Governance Officer (Part-Time / 1 Year 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.

Role Profile

ZSL is seeking a Governance Officer to join our Legal, Governance and Risk Management team.  This is a new post, providing an opportunity for the right individual to shape and develop the role to maximise governance support to ZSL’s Council of Trustees and the Executive Committee. The role will include managing registers and databases, assisting with regulatory filings, helping with production and management of meeting papers, taking and preparing minutes, and liaising with colleagues across the charity to follow up actions.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Preparation of agendas, presentations and meeting papers, including print production and timely distribution and chasing papers for meetings;
• Checking papers to ensure that the correct information is being reported;
• Manage the extensive annual meetings calendar;
• Arrange the booking of conference rooms, video conference facilities,  refreshments and liaising with meeting attendees, both internal and external;
• Take minutes and circulate these after the meeting;
• Keeping abreast of best practice in Governance and updating the team accordingly;
• Manage registers and databases
• Work with the Legal, Governance and Risk Team to prepare trustee training and induction;
• Assist with regulatory filings;
• Be responsible for board and committee membership, including vacancies and appointments, and helping to ensure that this is done in line with the applicable Terms of Reference; and
• Work with the team to facilitate and undertake periodic review of Terms of Reference and other relevant governance documents

Person Specification

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, effective communicator
• Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, develops and maintains relationships with others and maintains a professional impression.
• Strong organisational skills
• Good timekeeping skills and ability to work to (and meet) deadlines
   

Please note: We are looking for someone to work 20 hours per week on average but the role will be busier in the build-up to meetings but then quieter at other times to compensate for this. Therefore the role will require some flexibility in working hours.