting high-quality policy engagement, evidence-based advocacy, and cross-program coordination. The role supports ALI’s Recognition, Protection and Prioritization pillars by increasing the quality and reach of our aquaculture and fisheries advocacy efforts, while leadership retains ownership of strategic positioning and external authority. Working at the intersection of policy, sustainability and industry, the Policy & Food Systems Specialist translates technical knowledge into clear, credible inputs for international guiding bodies or international frameworks, institutions, coalitions, industry platforms, and public discourse. The role supports both the Policy and Fisheries Centres of Expertise (CoE) by contributing to submissions, formal feedback, benchmarking work, events, and thought leadership, while ensuring alignment with ALI’s strategic priorities.
The Policy & Food Systems Specialist reports directly to the Head of Fisheries Welfare and works closely with the Head of Global Policy to ensure technical accuracy, policy coherence, and strategic alignment.
This is a remote position and successful candidates' working times should be compatible with US EST or CET time zones. Some travel is required for team retreats and key conferences.
What does success in this role look like?
Success in this role looks like a policy professional who can translate complex policy landscapes into clear, actionable insight for the organisation. The ideal candidate is comfortable engaging with institutional stakeholders, contributing to policy development and submissions, and supporting advocacy efforts with strong research, analysis, and written communication. They bring sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across teams to ensure policy work is aligned with organisational priorities and impact goals.
Requirements
What will this role be responsible for?
Policy Engagement & Technical Support
Support the preparation of policy submissions, consultation feedback, briefings, and position inputs across EU institutions, UN processes, and priority country-level policy processes (including the UK and EU Member States)
Contribute to advisory councils, working groups, coalitions, and networks by drafting inputs, reviewing documents, and attending meetings where appropriate
Assist with applications to initiatives, events, and coalitions during high-intensity periods
Support the development of one-pagers and policy-adjacent materials linking aquatic animal welfare to climate, finance, biodiversity, food security, and ocean governance
Recognition-Focused Advocacy
Contribute to outputs, including feedback on standards, reports, joint statements, and thought pieces
Support visibility efforts by contributing to conference materials, side events, and cross-movement initiatives
Assist in ensuring aquatic animal welfare is integrated into broader sustainability and food systems narratives
Research, Analysis & Writing
Conduct targeted research to support policy positions, submissions, and advocacy strategies
Draft, edit, and refine clear, evidence-based written materials for diverse external audiences
Support monitoring of policy and advocacy outcomes
Coordination, Tracking & Systems
Help maintain systems to track policy processes, consultations, advocacy engagement, and outcomes
Support internal coordination by ensuring policy-related timelines, deliverables, and commitments are visible and organised
Brief internal stakeholders ahead of key meetings or deadlines as needed
Learning, Growth & Collaboration
Actively build understanding of policy processes, fisheries and aquaculture governance, and institutional advocacy
Work collaboratively across teams, modelling ALI’s values of courage, respect, and knowledge
Represent ALI professionally in external settings when delegated
Why you should join us
Aquatic Life Institute is a mission-led, collaborative, and values-driven organization committed to improving the lives of aquatic animals through courageous advocacy and thoughtful, evidence-based strategies. You will join a supportive team that values learning, curiosity, and shared problem-solving. As our Policy & Food Systems Specialist, you will have a meaningful influence on our alliance community, enhancing communication, coordination and collaboration so we can collectively achieve more for aquatic animals.
Who would this be a good opportunity for?
This role is ideal for someone who:
Is highly organised and brings a strong analytical mindset
Is motivated to learn and grow within a policy and advocacy environment
Has some knowledge of policy processes and institutional engagement
Has excellent writing skills and can translate complex issues clearly
Is comfortable supporting multiple workstreams without owning final strategy
Is willing to travel occasionally for events or meetings
Can work overlapping hours with EST and CET time zones
Desired Experience & Skills
Must have
Strong organisational, analytical, and writing skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and inputs with attention to detail
Comfort working with technical subject matter
Clear interest in policy, advocacy, or animal welfare, food systems change
Demonstrated internal drive to contribute to systemic change in a challenging and relatively under-recognised advocacy space
Nice to have
Experience in animal advocacy, environmental policy, food systems, sustainability or ocean governance
Familiarity with EU, UN, or international policy processes
Experience supporting coalitions, networks, or advisory groups
Additional language skills (e.g. French or Spanish)
Inclusion Statement
We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and harassment-free environment where everyone feels valued and supported to do their best work. If you are interested in this role but do not meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply.
Benefits
What you can expect from us
Salary: $45,000-$49,999 USD/year
Work Environment: Remote from home office; some travel required for retreats or conferences.
Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, growth, and skills development aligned with organizational values.
What you can expect during the recruitment process
Step 1: Apply via the link below and complete a short set of preliminary questions
Step 2: Our team will review all applications
Step 3: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial screening interview
Step 4: Selected candidates will progress to further interviews with the hiring team
A note about our commitment to privacy. PEPR is managing the recruitment process for the position of : Policy & Food Systems Specialist on behalf of Aquatic Life Institute. The information provided by an individual applying for this position will be shared by PEPR with Aquatic Life Institute solely for the purposes of this recruitment process. For more information on how PEPR handles personal data, please review our Privacy Notice. For more information on how Aquatic Life Institute handles personal data, please review the Privacy Policy.