Mighty Earth Seeks Expert to Combat Deforestation in Southeast Asia
Mighty Earth, a global advocacy organization focused on protecting a living planet, is seeking a part-time Southeast Asia Campaign Consultant. This role is critical to their ongoing efforts to halt deforestation and peatland development in Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly within the palm oil, timber and other commodity sectors.
The Rapid Response Forest Monitoring Program: A Tech-Driven Approach
A core component of this position is leading Mighty Earth’s Rapid Response Forest Monitoring program. This initiative leverages satellite imagery, GIS technology, and supply chain analysis to identify and address deforestation in real-time. The program currently monitors over 3,500 oil palm concessions, covering approximately 21 million hectares across Indonesia and Malaysia.
Skills Needed: Geospatial Analysis and Corporate Engagement
The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years of experience in campaign and investigative work focused on deforestation and supply chain issues. Specific skills include creating shapefiles, working with GIS software like QGIS and Google Earth Engine, and analyzing land cover data. Crucially, the role requires a proven ability to engage with corporate actors – potentially at the director or owner level – to drive change. Experience authoring campaign publications and working with legal counsel and media outlets is also highly valued.
Beyond Palm Oil: Expanding the Scope of Accountability
While palm oil is a primary focus, the position also involves expanding efforts to address deforestation linked to timber, pulp and paper, rubber, and mining. This includes leveraging No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE) policies across various commodities and promoting forest and peatland conservation and restoration. The consultant will collaborate with Mighty Earth’s wider Forest Commodities team to achieve these goals.
The Broader Context: Indonesia and the Fight Against Deforestation
Indonesia has been a key focus for Mighty Earth’s work, where they’ve successfully driven transformative change in the palm oil sector. However, fresh threats are emerging. Recent reports highlight the potential for large-scale deforestation driven by the demand for wood energy, threatening forests in Kalimantan and across Southeast Asia. Government projects, such as the food estate project in Papua, are raising concerns about deforestation for bioethanol production and other crops.
Mighty Earth’s Approach: Appealing to “Better Angels”
Mighty Earth’s strategy centers on appealing to the “better angels” of corporations, persuading them to adopt more sustainable practices throughout their supply chains. This approach, as noted in Eco-Business, focuses on influencing industry leaders to reduce deforestation and climate pollution.
Position Details and Application Information
This is a part-time, remote position requiring approximately 10 days of work per month. Consulting pay is based on an hourly rate. The application deadline is April 6, 2026, but early applications are encouraged. Interested candidates can find more information and apply through the Mighty Earth jobs page.
FAQ
Q: Is this a full-time position?
A: No, this is a part-time consulting role.
Q: Where can I find the application?
A: The application is available on the Mighty Earth jobs page: https://www.mightyearth.org/jobs/
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: The application deadline is April 6, 2026.
Q: Does Mighty Earth value diversity and inclusion?
A: Yes, Mighty Earth is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from diverse candidates.
Did you know? Mighty Earth’s work has been featured in publications like Yale Environment 360 and Mongabay, highlighting their impact on corporate sustainability.
Learn more about Mighty Earth’s work and consider applying if you’re passionate about protecting our planet’s forests. Explore other opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts and support sustainable practices.