Job Opportunities API

Description ZSL is hiring an Aquatic Species and Policy Programme Manager on a maternity cover basis, with applications open to a hybrid arrangement based in Wales, London, or home, working across two flagship shark and ray conservation projects. ZSL is an international conservation charity. Through unrivalled animal experts in two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of pioneering scientists, and dedicated conservationists, ZSL’s purpose is to inspire, inform, and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. The Programme Manager sits in the Conservation and Policy Department, working across Project SIARC (Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities), the Angel Shark Project, and the Angel Shark Conservation Network. The role oversees delivery of project objectives to time and budget with support from the Aquatic Species and Policy Programme Lead. Responsibilities • Lead management and strategic delivery of the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) grant for Project SIARC, including development of the Delivery Phase application. • Support delivery of the Nature Networks Fund 5 (NNF5) grant for Project SIARC. • Lead key decisions around project implementation, deliverables, inclusive community engagement, and events, in line with grant contracts, work plans, and project budgets. • Oversee project implementation including monitoring, evaluation, and learning plans, project logframes, and Gantt charts to enable adaptive management across both projects. • Identify fundraising opportunities and design and secure grant funding to deliver the projects. • Develop and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships with government authorities, national and international NGOs, private sector, research institutions, community organisations, relevant actors, and donors. • Lead budget forecasting and financial management for the projects, ensuring ZSL and partner funds are appropriately spent, monitored, and recorded. • Positively advocate for and role-model Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion learning across the programme. • Ensure projects are approved via ZSL’s Ethical Review Process for both humans and wildlife. • Learn and apply social and behavioural sciences. Requirements • Strong experience managing and delivering complex multi-partner projects on time and to budget. • Demonstrated knowledge and experience using project management processes. • Proven track record of fundraising and developing grant proposals over £1 million. • Experience working in Wales, UK, and/or EU conservation landscape. • Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with proven self-motivation and problem-solving. • Ability to effectively build and develop relationships with a wide range of cross-sectoral people and representatives. • Excellent time management skills, including the ability to respond quickly to demands, effectively prioritise, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment. • Prior experience creating working environments and cultures where everyone can feel safe, inclusive, and embrace diversity. • Proven experience in report-writing for a range of audiences including scientific, technical, and wider public. Additional Notes • Maternity cover role. • Can be based in Wales, London, or hybrid suitable for home working; regular travel to London and Wales required. • Provisional interview date: 2 June 2026. • Proposed start date: 6 July 2026. • Up to 12% contributory pension; 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays. • Flexible working; access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets with 30% retail discount. • Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan. • Enhanced maternity and paternity packages. • ZSL applications are anonymised until interview stage; over-reliance on AI-generated content may reduce effectiveness. • This role may close early or be extended depending on application volumes. How to Apply Apply through the ZSL careers portal. Contact [email protected] with any questions about this role.