EDGE of Existence Conservation Scientist (social or interdisciplinary)

Overview of the role:  

The EDGE of Existence Conservation Scientist will have an interdisciplinary or social sciences background and an excellent understanding of past and current conservation models worldwide. The role aims to bridge the social and natural sciences gap and incorporate social science perspectives into every aspect of the EDGE of Existence Programme. This position is critical for guiding community engagement and integrating social (and decolonial) research methodologies and perspectives into the heart of conservation activities that target the most unique, extraordinary, and overlooked species and regions on Earth.

The post holder will work closely with the programme’s Regional Project Managers in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, as well as a range of technical experts at ZSL. A vital aspect of the role will be supporting, strengthening, and diversifying conservation leadership globally. The post holder will simultaneously work with approximately 30-40 EDGE Fellows, supporting them in implementing conservation projects for EDGE species in their home countries.

Key responsibilities:  

• Lead the development and delivery of online and face-to-face conservation social science training for early- and mid-career conservationists.
  
  
• Mentor and coach EDGE Fellows and other programme affiliates, providing expertise on the social dimensions of conservation. This will include supporting them on all aspects of their work related to people, including but not limited to stakeholder engagement and analysis; working with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities; project planning and study design; sampling strategies; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; and overseeing the development and dissemination of social science research outputs.

• Lead the monitoring and evaluation of the programme's strategic goal of supporting, strengthening, and diversifying conservation leadership.

• Ensure projects under the EDGE programme adhere to ethical standards, provide training and guidance to EDGE Fellows and programme affiliates, and ensure all projects implement ZSL’s FAIRER Framework.

• Support and sometimes lead fundraising efforts and maintain relationships with donors and sponsors, including grant writing and reporting to secure programme funding.

• Proven experience in social or interdisciplinary research on conservation issues in lower- and/or middle-income countries.

•  Previous experience mentoring and/or coaching.

•  Previous experience or demonstrable ability to develop, manage, and deliver innovative and engaging social science training.

•  Experience working in culturally diverse and interdisciplinary teams.

•  A postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline or extensive proven experience.

• Experience working with species focused conservation in a lower- and/or middle-income country.

•  Advanced knowledge of conservation. In particular, aspects related to people (e.g. resource use, governance structures, rural livelihoods, conflict, community-based conservation).

•  Advanced knowledge of quantitative, qualitative, and participatory social science methods and analysis.

•  Ability to work with, train, mentor, and coach people with different experience levels and from diverse cultures and backgrounds worldwide while upholding the highest levels of understanding, respect, and collegiality.

•  Knowledge of the social and political dimensions of past and present conservation models.

•  Excellent communication skills with an ability to convey complicated theory and research from the social sciences in understandable, engaging, and culturally appropriate ways.

•  Ability to write in multiple styles to a high standard (e.g. for academic, fundraising, reporting, public engagement purposes).

•  Able to manage own time and effectively prioritise tasks.

•  Advanced knowledge of Logical Frameworks and Theories of Change. 

• Excellent attention to detail.

•  This post is a blended role for office and home working; some travel to ZSL’s offices will be required. 

•  This post requires occasional work during evenings and/or and weekends.

•  This role requires frequent overseas travel worldwide (sometimes in remote areas) and is expected to travel up to 45 days per year.

•  Strong commitment to creating a culture that lives ZSL values and commitment to safeguarding, equality and diversity (collaborative, inspiring, inclusive, innovative, impactful and ethical).

• To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures.

 This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.  

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  

What do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct  
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays  
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops  
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle  
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages