Conservation Biologist, EDGE of Existence Programme

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation, working in over 50 countries around the world. Since 2007, ZSL’s priority-setting EDGE of Existence programme (www.edgeofexistence.org) has sought to conserve the world’s most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species through raising awareness, initiating conservation and building capacity in countries in which they occur.

We are seeking an experienced and adaptable Conservation Biologist to initiate, supervise and administer targeted conservation projects focusing primarily on high ranking EDGE amphibians. Activities within this varied role range from developing and implementing national species conservation strategies to mentoring EDGE Fellows (early-career conservation biologists undertaking research/conservation on a local EDGE species). Current EDGE amphibian projects address issues as diverse as the overharvesting of amphibians for the food trade, disease transmission, habitat destruction, ecological and socio-economic monitoring, alternative livelihoods, community awareness and natural resource management.

Key responsibilities include:

• Management of existing EDGE amphibian projects in China and Kenya, including provision of technical advice in all aspects of project design and implementation, monitoring progress towards objectives, managing project budgets, maintaining stakeholder relationships, fundraising  and disseminating results
• Development of targeted conservation projects for additional EDGE focal species as appropriate
• Contribution towards the Fellowship programme, including development of amphibian-related training materials for the annual Conservation Tools training course and supervision of the 2011 cohort of amphibian EDGE Fellows
• Provision of general support for the EDGE of Existence programme and ZSL amphibian conservation projects, including representing ZSL/EDGE at conferences, schools, community groups, events and in the media as required.

Amphibian conservation is the main focus of this post and a key priority of ZSL, though the successful candidate will also be required to contribute to projects for other terrestrial vertebrate taxa. A strong background in amphibian conservation as well as a good general knowledge and experience of international biodiversity conservation planning, monitoring and management is therefore required.  Willingness to raise awareness of key conservation issues, not least with regard to the amphibian extinction crisis, is also essential.

Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant subject or equivalent experience, plus a strong conservation research background, experience in managing large-scale international field projects, and a proven ability to operate in politically challenging environments. He/she should be able to work independently in demanding field conditions, and have an aptitude both for managing field teams and for fostering relationships with institutional partners. Excellent written/oral communication and presentation skills are essential. Experience in a range of field research and conservation techniques, fundraising and convening workshops is also desirable, as is experience in dealing with the media.

The post holder will be based primarily at the ZSL main offices in London, but will be involved in frequent international travel to provide technical advice to in-country collaborators, staff and Fellows as well as helping to develop new projects.

The post-holder will have a fixed term ZSL contract for 12 months and the post is available immediately. Applicants should send their CV with details of two referees and a covering letter, detailing relevant experience and skills and including a possible start date, by email to ZSL’s HR Department (hr@zsl.org) by Friday 1^st July 2011 by 5pm. Further details of the EDGE of Existence programme can be gained from the EDGE website (www.edgeofexistence.org) and more details on the post, if required, from Carly Waterman (carly.waterman@zsl.org).