Aquatic Institute - Policy & Food Systems Specialist

Aquatic Life Institute - Policy & Food Systems Specialist

• Industry Nonprofit Charitable Organizations
• Remote Job

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.

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.

What will this role be responsible for?

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

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…