Voluntary Research Intern - IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group

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 purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals from going extinct. With a new strategy about to launch in June 2018, ZSL is just about to embark on a transformational change programme which will see strategic objectives being set for our 200 year anniversary in 2026.

The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Pangolin Specialist Group is offering an excellent opportunity to gain experience volunteering at the Zoological Society of London, one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations. The intern will assist with the development of a captive care guide for live confiscated pangolins, conservation planning and updating the IUCN Red List assessments for pangolins. The intern will also provide communications support to the PangolinSG, including updating the website (www.pangolinsg.org) and social media.

The role will involve working with members of the Pangolin Specialist Group on outputs from the group’s 2017-2020 strategy. This includes developing a captive care guide for live confiscated pangolins in Africa and Asia. Production of such a guide has been recommended in processes in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) processes. Other responsibilities include working closely with the Pangolin Specialist Group Chair, Red List Authority Co-ordinator and members to update all of the pangolin Red List assessments, assisting with sourcing funding to hold national or regional conservation planning workshops for pangolin species and providing communications/social media support to the Pangolin Specialist Group.

The volunteering opportunity is for six months, starting in June 2018. The role is ideally for three/four days a week, following normal office hours from 9am to 5pm and is based within ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park, London.

Please note that this is a voluntary position. However, lunch (up to £5) and travel expenses (up to the equivalent to a monthly travel card within zones 1-6) will be reimbursed. 

In this role, the voluntary intern will benefit from:

• Experience of undertaking research within one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations;
• Support to complete the IUCN Red List online course, leading to an internationally recognised qualification;
• Training in the use of social media to communicate science and conservation; and
• Interaction with staff across the Society including Conservation Programmes and the Institute of Zoology, as well as 100+ Pangolin Specialist Group members around the world.

• Working with members of the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group to produce a captive care guide for live confiscated pangolins
• Assisting with updating IUCN Red List assessments for all pangolin species
• Assisting with sourcing funds for a pangolin conservation planning workshop
• Updating PangolinSG website, including the conservation project pages and posting regular blogs
• Updating the PangolinSG Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds

Candidates should have an interest in pangolins and CITES. They should be IT proficient and have good attention to detail, along with strong research and communication skills and an ability to work independently. Finally, potential volunteers must be eligible to work in the UK.

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) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this role online” button.

If you have any queries regarding this position please contact Carly Waterman via e-mail: carly.waterman@pangolinsg.org.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Thursday 28th June 2018

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728