Project Manager – Rhino Impact Investment

About Us:

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.

Overview of Role:

ZSL is seeking a Project Manager to ensure the successful delivery of the Rhino Impact Investment (RII) project, meeting all project objectives and goals with the aim of launching a full Rhino Impact Investment by the end of the project. This role will include collaborating closely with a number of cross-society functions such as HR, Finance, Conservation Programmes, Legal and Compliance to ensure effective management of key stakeholder liaison including the RII Conservation Finance Technical Committee, RII Project Board members and project donors.

Main duties include:

• Leading the planning, creation and delivery of yearly donor project work plans, managing development of project progress reports including Annual Work Plan and Budget Plans, and ensuring team members are on track to meet project deadlines
• Being responsible for contracting appropriate financial consultants in the design of the RII payment mechanism linked to performance metrics and analysing suggested payment mechanisms proposed by consultants from both an impact and financial standpoint
• Managing project staff including the Project Administrator, in-country Conservation Biologist, Kenya Country Manager, external conservation and financial consultants to deliver the project work plan, this will also include conducting performance appraisals (where appropriate), setting objectives and providing support for both professional and personal development
• Having full accountability for ensuring that the project budget is appropriately spent, recorded, and reported on both internally and externally to donors 
• Coordinating with legal advisors to develop legal structures and contracts specific to chosen testing sites
• Liaising with ZSL UK Finance, Tax, Risk and Compliance Manager, Conservation Programmes Operations and maintaining day-to-day oversight of tasks each area are working towards against donor Policies and Procedures
• Maintaining on-going stakeholder engagement with internal teams including ZSL UK Africa & Asia Lead
• Overseeing the development and production of fundraising materials by working in collaboration with Project Administrator, ZSL Interp team and Press Office
• Representing ZSL at national and international conferences and workshops in the delivery of RII specific talks and presentations

The ideal candidate will:

• Be educated to undergraduate degree level in a relevant subject such as Economics, Sustainability, Environmental Sciences or equivalent or have equivalent level of work experience in a relevant field
• Have a strong understanding of the development and operation of impact investments/sustainable finance and other innovative financing arrangements be that within the development, social or environmental sector
• Have proven experience managing large, complex and multi-disciplinary projects
• Have extensive experience managing complex stakeholder networks and diverse expectations
• Have a good understanding of wildlife trade matters (desirable)
• Have proven ability to work effectively with teams and senior managers
• Have the ability to gather, analyse and evaluate facts and to prepare and present concise both oral and well written reports
• Have excellent written / oral communication skills with proven fundraising and report-writing ability
• Have current or previous people management experience and a track record of budget management.
• Be able to take ownership of political situations, challenges and see them through to a successful resolution

Please note: The post is offered on a full-time, 2 year fixed-term contract and the post-holder will be based at ZSL Main Offices in London. The post holder will work 37.5 hours per week but there will sometimes be a requirement to work out of office hours or over weekends to meet deadlines. Travelling to overseas offices may be required.

To Apply:

Applicants will need to upload their CV and cover 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" button below. 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 20th November 2016

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