Senior Public Affairs Officer (Full-time / 8 Months Fixed-Term Contract)

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. Through the work of our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, our pioneering scientists and our dedicated conservationists our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct.

The Senior Public Affairs Executive is a new role, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build the public affairs profile of ZSL and particularly London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. Working with colleagues in Marketing and Communications and across our Zoos, our Conservation & Policy directorate and our Institute of Zoology, you will raise awareness and understanding in Westminster and Whitehall of the value of ZSL’s Zoos, and how they help our in-field conservation and our scientific research.

• Work alongside the Communications department and the Conservation and Policy Department to develop public affairs strategies to further the aims and objectives of ZSL and our two Zoos.
• Recommend appropriate tactics for effective engagement to raise awareness and strengthen our reputation with key policy makers.
• Work with ZSL Environmental Policy colleagues, BIAZA and Public Affairs colleagues in other zoos to horizon scan for upcoming policy developments and activities and co-ordinate and maintain a public affairs schedule.
• Prepare high-quality briefing materials for political audiences and senior internal stakeholders to support the delivery of ZSL influencing priorities.
• Identify opportunities and draft responses to parliamentary, government and other consultations.
• Monitor political environment and feedback timely intelligence to all relevant internal staff
• Track the progress of bills and other parliamentary activity relevant to zoos, zoo licensing and the keeping of specific species, and provide insights into the impact of proposed legislation.
• Design and deliver a Westminster and Whitehall contact programme to develop ZSL’s relationships with key decision-makers. 

• Sound knowledge of the workings of government and parliamentary procedure.
• Understanding of the external political environment and political developments as they affect ZSL
• Understanding of current environmental issues, nationally and internationally and an understanding of the role the UK plays in efforts to combat the biodiversity and climate crisis, at home and abroad.
• Track record of influencing stakeholders, and ability to develop relationships with a range of policymakers, parliamentarians, government departments, advisers etc.
• Experience of writing clear, concise and persuasive copy for a range of audiences and in a variety of formats
• Experience of developing public affairs strategies, and ability to present persuasively to colleagues
• Strong organisational skills and ability to organise stakeholder events / visits
• Experience in conservation, or a demonstrable commitment for conservation

Please find attached the full job description here.

What do we offer?

“Work Your Way”: We empower people to work from where they work best. We believe work is something we do and not a place we go. Our offices have become important places for collaboration and social connection but are no longer our main place of work.

You will have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program as well as regular webinars and activities around mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. The opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving diversity and inclusion. 

Other benefits include 25 days holiday, life assurance, stakeholder pension (employer contribution is matched up to 12%), complimentary zoo tickets with a 30% discount in shops and online, subsidised canteen, enhanced paternity and maternity leave, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, subsidised gym membership and access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities. 

Ultimately, you’ll know that you’ll help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.  

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 these positions or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

 Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 5th December 2021

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