Environmental and Social Safeguarding Specialist

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct.  Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

The key purpose of the role is to further develop and add to existing work to establish a comprehensive Environmental and Social Safeguarding Framework for ZSL that offers guidance and practical tools to ensure equitable and inclusive conservation. This will be achieved through collaborations, support and training offered to ZSL’s programmes and external partners. In addition, the role will support programmes which have donor requirements for ESMS such as those working with IUCN, BIOPAMA, KfW and the World Bank. The outputs of this process will support internal learning and adaptive management, external reporting, communications and fundraising. This role will also entail supporting country offices and downstream partners in programme development to ensure environmental and social safeguards are built into implementation from the offset.

• Collaboratively design and develop a centralised global Environmental and Social Safeguarding Framework for ZSL. Act as an internal ZSL champion for Environmental and Social Safeguarding to support adoption of the ESMS framework and also foster strong collaboration with the Institute of Zoology and ZSL’s two zoos.
• Engage field teams and downstream partners to identify needs for environmental and social safeguarding, challenges in local implementation and ongoing support requirements.
• Lead and/or facilitate, organise external training for programme teams in UK and internationally on the environmental and social safeguarding and processes involved in the above.
• Support the design and delivery of environmental and social safeguarding communications and reporting tools for internal and external uses (with Marketing and Communications, Fundraising, C&P)
• Contribute social science-focussed technical expertise to institutional funding bids. This will ensure conservation goals reconcile positive impacts for local people and biodiversity and secure income year-on-year in collaboration with the M&E technical specialist and other SDIG team members.

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• Demonstrable experience and technical skills in applying environmental and social safeguards within the conservation or international development sectors is desirable.
• Graduate in a related field, e.g., International Development, Economics or Conservation, or equivalent work experience implementing such projects and using qualitative research methods.
• Demonstrable facilitation, training and coaching skills in environmental and social safeguards or any other subject area.
• Experience of using qualitative research tools and participatory approaches.
• Previous experience working with colleagues and partners from different cultural backgrounds, preferably in countries in Asia and/or Africa.
• Demonstrable experience of producing ESMS reports and compliance documentation is preferred but not essential if the candidate has significant expertise or experience in social sciences.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English. Proficiency in a language other than English, such as French or Portuguese, would be a major asset.
• A good understanding of biodiversity conservation and international development issues.
• Meticulous attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• An ability to lead and work effectively with multiple stakeholders, small teams and senior managers.
• Tact and diplomacy working with diverse stakeholder groups.

What do we offer?

We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion. We recognise the value of having employees with diverse skills, experiences, and abilities, we therefore, encourage applications from all backgrounds.

“Work Your Way”: We empower people to work from where they work best. We believe work is something we do and not a place we go. Our offices have become important places for collaboration and social connection but are no longer our main place of work.    

You will have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program. Other benefits include 25 days holiday, life assurance, stakeholder pension (employer contribution is matched up to 12%), complimentary zoo tickets with a 30% discount in shops and online, subsidised canteen, enhanced paternity and maternity leave, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, subsidised gym membership and access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) on Sunday 01 May 2022

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.