Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Job Description
Job Title:
Projects Coordinator – South & Central Asia
Department:
Conservation Programmes
Responsible to:
Programme Manager- South and Central Asia
Responsible for:
Project administration and support for new and
ongoing projects within the South and Central Asia programme
Approved by:
Job Holder:
Head of Department or Director:
Jonathan Baillie
Date:
Job Description reference number:
Grade:
7–6
ZSL
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.
Programme background
ZSL has been active in the region for nearly 15 years and has projects in Bangladesh, Nepal, Mongolia and
India. The main focus of ZSL’s research and conservation activities in India have focussed on defining and
monitoring the status of protected areas and endangered species including Gangetic dolphins and more
recently tigers; we are now in the process of setting up an Asiatic lion project in the Gir protected area
system in India, which project will be the main focus for this position.
Position required
The position will be based in London within the South and Central Asia programme. The post-holder will
report to the South and Central Asia programme manager, and will work closely with the Assistant
Programme Manager for Asia and with incountry staff in the programme.
Main responsibilities
The post holder will support the South and Central Asia Programme Manager with the establishment and
running of the new project for Asian lion conservation. As well as working directly on this project, they will
also assist with other matters within the programme as needed to free up the time of the programme
manager to work on Asian lion conservation, particularly at the start of the work. Details below, therefore,
may apply to the Asian lion project or to other projects in the programme portfolio.
Financial administration
1. Compilation and monitoring of project expenditures and budgets and ensuring reporting and justification
of expenditure against ZSL procedures and criteria set by donors.
2. Liaison with the Conservation Programmes administrator and ZSL Finance Department to resolve any
anomalies found in the finance system and ensure all funds and costs are recorded in the appropriate
budgets.
3. Preparation and follow-up of the system invoices, international bank transfer requests, and other
financial papers in relation to all projects managed under the Programme.
Project management
4. Compilation of monthly and annual reports, and support to project managers in compilation of technical
reports to donors and any special reports to satisfy ZSL or donor requirements.
5. Liaison with Conservation Programmes administrator to ensure that project budget monitoring, personnel
management and reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs) conforms to internal ZSL standards.
6. Assistance to programme manager with monitoring performance of field staff and with recruitment,
including the placing of job advertisements, organising interviews and induction of new staff.
Logistics
7. Organisation of project-related meetings and workshops, preparation of materials and taking and
production of minutes/meeting reports.
8. Support regarding travel and logistical arrangements for field staff and other ZSL staff engaged on
projects within the programme, following ZSL procedures for approval of travel and insurance cover.
9. Sourcing, procurement, cataloguing and tracking of equipment and materials to support projects.
10. Support to project managers to ensure the ZSL health and safety policy is implemented in all projects
within the Programme.
Communications
11. Liaison with project field staff and with representatives of partner organisation(s), which may include field
and site visits.
12. Regular updating of programme manager and others in ZSL regarding progress of the project and other
relevant issues, as appropriate.
13. Preparation and distribution of promotional and educational material for ZSL publications, newsletters,
brochures, posters, project information sheets and provision of regular updates for relevant web pages
within the ZSL website.
14. Updating of project information in the ZSL Projects Database.
15. Liaison with project staff to maintain a library of photos and video for projects in the programme.
16. Representation of the projects and programme across the Society through regular contact across ZSL
divisions involved in project-related initiatives, including the zoos, IoZ, Finance, Development,
Communications and Marketing
17. Representation of the projects and programme nationally and internationally, by participation in relevant
conservation events, workshops and symposia and in collaborations with partners.
18. Representation of ZSL in dealings with national and international media when required.
General
19. Support with project fundraising activities by sourcing potential donors and contributing to funding
applications.
20. Ensuring all activities and procedures follow ZSL policies, particularly with regard to health and safety,
finance, human resources and communications, and dissemination of ZSL policies to project staff as
necessary.
21. If required, execution of field visits or participation in fieldwork.
22. Undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post, as may be reasonably
required at the initial place of work or at other locations.
NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered. It is not
designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder in order to
reflect changes in the job or the Society.
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience Required (Examples – edit as necessary)
23.
At least 2 years’ experience of field conservation development and management, including
significant experience in project management and financial reporting.
24.
A good understanding of biodiversity conservation issues in Asia, particularly in the Indian
subcontinent.
25.
A degree in an appropriate subject
26.
Excellent written and spoken English
27.
Strong organisational, interpersonal and presentation skills
29.
Proven fundraising and report-writing ability
30.
Good communication skills and experience with the media and public speaking
31.
Proven ability to work effectively with teams and senior managers
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