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 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 conservation projects focusing on high ranking EDGE mammals, amphibians and birds. Activities within this varied role range from developing and implementing species conservation strategies to mentoring EDGE Fellows (early-career conservation biologists undertaking research/conservation on a local EDGE species) and teaching on our annual conservation tools training course in Kenya. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Management of existing EDGE projects in Sri Lanka and Kenya, including provision of technical advice in all aspects of project design and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, managing project budgets, maintaining stakeholder relationships, fundraising  and disseminating results
• Development of new EDGE conservation projects as appropriate in Africa, Asia and Latin America
• Provision of ongoing technical advice and mentorship to EDGE Fellows focusing on terrestrial vertebrates via email, Skype and project visits
• Delivery of lecture-based, one-to-one and practical training in conservation tools and techniques on annual training courses, and development of online modules to support distance learning
• Provision of general support for the EDGE of Existence programme, including promoting EDGE methodology and outputs to academic/conservation audiences and the media, and fundraising

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, as is knowledge of a broad range of field research techniques. Experience in social science, teaching, 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 and should therefore have the right to work in the UK, 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. 

Please refer to our website (www.zsl.org/jobs) for the Terms of Reference.

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 Monday 22^nd April 2013.

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).