Coordinator, Spatially Explicit Conservation Action Plan of the Northern Lion

This exciting three-year role offers a unique opportunity to drive real impact for wild cats by bringing SECAP priorities to life on the ground. Inspired by the proven success of the Cheetah Conservation Initiative (CCI), the post is a joint effort between the IUCN Cat Specialist Group and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). You’ll play a central role in translating strategy into action, through research, conflict mitigation, and community-based conservation, while building strong, lasting relationships across the region. As a Regional Coordinator, you’ll be at the heart of local engagement, shaping the future of cat conservation where it matters most.

 

This post is office-based and can be located in Benin or Cameroon, depending on the successful candidate's location and preference. This role requires occasional evening and weekend working.

Key responsibilities:  

• Programme Development: Review existing projects and resources to prioritise actions and develop a comprehensive SECAP work plan with clear indicators. Design and support new projects aligned with SECAP objectives and actively pursue funding opportunities.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Networking: Build and maintain strong partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and local stakeholders. Collaborate closely with CCI National Carnivore Coordinators and engage government partners to promote SECAP.
• Coordination & Promotion: Support the organisation of a Range Country meeting to strengthen collaboration. Advocate for SECAP through targeted outreach and established networks.

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in ecology, conservation, or environmental management, along with solid professional experience in related fields.
• You have a strong track record of managing budgets and financial processes with accuracy and accountability.
• Confidence engaging with technology, demonstrating advanced computer literacy and proficiency in relevant software and tools.
• Expertise in data management and analysis, with the ability to handle complex datasets and deliver insightful assessments.
• Fluency in both French and English.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, particularly in reporting and documentation.

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 
• Holidays – 18 days annual leave during each 12-month period worked, plus national and public holidays as specified by the Cameroon government and Labour Code 
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 
• Maternity and Paternity leave 
• Medical Health Insurance