South Asia Programme Intern

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is looking for an intern, based at ZSL's offices in Regents Park, to provide support on a long term project on the Brahmaputra river dolphin and freshwater ecosystem in the South Asia programme. The Brahmaputra River Dolphin Project is a collaborative project between ZSL and Aaranyak, a leading NGO in Assam working towards long term conservation of the Brahmaputra river dolphin. This opportunity will be desk-based in the UK.

Main tasks would include (but not exhaustive):

• Co-ordinating and finalising the development of a dolphin post-mortem protocol and associated teaching aids.
• Liaising with in-country staff on specific project activities relating to fisheries, dolphin monitoring, and public engagement.
• Supporting the compilation of project reports.
• Maintenance of the conservation database.
• Financial administration.
• Supporting the project manager in the general running of the project.
• Contribute towards ZSL monthly progress reports.
• Help maintain/establish relationships with relevant local and international partners.
• Liaise with ZSL development and press office (press releases, website support etc).
• Attend relevant ZSL meetings and events.

The ideal candidate should have:

• A university background in aquatic ecology and/or relevant biological/zoological sciences (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of the cetacean biology and/or the South Central Asian region.
• Excellent English both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Excellent IT skills.

ZSL is offering:

• A professional working environment.
• Experience within an international team.
• Supervision by Conservation Programmes staff.
• Experience with UK statutory organisations and NGOs.
• Experience interning within an active conservation organisation.
• Facilities including computer, internet and library.
• Daily expense coverage (travel zones 1-6, and lunch costs (max £5 per day)). Please note that this is a voluntary position.

We hope that interns can commit to six months full time (37.5 hours, Monday – Friday), starting at the beginning of October 2012 (the option of part-time will be considered). The role is based within ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park, London so candidates should ideally live within easy daily reach of ZSL London Zoo. All applicants must be able to show that they have permission to work in the UK.

To apply, please send a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for this role, your CV and details of two referees to Lucy Boddam-Whetham (lucy.boddam-whetham@zsl.org). All short listed applicants will be contacted by 26 September 2012. We receive many applications for our vacancies, and are unfortunately unable to reply to all enquiries. If you have not been contacted by this date we regret you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Closing date for applications: Friday 21^st September 2012

Interviews: 27^th, 28^th September.