Senior Scientist (Ships)

12 month temporary contract / part-time (0.4 FTE) 

*offered on a 12 month contract basis initially, with possibility of extension subject to local terms.

Location: The successful candidate may be based in one of the following Greenpeace Organizations: Brazil, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Canada, Austria, and the Netherlands. *

We offer competitive NGO level salary and benefits, the specifics of which depend on the location where the successful candidate(s) will be based. We aim to share this information with candidates before reaching the offer stage.

*Other locations that have existing independent Greenpeace National/Regional organisations might be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the hosting capacity availability and compliance, however please note that we can not guarantee hosting ability in every location before we fully assess the situation.

Internal GP network candidates from NROs (not current GPI staff) will be considered on a case by case basis as we cannot guarantee hosting capacity for GPI staff in every location where there is a GP office. We will aim to explore possibilities for qualified GP network candidates.

The Role

In this role, you will contribute deep scientific expertise and work with global project teams to shape and drive research projects at sea under Greenpeace’s global biodiversity campaign. In doing so, you will contribute to advancing the broader global agenda for oceans governance and its links to the climate system. You will support  our global campaigns by designing and managing innovative ship-based research, building academic partnerships, and representing scientific findings at key international forums to provide credibility for global campaigns to protect marine ecosystems and promote environmental protection.

What you will do:

1.Scientific/Campaign 

(a) Provide strategic input and recommendations to GPI and NROs teams to help shape our global programme goals, strategies and projects with a solid scientific basis and a particular focus on developing and supporting innovative and impactful ship-based science, as agreed through the Science Unit strategic planning processes.

(b) Design and where appropriate, contribute to field research and sampling projects and the production of global or national reports based on those field data projects in collaboration with other stakeholders.

(c) Represent Greenpeace at global and national high-level meetings and in processes that require scientific and technical credibility on the global agenda for oceans governance and its links to the climate system. 

2. Subject Specialism 

(a) Develop and maintain specialist knowledge relevant to one or more core subjects in the areas of  marine ecology, ocean governance and its links to the climate system and innovation in new technologies and methodologies—such as advanced acoustic monitoring and rapid eDNA analysis.

3. Financial Responsibility 

(a) Follow established finance procedures, order and acquisition policies, liaising as appropriate with the GRL Research Administrator. 

4. Administration 

(a) Participate in ensuring that essential administration tasks of the Science Unit are minimised, streamlined and maintained so as to promote the most effective working of the Science Unit. 

(b) Undertake the preparation and, where necessary, shipment of sampling equipment and supplies for scientific field work related to the field. 

5. Other 

(a) Act as a representative of Greenpeace International to external bodies/the media as appropriate, in observance of national and international organizational guidelines and in consultation with the project leaders of the relevant global projects and the HoPSR or their delegate.

For further information about this role, please see the full job description by clicking HERE. 

What We’re Looking For

We know no one brings every skill or experience to a role like this. If you bring some of the following and are motivated to learn, collaborate, and lead with integrity, we encourage you to apply.

Skills and Experience

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline with a commitment to developing a strong scientific publication record 

• Significant experience in scientific research and its application to policy and strategy development

• A good understanding of how science can influence decision-making and an ability to build strong, productive networks and relationships. 

• Significant experience of designing, planning and helping deliver ship-based scientific research projects at sea is highly desirable.

• Strong research, analysis and reporting skills. The ability to effectively prioritise work elements, interpret findings and provide actionable insights. 

• An interest in citizen science as it relates to movement building and people powered campaigning. 

• Strong advocacy skills – the ability to help diverse teams to achieve agreed goals and to drive real-world change. 

• Experience in working with multicultural staff and teams and across borders.

• Commitment to JEDIS principles in daily working.

• Strong facilitation skills. 

• Experience in working effectively to tight deadlines and under stressful conditions.

• Fluent written and spoken English. 

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What you can expect:

You’ll be encouraged to develop both personally and professionally, taking advantage of the wide range of learning and development opportunities available to our staff. Staff can also access our virtual wellness initiatives, such as mindfulness, yoga and meditation and also have the opportunity to join our global Equity, Diversity & Inclusion staff communities.

About us:

Greenpeace is a global campaigning network. It comprises 26 independent national/regional organisations, and a coordinating organisation, Greenpeace International. Greenpeace uses peaceful, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and develop solutions for a green and peaceful future.

Our goal is to ensure the ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity. That means we want to:

•       protect biodiversity in all its forms, and promote environmental and social justice

•       prevent pollution and abuse of the earth’s ocean, land, air and fresh water

•       end all nuclear threats

•       promote peace, global disarmament and non-violence

To Apply

If you share our vision, please click 'apply' to begin your application.

To apply for this role, we require you to answer a selection of key criteria and upload your CV (in English) via our online application form.

Addressing the key criteria is an important part of your application. We will be looking for evidence that demonstrates your skills and experience in these areas. Use examples where possible, to draw attention to experience, knowledge, achievements and skills gained in past employment or voluntary/leisure activities, provided they are relevant to the post.

It’s advisable to prepare your responses to the key criteria before starting your online application, as you are unable to save and return to it at a later date. 

At GPI, we understand there are potential benefits of using open AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT), however for the purpose of this application we prefer to see answers written by candidates themselves, so we can get a good impression on your thinking.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please email us at recruitment.int@greenpeace.org. Please note that all applications have to be filled out via the website and can't be submitted via this email.

We welcome everyone to apply for our positions. We understand that some candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria. However, we strongly encourage you to apply if you meet some of the key criteria for our roles. We’d love to know how your unique experience can bring value to our team. We believe in people power and having representation from many different communities to effect change.

Greenpeace International is an equal opportunity employer with a longstanding commitment of providing a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual. We recognise and value the benefits and strengths that diversity brings to our employees and the whole organisation and we thrive in an environment that encourages respect and trust. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and would like to invite you especially to apply!

CLOSING DATE: 22 November 2026, 11:59PM CET