The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a
charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for
conservation science and applied conservation, working in over 50
countries around the world.The illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife parts has reached crisis level and is having severe impacts on species around the world, which if unabated could see the extinction of some of the world’s most charismatic wildlife. The international donor community has recently recognised the threats posed by this illicit trade including impacts on national security.
ZSL has recently initiated a major project, which is proposing the development of a Rhino Impact Bond with the United Nations Development Programme and United for Wildlife, comprised of seven of the largest field based conservation organisation in the world and the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. This project is a first for conservation, using the Development Impact Bond approach to create an innovative financing mechanism that can generate funding at the scale necessary to address the poaching crisis. With commitments of funding from the Global Environment Facility and the Royal Foundation the initial main focus of this post will be on the implementation of the project preparation phase for the development of a Medium Sized Project, due in March 2015.
ZSL is seeking a dedicated individual, available as soon as possible, to implement the Rhino Bond project and scale up and coordinate this important cross cutting programme across its conservation programmes and the wider society. The Post will report directly to the Senior Policy Advisor and sit within the Science to Government and Industry Unit (SGIU) based in the Conservation Programmes department at ZSL London’s HQ. The post holder will be required to work closely with technical specialists across ZSL and with United for Wildlife and partners. International travel is likely.
The successful candidate will have significant experience in project management and a proven track record in conservation implementation and a good understanding of wildlife trade matters. In particular the candidate must have:
1. Will have experience in large-scale project management and financial reporting.
2. A degree in an appropriate subject
3. Excellent written and spoken English
4. Strong organisational, interpersonal and presentation skills
5. Proven fundraising and report-writing ability
6. Good communication skills and experience with the media and public speaking
7. Proven ability to work effectively with teams and senior managers
The post is initially for 1 year with a possibility of renewal after that time.
Applicants should complete the ZSL Application Form along with the Equal Opportunity Form and send, together with their CV, by email to hr@zsl.org by Wednesday 23rd July 2014. A full job description is available via our website at www.ZSL.org/jobs.