Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Job Description
Job Title:
Technical Advisor
Department:
Conservation Programmes
Responsible to:
Assistant programme manager Africa
Responsible for:
N/A
Approved by:
Job Holder:
New Post
Head of Department or Director:
Jonathan Baillie
Date:
16/12/14
Job Description reference number:
Grade:
5.6-4.6
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.
Project background
The W-Arli-Pendjari conservation complex (WAP-COM), spanning the borders of Burkina Faso, Niger and
Benin, is one of the most important areas for conservation in West Africa. It represents the last relatively
intact savannah system in the region and is a conservation priority for both large carnivores and African
elephant. The complex faces increasing threats from illegal hunting, encroachment from pastoralists and
agriculture all compounded by a lack of capacity to monitor, protect and manage the landscape.
ZSL has been active in the region since 2008 through its Range-Wide Conservation Programme for Cheetah
and African Wild Dog. In 2014 the Society took the decision to prioritise support to the WAP-COM landscape
and provide initial funding to establish a programme of work through its Mission Opportunity Fund. In its
initial phase, this project focuses on the Benin side of the complex, namely the Pendjari and W national
parks and surrounding areas. The project will be carried out in partnership with Panthera, the Centre
National de Gestion de Reserves de Faune (CENAGREF) and other local, national and regional
stakeholders as appropriate.
Project aims
1. Support effective law enforcement monitoring and protection in Pendjari and W national parks
through the establishment and implementation of the SMART approach.
2. Support the establishment and implementation of research and monitoring programmes aimed at
sustainable management of the parks and surrounding areas.
3. Develop the capacity of local and regional partners to manage and protect the parks, carry out
research and any other relevant aspects of project activities.
4. Engage and collaborate with other stakeholders to integrate the project into existing and future
initiatives for conservation in the region.
Position
The position will be based primarily in the field at Pendjari and W national parks in Benin with time also spent
at the ZSL office in Cotonou. The post resides within the North and West Africa Programme, reporting
directly to the Assistant Programme Manager for Africa.
Main responsibilities
Technical support for protected area management
1. Work with Pendjari and W park management, ZSL and Panthera colleagues and other relevant
stakeholders to review existing law enforcement and patrol based monitoring systems for the parks.
2. Work with park managers, colleagues and other stakeholders to develop a plan for implementing the
SMART approach within Pendjari and W parks.
3. Work alongside park management, patrol teams and other relevant stakeholders to implement the
SMART approach to adaptive management for Pendjari and W parks.
4. Support any other relevant initiatives related to support the project objectives, including but not limited to,
ecological monitoring, use of new technologies and other research.
5. Ensure that all relevant project activities are carried out using robust, scientifically sound methodologies
in line with ZSL best practice.
Capacity building
6. Work with colleagues from ZSL and partner organisations to provide training and ongoing technical
support to relevant partner staff in all aspects of implementing the SMART approach and any other
methodologies applied as part of the project.
7. Selection (where appropriate), guidance and supervision of local and international students carrying out
agreed research projects in conjunction with the project, including training in research, survey and
analysis techniques as appropriate.
Stakeholder relationships
8. Maintaining and developing relations with main partners, CENAGREF and Panthera under the terms of
existing Memoranda of Understanding and associated annexes and agreements.
9. Developing new relationships and partnerships with relevant stakeholders including authorities, donor
agencies, local and international NGOs, private sector actors, research institutions and local
communities.
10. Liaison with other relevant academic, conservation and development organisations working in-country as
well as internationally, to ensure that the work of the project complements and builds on existing
initiatives.
11. Regular communication with in-country partners regarding project progress.
Project management
12. Setting of and adherence to project objectives and annual work plan as agreed with line manager.
13. Liaison with line manager and project personnel to ensure that agreed work is completed on schedule, to
budget and in compliance with ZSL health and safety procedures and UK/in-country laws and regulations.
14. Where necessary, the recruitment of suitable field team(s) in collaboration with line managers and/or
other relevant project personnel.
15. Collaboration with project team in the purchase (according to procurement plans as required),
management and recording of survey equipment, supplies and vehicles (including keeping of equipment
log), ensuring relevant equipment is properly maintained.
16. Management of own budget and accounts and keeping of financial records, with submission of a financial
report every month to the relevant line managers or administrator.
17. Submission of monthly technical reports to the line managers and contribution to technical and financial
reports to project donors as required.
18. Adhere to the ZSL field health and safety policy and insure it is followed in all managed projects.
Dissemination
19. Publication of research findings in scientific journals, policy papers and technical reports (e.g. ZSL
Conservation Report).
20. Contribution to regular updates for partners/donors/stakeholders, regular blogs and updates for the ZSL
website and occasional longer pieces for the ZSL magazine.
21. Promotion of relevant areas of the project and ZSL’s work in the project area through media interviews
and articles as required.
22. Provide any project reports required by government, partners or funders as required.
23. Dissemination of the project findings in international fora, to facilitate lesson-learning and information
exchange.
Representation and promotion of ZSL
24. Representation of ZSL at, and participation in, relevant national, regional and international conservation
policy/planning events (as funds allow).
25. Participation in the development of ZSL’s conservation strategy and policies, particularly with reference to
the post holder’s own area of operation.
Project development and support for ZSL programme
26. Assistance with project development, design and preparation of funding proposals for the project as
required/advantageous.
27. Development of new aspects of the project that are in line with ZSL’s long-term strategic aims, and
assistance in gaining national/regional/international recognition and funding for such proposed work.
28. Work with ZSL colleagues to support other ZSL programmes in the region, especially the Range-Wide
Conservation Programme for Cheetah and African Wild Dog.
29. Work with colleagues to explore other opportunities to expand project activities to other parts of the WAP
complex.
Expectations of job holder

