Director, King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre, Saudi Arabia

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is recruiting for the position of Director of the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC) in Saudi Arabia. ZSL have been managing KKWRC for the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) since 1989. The centre runs the largest captive breeding programmes in the world for mountain gazelles, Arabian sand gazelles and Nubian ibex, and carries out ecological, epidemiological and genetic research on these captive animals and wild populations in protected areas across Saudi Arabia. KKWRC has carried out reintroductions into three protected areas in Saudi Arabia and continues to monitor these populations whilst planning future reintroductions.

ZSL is seeking a suitably qualified, motivated individual with strong leadership qualities and a scientific background. Candidates should have experience at Senior Departmental level and preferably experience working in the Arabian Peninsula. Able to work independently in demanding social conditions you will have an aptitude for motivating staff and fostering relationships with institutional partners. A good understanding of conservation, wildlife health or animal management is essential with a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant subject. Fluent spoken and written English is essential and Arabic is of benefit.

As Director, you will be overall-in-charge of the centre, responsible through ZSL to the President of the Saudi Wildlife Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You will be responsible for the management of KKWRC staff, finances and other resources to ensure the delivery of all management, scientific and capacity building targets in the SWA-ZSL annual contract and workplan. 

The position is initially a fixed term contract with the possibility of renewal each year thereafter. The post will be based at KKWRC in Thumamah, 1 hour outside of Riyadh. Accommodation is provided at KKWRC. The salary range is approximately SR246,065-SR320,676 (approx. £42,082-£54,842) tax free and is negotiable, depending on experience, with 60 calendar days leave per annum. 

Application procedure

The post is available immediately.  Applications should send a full CV (maximum 3 pages) and covering letter detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability, by email to hr@zsl.org. A full job description is available from www.zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: 7 February 2014

We regret that we will only be able to contact applicants who have been selected for interview.

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