Projects Assistant (Full-Time / 3 Months Fixed-Term Contract)

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 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 across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

With global biodiversity in rapid decline and a growing number of species on the brink of extinction, advances in technology are becoming ever more important in helping conservationists address big challenges. ZSL has established a growing Conservation Technology Unit (CTU) currently consisting of seven people and is working with a range of expert technology companies and universities to develop innovative solutions to address conservation challenges around the world.

This role is to assist a 3 month project to organise and run ZSL's Zoohackthon event scheduled for 6-8 October 2017, as well as assist delivery of a broad portfolio of conservation technology projects, working closely with team members to ensure goals and donor requirements are met.  This will include, but is not limited to, assisting with event management and logistics, financial administration, completion of records in the ZSL Projects Database, and contributions to reports and communications materials as necessary. This could include supporting a citizen science project to engage the public through live camera trap data (Instant Wild) and a multi sensor alarm system to support anti-poaching and remote wildlife monitoring (Instant Detect). 

As a member of the CTU you must be inspired by technology and the development of innovative technical solutions to solve conservation challenges.

• Support the project manager in tracking Zoohackathon planning and other project activities to ensure that deliverables are achieved according to the grant contract, work-plan and budget.
• Organise project meetings, prepares materials and takes and produces minutes /meeting reports.
• Arrange visa, travel and logistical arrangements for field staff, volunteers and students engaged on the courses and projects. 
• Source, procure, catalogue, maintain and track equipment and materials to support projects.
• Ensure field work risk assessments are completed and support with field work logistics.
• Help ensure that monthly reports are prepared and submitted, and that project information on the ZSL Projects Database, ZSL website and project communications, is kept up to date.
• Support project managers in coordinating PR activities to communicate project work externally, working closely with ZSL’s press team, digital team and external partners. 
• Maintains project spreadsheets, manages expenses for buying technical equipment, and works with the project manager to manage budget availability.

• Excellent communication skills required to maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Capable of grasping reasonably complex matters and communicating them effectively and in a timely manner.
• An ability to concentrate, and attention to detail, is very important
• Flexibility is important; the post holder needs to be able to respond to changing priorities as required.

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 job online" button on the ZSL website. 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 Sunday 2nd July 2017.

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