Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Vacancy for Programme Officer

Job Title: Programme Officer           

Department: Global Conservation Programmes

Directorate: Conservation and Policy 

The key purpose of the job

ZSL Nepal programme is a highly diverse programme with projects spanning integrated landscape management as well as species conservation (namely tiger, rhino, and EDGE species), protected area management, sustainable community development and building in country conservation capacity. This rapidly expanding programme is seeking a Programme Officer with conservation experience to assist the Nepal programme in leading the delivery and development. The post holder will be responsible for supporting the implementation of a suite of projects, working closely with senior management to streamline current operations and ensure continuity of delivery of high-quality outputs with significant conservation impacts.

Main duties and key responsibilities

The Programme Officer will be responsible for planning, monitoring and reporting the progress of ZSL implemented projects to provide a basis for evidence-based decision making. Outlined below is the detailed list of activities that the Programme Officer should be able to comprehend and implement. The post holder should also be adept at day-to-day office administration tasks.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify the opportunities for developing projects on wildlife conservation and sustainable livelihood promotion based on field experiences and communicate with programme development team accordingly.

• Support in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluating of the projects in a timely manner with effective stakeholders' collaboration.
• Identify new project ideas in line with the MoFE/DNPWC, Provincial ministries' priorities and formulate the project in close coordination with relevant project partners and support for writing the funding applications.

• Assist developing ZSL Nepal resourcing and funding strategy including the donor and funding engagement
• Where necessary provide support for projects in the selection, management and supervision of partners and team, to implement activities and produce deliverables in timely fashion.
• Provide support to the preparation of reports on outputs and outcomes required for donors and relevant government authorities and ensure all reporting compliances are met.
• Build partner and community capacity through training in areas related to empowerment or livelihoods and providing guidance on technical approaches.
• Coordinate with relevant officers and/or the programme staff as appropriate, to maintain relationships with existing partners and stakeholders and seek out and develop new relationships as required for programme development.
• Providing support and oversight in preparing and delivery reports and assist in preparing financial reports as required by donors and/or stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Represent ZSL in different fora, attend meetings and provide technical support to partners as needed.

• To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.
• To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.

NB:  This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered.  It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation. 

Qualifications and Skills:

The post holder should have at least a master's degree in forestry/biological/environmental science or similar field and should have a minimum of 2 years' experience. S/he should have proven skills in developing proposals, implementing and reporting project activities and stakeholder’s engagement in ZSL supported conservation projects where necessary. This post is initially based in our Kathmandu Office, with regular trips to our field sites to implement projects and provide technical/admin advice and support.

Excellent English proficiency in oral and written communication, including a demonstrated track record in technical report writing and ability to communicate technical matters effectively to general audience. Proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Internet). Skill on the use of computer application including MIS software, data collection software, GIS, R, SPSS, advance excel, and/or any other statistical packages are a plus.