The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. 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 across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

ZSL is seeking a highly credible and collaborative individual to be our new Head of Asia Conservation Programmes. As part of the Conservation Programme (CP) senior management team, you will oversee the Asia programmes ensuring that they contribute significantly towards achieving ZSL’s mission. Reporting directly to the Director of Conservation Programmes this role will take strategic responsibility for developing and delivering ZSL’s conservation programmes in Asia. You will lead the development and implementation of the Asia programmes fundraising strategy, and champion and foster donor relations nationally and internationally which will be supported by the Director of CP. This will include liaising with all parts of ZSL and providing exceptional leadership support, reporting, monitoring and communications systems as well as supporting ZSL’s conservation staff working in the UK and overseas.

This senior management role requires a confident, resilient and proactive individual who has gravitas and is capable of making strategic decisions for Asia programmes. Ideally someone who is educated to an advanced degree level in a relevant field; you will also have extensive experience of working with a range of stakeholders, including governments. The successful candidate will possess exceptional people and project-management skills, and be able to plan and keep track of multiple projects while constantly evaluating the business environment for opportunities and threats.

• Manage a team of Programme Managers and Technical Specialists and a wider international team of 100 staff.
• Annual budget management including reporting and recording internally and externally.
• Ensure effective monitoring, reporting and review of all of the global programmes through accurate monitoring and evaluation.
• Regularly represent the organisation and present on its work as a technical expert at conferences and through the delivery of media content.
• Develop and maintain partnerships and collaborations.

• Proven experience of working successfully at strategic level including developing high-level business plans and project management including managing, implementing and reporting on large complex projects.
• Extensive experience in leading teams and programme delivery programme implementation, staff management, leadership and representation.
• Proven ability to draft rigorous fundraising proposals.
• An understanding of key issues relevant to biodiversity conservation combined with global or overseas work experience would be highly advantageous.
• Current or previous people management experience is essential as is the ability to work with a wide range of people from different cultures.
• Flexibility to travel regularly to field sites, country offices, conferences and workshops.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills; fluency in English is essential.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate to take on a new senior post, within an established international organisation and to take the lead on designing, developing and implementing cutting edge programmes that will create significant and lasting impact across the globe.

For a full Job Description please click here.

Benefit Package:

The role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 26 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 6%, complimentary zoo tickets and more!

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 Thursday the 29^th June 2017. First stage interview will be the week commencing the 10th July 2017.

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

ZSL kindly requests no contact from agencies or media sales please regarding this position.