Programme Manager– South and Central Asia (maternity cover)

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.

We are looking for an experienced, innovative and adaptable individual to oversee the South and Central Asia Programme over the next nine months. This will entail development and management of projects in Mongolia (www.zsl.org/mongolia), Nepal (http://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/asia/rhino-nepal) and Sri Lanka, and support for ongoing initiatives in India as required. The post-holder will report to the Head of Regional Programmes and will manage a team of overseas staff and volunteers based in London and overseas.

Main responsibilities will include programme development and grant writing, project and staff management and administration, building and maintaining relationships with project collaborators, stakeholders and donors, coordination of cross-Society programme activities, and external representation and promotion of ZSL and its conservation work.

The post-holder should have a good track record in conservation project development and management and/or a higher degree in an appropriate subject such as conservation biology, environmental economics, conservation/development policy, anthropology or a related discipline, and a good understanding of biodiversity conservation issues in Asia.  Excellent written and spoken English, strong organisational, interpersonal and presentation skills, proven grant-writing and report-writing ability are also essential.

The position will be based at ZSL’s offices in London, but significant periods of time will be spent in Nepal and Mongolia to develop, oversee and monitor project activities. The position will be available for at least nine months (to cover maternity leave) and will start on 1^st January 2012. Salary will be dependent on experience.

Applicants should send their CV 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 11^h November 2011. Terms of reference for the position can be found on the ZSL website (www.zsl.org/info/jobs). We regret that we will only be able to contact applicants who have been selected for interview.