About Global Witness
What is Global Witness?
Global Witness was "founded in 1993 to expose the links between environmental destruction, conflict, corruption and human rights abuses." It describes itself as "an investigative, campaigning organisation that aims to secure better protections for people and the planet." Its history page records the Cambodian timber exposé that cut funding to the Khmer Rouge, its blood diamonds work that led to the Kimberley Process (and a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2003), the co-founding of Publish What You Pay in 2002, and a 2020 pivot that made the climate crisis the core of its investigations.
Its 2026-2030 strategy states the purpose plainly: "To shift the balance of power from polluters to people on the frontlines of the climate emergency." The areas it names are Big Tech, Forests, Fossil Fuels, Land and Environmental Defenders and Transition Minerals. Its annual defenders report has run since 2012, and the homepage records that "in 2025, Global Witness documented 124 land and environmental defenders were killed for protecting their land, territories, natural resources and communities."
Where will I work?
The careers page says "with offices in London, Washington D.C. and Brussels, everyone plays a part in our campaigning work, from Fundraising, Communications and Brand & Creative to our People, Operations, Legal and Finance teams." Its FAQ answers the remote question directly: "We operate a hybrid working policy across all our offices, requiring all staff to attend at least two days per week." The current permanent vacancy, a Global Strategic Events Manager, is based in London on a salary of £56,107, full time, with applications closing on 1 November 2026. For many roles, "candidates must have the pre-existing right to work in the country where the job is based"; visa sponsorship is occasional and stated in the advert.
What is the Global Witness team like?
The inclusion and diversity page says the aim is "to be a diverse and inclusive place to work, value new perspectives, original ideas and different ways of working", with diversity and inclusion training for all staff. Offices are set up with "sit/stand desks and dual screens", quiet spaces, and "a range of tailored support and reasonable adjustments in your home", plus regular wellbeing discussions. The recruitment process is documented: you receive the interview questions a week ahead, there are "a minimum of two and a maximum of three interviewers", and interviews can be in person or virtual. The organisation does not accept speculative applications, and it pays interns a living wage.
Work-Life Balance
All full-time employees "work a 30-hour week with a Friday off as standard", and adverts state the same: "everyone works 30 hours Monday to Thursday, with Friday off with no impact on full time salary." Annual leave is "up to 20 days a year and eight public holidays", the offices "typically close between Christmas and New Year", and staff can "claim back any time worked over our usual hours." Anyone can request flexible working at any time. The Gender Neutral Leave policy offers "up to 52 weeks of leave and 26 weeks paid time off", and further policies cover pregnancy loss, dependants' leave and a period policy.
Perks and Benefits
- Shorter working week: 30 hours, Monday to Thursday, full-time pay
- 20 days annual leave plus eight public holidays, and a Christmas to New Year office closure
- Gender Neutral Leave: up to 52 weeks of leave, 26 of them paid
- Healthcare insurance, which can include counselling support
- Pension: 7% employer contribution when you contribute 1% or more
- Transparent, benchmarked salary guide with clear levels
- Sit/stand desks, dual screens and tailored home adjustments
- Hybrid working with at least two office days a week