Responsible Sourcing Specialist

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, we guide and enable others in the UK and all across the world. Inspiring, informing, empowering – working for wildlife.

The Responsible Sourcing Specialist will contribute to ZSL’s work in the forestry sector, conducting research, assessments, training and in-country engagement as part of our SPOTT project as well as through consultancy support to commercial clients. This position will contribute to increased transparency and responsible sourcing in the timber & pulp and rubber sectors, with field work in Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Indonesia and China.   

Please note we will be accepting applications from candidates that either wish to be based in our Yaounde office in Cameroon or our London office in the UK but candidates will need to have the correct right to work documentation in the countries they wish to work in. 

• Conducting SPOTT assessments for timber & pulp, rubber and palm oil sector companies.
• Researching to support the development, design and implementation of company assessment indicators, research protocols and new features on SPOTT.
• Managing the research and supporting engagement activities for a subset of assessments of companies in different sectors appearing on SPOTT.
• Supporting the maintenance and development of the database, including ensuring it can support the expansion of SPOTT for multiple commodities and company assessments.
• Organising and delivering project-related meetings, webinars and workshops, and the preparation of materials and minutes/meeting reports.
• Assisting with the preparation and distribution of promotional and educational material for ZSL, including publications, newsletters, brochures, etc.
• Creating and/or reviewing ZSL press releases, position statements, policies relating to the palm oil sector and responsible sourcing.

• A degree in a relevant subject (e.g. forestry, nature management, biology, international development, environmental law, etc);
• Experience providing training, assessments, auditing, policy development and other consultancy services for commercial organisations is desirable.
• An understanding of conservation issues – particularly as they pertain to the tropical forestry sector
• Knowledge of responsible sourcing, production or trade of forest products.
• Familiarity with legality issues in the tropical forestry sector, particularly the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan and/or EU Timber Regulation.
• Excellent research skills.
• Strong organisational, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English is essential and a proficiency in other relevant languages (French, Bahasa Indonesia or Chinese) is desirable

Please find attached the full job description 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 on the ZSL website. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources.