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 an experienced, innovative and adaptable individual to provide technical input and oversight of our mangrove science and conservation projects in the Philippines. This project will address current problems associated with: a) lack of awareness of importance of coastal greenbelts for protection and rehabilitation (from communities to governments); b) low survival rates of mangrove reforestation programmes due to planting by convenience and not ecology; c) well-intentioned but poorly implemented existing government replanting programmes that waste effort and resources; d) severe lack of mangrove experts globally; e) poor policy environment for mangroves, and ineffective enforcement where policies are available.

Reporting to Head of Marine and Freshwater, this role will require working collaboratively with ZSL Country Managers in Mangrove range states and with relevant researchers within the Institute of Zoology (IoZ). In addition to ongoing technical support, the successful candidate will also look to expand our mangrove conservation project portfolio across ZSL hub country sites, and assist the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group, increasing the global profile of mangroves. As such the ideal candidate will have a technical adviser / project manager background, and be able to demonstrate working hand-in-hand with a range of staff and stakeholders including students, and in some instances may oversee consultant and contractor contributions.

• Oversight and technical support for the implementation of mangrove conservation and science projects at our six priority seascapes in the Philippines.
• Liaison at a national level with relevant government and non-government agencies and (as appropriate) donors to build support for our science-based mangrove conservation approaches.
• Support the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group, including co-ordination of meetings, preparation and dissemination of information and liaison with members.
• Provide technical support to other projects as requested from Programme/Country managers that exports some of the learnings from these to other projects. This may include providing input into programme or country strategies.

The successful candidate will ideally:

• Have an excellent standard of written and spoken English and fluent in oral and written Tagalog (and preferably also Cebuano or Ilonggo).
• Hold a higher degree in a relevant subject or equivalent level of work experience.
• Have prior experience in developing mangrove research and conservation projects.
• Be able to demonstrate a proven track record of designing and implementing mangroves research or conservation projects.
• Have solid knowledge and understanding of current biodiversity conservation issue in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
• Proven financial management skills to effectively manage budgets.
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to manage competing priorities and delegate effectively.

Please note: This is a full-time, 1 year fixed-term contract position that will be office based in the Philippines (lloilo City) and require considerable travel and field work, often in challenging conditions. The position is to start as soon as possible.

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) 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: Midnight Thursday 19th January 2017
The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.

Please see: https://careers-zsl.icims.com/jobs/1630/mangrove-conservation-scientist%2c-philippines-%28full-time—1-year-fixed-term-contract%29/job?mobile=false&width=960&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=0&jun1offset=60