Pangolin Technical Specialist (Full-Time / 1 Year Fixed-Term Contract)

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a leading international conservation, science and education charity. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries around the world and through education and engagement at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

ZSL is seeking a highly collaborative individual for the role of Pangolin Technical Specialist (maternity cover). The role involves overseeing ZSL’s pangolin-focused projects in Cameroon, Nepal, China, Thailand and the Philippines. The post holder will also work directly with the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, which ZSL hosts, to support the group’s day-to-day functions and implementation of pangolin conservation strategies.

The role involves a significant amount of co-ordination with personnel working on pangolin and broader illegal wildlife trade projects throughout Asia and Africa as well as the Pangolin Specialist Group Chair and members, donors and policy makers. The successful candidate will therefore need to have excellent communication and organisation skills and a good knowledge of biodiversity conservation issues, in particular those relating to pangolins and the illegal wildlife trade.

This post is based within the Conservation Programmes Department at ZSL’s London Offices with occasional travel abroad to attend meetings/conferences and undertake project visits.

• Support the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ZSL pangolin conservation projects in Nepal, Thailand and Cameroon, in collaboration with the relevant ZSL Programme and Country Managers.
• Take overall responsibility for pangolin projects in China and the Philippines, including project and financial management, monitoring & evaluation, and maintaining relationships with partners and donors.
• Support the achievement of PangolinSG strategic priorities (e.g. conservation planning workshops, development of national and regional conservation strategies, development of position statements and implementation of specific projects).
• Ensure PangolinSG communication channels (website, social media) are regularly updated. 
• Co-ordinate IUCN Red List assessment updates for pangolins with PangolinSG Chair.

• A post-graduate degree in an appropriate subject
• Prior experience in field conservation development and management, including significant experience in project management and financial reporting
• Proven fundraising and report-writing ability
• A good understanding of biodiversity conservation issues, in particular those relating to pangolins and the illegal wildlife trade
• Strong organisational, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in another language would be an asset
• Proven ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders
• Good communication skills and experience with the media and public speaking
• An ability to manage competing priorities and delegate effectively

Note that successful candidates will be required to pass the online IUCN Red List training course.

We would like to the succesful candidate to start in the middle of August. 

For a full job description please click here.

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. 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) Monday 28th 2018.