Senior Advocacy Officer - Illegal Gold Mining & Protected Areas (gn)

About The Project:

Illegal gold mining is one of the fastest-growing threats to biodiversity and climate — particularly in and around protected areas. Beyond environmental destruction, it undermines governance systems, fuels illicit economies, and impacts communities across the globe.


The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is strengthening its work to address this complex challenge at a systemic level. We are expanding our capacity to influence policy, financial systems, and global gold markets — and we are looking for a strategic advocacy leader to help drive this agenda forward.


This is more than a role — it’s an opportunity to shape how global systems respond to environmental crime.

About The Position:

As Senior Advocacy Officer - Illegal Gold Mining & Protected Areas (gn), you will lead FZS’s global efforts to combat illegal gold mining in and around protected areas as one of the most pressing threats to biodiversity and climate by driving policy change, influencing global markets, and strengthening international partnerships.


Operating at the intersection of policy, finance, and global supply chains, you will turn field evidence into tangible regulatory change and market transformation—advancing policy compliance, influencing key decision-makers, and elevating illegal gold mining as a critical global priority.


In close collaboration with senior leadership, governments, financial institutions, and industry actors, you will drive high-level partnerships and coordinated action to disrupt illegal gold flows and safeguard critical ecosystems worldwide.


The position is closely embedded within the Frankfurt Conservation Center (FCC) network and will work in close collaboration with its team. As part of this, the successful candidate will regularly work from the FCC offices in Frankfurt alongside partner organisations and experts.

Your Tasks:

Shape international policy and influence systems

• Build and strengthen relationships with international financial institutions, regulators, and multilateral initiatives
• Advocate for stronger due diligence frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in gold supply chains
• Position FZS as a trusted, evidence-based voice on the impacts of illegal mining

Drive responsible gold markets

• Engage with gold buyers, refiners, and downstream actors to promote responsible sourcing and traceability to increase awareness of environmental and social risks linked to illegal gold
• Support the development of tools helping to identify high-risk supply chains

Build powerful alliances

• Develop strategic partnerships with NGOs, research institutions, and civil society organizations
• Collaborate with journalists and media to drive visibility and public attention
• Coordinate joint advocacy efforts and collective responses to emerging challenges and represent FZS at international events and conferences
• Coordinate and actively contribute to the FCC Working Group on Illegal Gold Mining Threats for Protected Areas, strengthening collaboration across partner organisations.

Influence policy and decision-makers

• Engage with governments, regulators, and park authorities in priority countries
• Provide evidence-based policy recommendations and strategic input
• Identify opportunities to shape regulatory developments (e.g. due diligence legislation)

Contribute to strategy and growth

• Work closely with internal teams to align on strategy, research, and communications
• Support fundraising efforts and proposal development
• Monitor global trends in policy, markets, and environmental governance

Your Profile:

We are looking for a strategic advocacy professional with strong experience operating in complex political and multi-stakeholder environments.

Core experience and competencies

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in environmental policy, political science, law, international relations or a related field
• A proven track record in policy, governance, advocacy, or regulatory environments (national or international)
• Demonstrated success in influencing political or regulatory processes
• Strong understanding of global supply chains, due diligence frameworks, or responsible sourcing (ideally in extractives)
• Demonstrated ability to build and leverage international networks and partnerships across governments, private sector, and civil society
• Ability to translate complex systems into clear, compelling narratives and policy positions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in international contexts
• High level of resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking
• Strong intrinsic motivation for conservation and environmental impact
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, Spanish language skills are highly desirable, additional languages are an asset

Highly valued

• Experience addressing illegal mining, environmental crime, or extractive industries
• Knowledge of EU or international due diligence legislation and policy frameworks
• Experience in international NGOs or multi-country advocacy initiatives

We Offer:

• Real Impact: A meaningful role where you visibly contribute to global conservation—with significant scope for shaping outcomes and clear responsibility
• Attractive Benefits: 39-hour work week, 30 days of annual leave, plus additional days off on December 24 and 31
• Financial Benefits: Public transport ticket, company pension scheme, and capital-forming benefits
• Flexibility & Trust: Flexible working hours with the option for remote work
• Ownership & Speed: Flat hierarchies and short decision-making paths—good ideas quickly turn into action here
• Strong Team: A dedicated, interdisciplinary, and multicultural environment that truly values collaboration and respect
• Growth Opportunities: Plenty of room for initiative as well as professional and personal development
• Unique Work Environment: Your workplace is located next to fascinating wildlife—lunch breaks at the zoo included

This role is offered for an initial two-year term, with potential for extension.

Your Application:

Join us in tackling one of the most pressing conservation challenges of our time. We look forward to learning how your expertise can contribute to protecting biodiversity through policy, advocacy, and international collaboration. For your application, please upload

• Your cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the position
• A detailed CV
• Relevant certificates

conveniently via our online application form. You are also welcome to include a link to your LinkedIn profile.

Your contact person: Linda Schultze, Human Resources, Frankfurt Zoological Society

We look forward to receiving your application by 02.08.2026!

About us

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an international conservation organization based in Frankfurt, Germany. We make a vital contribution to safeguarding global biodiversity. To this end, we support and implement conservation projects in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, as well as Eastern and Central Europe, with a particular focus on the protection of large wilderness areas. Our projects and programs are designed to be long-term and sustainable. Our goal is to protect and preserve large, biodiversity-rich landscapes.