Palm Oil Technical Advisor (Full-Time / 1 Year Fixed-Term Contract)

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. 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. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, we guide and enable others in the UK and all across the world. Inspiring, informing, empowering – working for wildlife.

As part of our Business & Biodiversity programme, the successful candidate will be part of a passionate team of 9 staff focussed on responsible sourcing of forest-impact commodities. They will be responsible for developing, overseeing and implementing ZSL’s palm oil strategy and providing related technical support on best practice in palm oil production to the Business and Biodiversity and in-country programmes, particularly Indonesia and Cameroon.

Please note we will be accepting applications from candidates that either wish to be based in our Bogor office in Indonesia or our London office in the UK but candidates will need to have the correct right to work documentation in the countries they wish to work in. 

• Responsible for the palm oil workstream of ZSL’s flagship SPOTT project, including reviewing the SPOTT indicator framework and overseeing SPOTT assessments.
• Leading on company engagement and the development and implementation of a targeted strategy to support greater and transparency and accountability of palm oil sector.
• Represent ZSL as part of the RSPO, as an RSPO board member and actor on select RSPO working groups.
• Support ZSL’s in-country programmes and the wider organisation on palm oil issues Lead on the development of fundraising concept notes for Palm Oil related initiatives.
• Ensure all project accounts are kept up to date on a regular basis.
• Provide input to donor proposals and budget development for Palm Oil project work.
• Responsibility for developing, overseeing and supporting implementation of ZSL's palm oil strategy.

• BSc/BA in a relevant subject or relevant experience; a Masters degree of PhD would be desirable.
• Prior experience working in a field relevant to business and biodiversity and/or sustainable commodities, with specialist knowledge of the palm oil sector and related environmental and social best practice.
• Experience in standard-setting, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) or certification auditing, especially in the palm oil sector, is highly desirable (e.g. as an RSPO, HCV, HCS auditor).
• Experience working on the ground to implement environmental best practice, ideally in Indonesia, Malaysia or West Africa, is desirable.
• Fluent spoken and written English is essential and the ability to speak other languages, particularly Bahasa Indonesia and/or French, is highly desirable.
• Experience in grant and service proposal writing and budgeting.
• Experience in research and project management and delivery

Please find the full job description on the ZSL website. 

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) by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

 Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Sunday 15th December 2019.