Palm Oil Technical Advisor (Full-Time / 18 Month Fixed-Term Contract)

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.

We are looking for a Palm Oil Technical Advisor to join ZSL to lead our palm oil research with Sustainability Policy Transparency Toolkit (SPOTT), oversee and implement ZSL’s palm oil strategy. The successful candidate will act as ZSL’s main liaison point for palm oil across the Society and provide related technical support on environmental and social best practice in palm oil production.    

This position will be for 18 months initially with the high likelihood of this being extended further. 

• Responsibility for overseeing and implementing ZSL's palm oil strategy.
• Provide technical support on palm oil to existing and new in-country programmes and the wider organisation.
• Responsibility for SPOTT palm oil research, including overseeing company assessments and related analysis.
• Leading on company engagement and the development and implementation of a targeted strategy to support greater and transparency and accountability of palm oil companies assessed on SPOTT. 
• Working with the SPOTT Manager, ensure the publication of the SPOTT palm oil assessments.
• Provide research briefs and advice as and when required on SPOTT-featured companies and their assessments, particularly in support of engagement with investors and other SPOTT users.
• Support the SPOTT Manager with representation in supply chain transparency networks and related activities.
• Work with the team on donor relations and fundraising for SPOTT.
• Provide technical support to in-country programmes and assume responsibility for related budget monitoring.
• Represent ZSL within relevant national and international stakeholder and industry groups.
• Act as ZSL’s main liaison point for palm oil; promoting cross-society information sharing and collaboration to support ZSL’s Mission.

• BSc/BA in a relevant subject or relevant experience; a Masters would be desirable.
• Prior experience working in a field relevant to business and biodiversity and/or sustainable commodities, with specialist knowledge of the palm oil sector and related environmental and social best practice
• Proven technical knowledge and prior experience of sustainability issues relevant to the palm oil sector, ideally with respect to producer sustainability and transparency.
• Experience in research and project management and delivery

For a full Job Description please click here.

Please note that we will be interviewing candidates at the beginning of July.

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 1st July 2018.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.