Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) was founded in 1967 by a British farmer horrified by the development of intensive factory farming. Compassion in World Farming is a leading global organisation dedicated to ending factory farming and championing sustainable food systems that prioritise the welfare of animals, people, and the planet. In 2012, we established Compassion in World Farming, Inc. to focus on making positive change for farmed animals in the US, the epicentre of modern industrial agriculture.
With headquarters in the UK and offices in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium and the USA, we are the leading animal environmental organisation working towards a nature positive, compassionate and free of animal cruelty world. Our campaigns focus on fixing the broken food system, ending factory farming, and delivering a world that is nature positive for animals, people and planet. Our supporters and partners throughout the world help us deliver on our mission.
Location: New York Based - Remote in the US
Job Type: Full-time; Permanent
Salary: $107,000 - £117,000 per annum (Depending on Skills and Experience)
Anticipated Start Date: June 2025
About the role
As the Global Head of International Affairs, you will be at the forefront of Compassion in World Farming International's (CIWF) mission to transform global food systems. Based in New York, you will lead our advocacy efforts at the UN, engaging with key processes such as the General Assembly (GA) and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Your role will involve inspiring and coordinating a multi-level program of advocacy, focusing on reducing the oversized production footprint of livestock and promoting agroecological methods of agriculture.
You will build on our existing successes and credibility at the UN, driving forward initiatives that address critical issues such as nutrient waste, pollution, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, biodiversity loss, and poor animal welfare practices. Additionally, you will provide strategic guidance to the global campaigns and international affairs team, ensuring alignment of global, regional, and national advocacy efforts behind clear change objectives. You will work closely with our Global CEO, supporting their UN role and leveraging their engagement to drive forward our agreed advocacy priorities.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
To succeed in this exciting role, you will need to be an experienced professional, with a strong background in lobbying and policy advocacy. With previous experience in global policy development, preferably within the UN system, you have a deep understanding of intergovernmental political developments and trends related to biodiversity, climate change, pollution, sustainable development, One Health, and sustainable production and consumption. You will need to have the ability to build key relationships with senior UN staff, Member State Permanent Missions, government officials, and other international stakeholders. You’ll be an outstanding communicator who can shape complex ideas for key influencers, and you will possess strategic capacity and leadership skills, making you an inspiring leader. You’ll be a positive, approachable, and adaptable team player, with a passion for animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Why Join Us
Join Compassion in World Farming International and drive global change. We have an ambitious mission to end factory farming by 2040. Leveraging global action at the international level is a key part of helping us succeed in our aim. As the Global Head of International Affairs, you'll shape key UN policies, lead impactful advocacy, and work with a passionate team dedicated to ending factory farming.
Compassion in World Farming provides one of the strongest benefit packages in the farmed animal protection movement.
To Apply:
If you are passionate about animal welfare and have the skills and experience to excel in this role, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter, outlining how you meet the Person Specification detailed in the job description. Please note that we reserve the right to commence interviews on a rolling programme.
Interview Process:
- Closing date: Wednesday 5th March 2025
- 1st stage Interviews via Teams: Wednesday 26th March 2025
- 2nd stage Interviews via Teams: Friday 4th April 2025
Compassion in World Farming is an equal opportunity employer, and supports the facilitation of diversity, representation, and inclusivity within the animal protection movement. Compassion does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring, and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged.