Head of Science to Government & Industry (Maternity Cover) - Full Time / 6 Months Fixed-Term Contract

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a leading international conservation, science and education charity . ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries around the world and through education and engagement at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

ZSL is seeking a Head of Science to Government and Industry to drive the implementation of the departmental institutional donor relations and project development strategy, coordinating engagement across Conservation Programmes (CP) in collaboration with the Project Development Manager. Reporting directly to the Director of CP, this maternity cover role will work with the regional and global programmes teams to secure partnerships with bilateral and multilateral donors, raising the profile of ZSL’s work and contributing significantly to achieving our mission. Working closely with all parts of ZSL you will develop and maintain strategic donor relationships and will be acting as a key point of contact for the department.

This key leadership position requires a highly credible, resilient and proactive individual who has gravitas and the ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders. The individual should have a strong track-record of engaging and influencing donor agencies, government partners, opinion-formers, academics, grantees and colleagues. The successful candidate will also ideally have proven large-scale proposal-making experience and be able to manage competing priorities, work under pressure and delegate effectively.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual to take on a partnerships role with a specific focus on securing funds from bilateral and multilateral donors within an established international organisation. You will have the autonomy to take the lead on the development of multiple large, complex, multi-disciplinary projects that will create significant and lasting impact across the globe.

• Proven ability to oversee, write and critique large-scale conservation proposals for rigorous, impactful projects to a range of institutional donors.
• Extensive experience overseeing the development and management and reporting of multiple largescale conservation projects.
• Good working knowledge of and good contacts within, funding bodies both national and international relevant to the work of Conservation Programmes.
• Proven ability to draft rigorous donor proposals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills; fluency in English is essential, with knowledge of another language an advantage.
• Experience in working at a strategic level, with demonstrable diplomatic skills.
• Degree level qualification or equivalent qualification or experience in an appropriate discipline.
• An extensive and contemporary understanding and appreciation of global conservation issues and the challenges involved would be highly advantageous.

Please note: The role will initially be on a fixed term basis for 6 months minimum, with the potential for extension depending on the need for further maternity cover. This post will be based at ZSL’s offices in Regents Park. However, there may be the need to occasionally travel to overseas donor organisations and other important fora.

Benefit Package:

This role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 26 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 6%, complimentary zoo tickets and more!

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. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Thursday 22nd September 2016

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