Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Terms of Reference:
Projects Coordinator – Marine and Freshwater Programme
22nd May 2014
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.
Project background
ZSL has implemented conservation and research projects for aquatic fauna and their habitats for many
years, but this was formalised as the Marine and Freshwater conservation programme in 2003. Since then,
the programme has established projects in four continents that are addressing issues as varied as species
population declines, ex situ breeding, habitat management and rehabilitation, international trade of aquarium
species, ecotourism, protection and rehabilitation of mangrove forests and establishment of marine protected
areas. Further, the programme has been intrinsically involved in advocating and consulting on a wide range
of national and international policy.
Programme aims
The Marine and Freshwater Programme objectives are as follows:

To protect and restore freshwater habitats around the world through implementing integrated
management plans for freshwater ecosystems in areas that lack capacity and/or are located near
ZSL hubs.

To protect and restore coastal habitats around the world through in-country capacity building,
lobbying, research, and facilitating both practical implementation and outreach.

To secure the status of focal species in situ, with ex situ support as required, particularly by halting
or reversing the decline due to anthropogenic threats, through the implementation of sustainable
management plans.

To measurably improve the status of aquatic species and habitats in UK overseas territories.
Position required
The Marine and Freshwater Projects Co-ordinator is involved in a broad portfolio of projects but with
particular focus on the Chagos Marine Reserve and EDGE Coral Reefs. The position will report to the Marine
and Freshwater Programme Manager (Dr Matthew Gollock) and will work closely with the Section Head of
Global Programmes, the EDGE Programme Manager and the rest of the team. The post is primarily officebased at the ZSL offices in London.
Main responsibilities
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.
7. Development of materials and content of project-specific training courses and outreach events.
Logistics
8. Organisation of project-related meetings and workshops, preparation of materials and taking and
production of minutes/meeting reports.
9. 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.
10. Sourcing, procurement, cataloguing and tracking of equipment and materials to support projects.
11. Support to project managers to ensure the ZSL health and safety policy is implemented in all projects
within the Programme.
Communications
12. Liaison with project field staff and with representatives of partner organisation(s), which may include field
and site visits.
13. Regular updating of programme manager and others in ZSL regarding progress of the project and other
relevant issues, as appropriate.
14. 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.
15. Updating of project information in the ZSL Projects Database.
16. Liaison with project staff to maintain a library of photos and video for projects in the programme.
17. 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
18. Representation of the projects and programme nationally and internationally, by participation in relevant
conservation events, workshops and symposia and in collaborations with partners.
19. Representation of ZSL in dealings with national and international media when required.
General
20. Support with project fundraising activities by sourcing potential donors and contributing to funding
applications.
21. 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.
22. If required, execution of field visits or participation in fieldwork.
23. Any other activities that are agreed with the relevant programme manager.