To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all aspects of the post
holder’s work.

To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and
responsibilities attached to this post.

Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.

To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake recommended
Health and Safety training as and when necessary.

To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training as
necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.

To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.
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 organisation.
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Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience

Experience of working in developing countries, ideally West Africa.

Experience of protected area management.

Experience in law enforcement, patrol based monitoring in the context of protected area management.

Experience in using the SMART approach or similar systems to support law enforcement and patrol
based monitoring is highly desirable.

Experience of delivering training, both in more formal settings and informal ‘on-the-job’ environments.

Proven experience with working with multiple collaborators and stakeholders.

A higher degree (MSc or above) in a subject related to conservation/natural resource management is
desirable or equivalent level of work experience in a relevant field.

Understanding and strong experience of working for or with NGOs.

Experience in project design, planning and management.

Experience of technical and financial report writing.
Knowledge

A good understanding of current international and Africa specific biodiversity conservation issues.
Skills & Abilities

Fluent spoken and written French essential.

Fluent spoken and written English desirable.

Ability to communicate in English essential.

Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.

Strong organisational skills, with ability to carry out multiple tasks to deadlines.

Personable with ability to work both within a team and independently.

Must be good self motivator and comfortable with independent working.

Effective networking and people skills.

Good experience of delivering training and technical support to differing abilities.
Other Requirements

Driver’s license.

Able and willing to work long hours and over weekends when required.

Comfortable spending prolonged periods in the field in remote locations.
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Job Description Analysis for Job Evaluation Process
THIS WILL BE COMPLETED IN DUE COURSE – AGREED WITH EMILY
ROWNTREE.
A.
Applied Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
Qualifications and Experience
B.
Responsibilities
i.
Human Resource Management
Level of management responsibilities and numbers
ii.
Physical Resource Management
Four types of resources exist

Plant, machinery, equipment, materials and products

Budgetary control and/or all forms of legal tender

Confidentiality

Animals
C.
Building Relationships
Internally, externally and level of relationship
i.
Interpersonal Skills
ii.
Communication
iii.
D.
Liaison
Mental Demands
i.
Judgment and Decision Making
ii.
Original Thought and Problem Solving
iii.
Concentration
Depth and duration
iv.
Flexibility
Includes range of tasks
E.
Working Conditions
Indoor, outdoor and disagreeable elements