SPOTT Manager (Full-Time / Permanent)

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 purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals from going extinct. Our priorities are: Wildlife and People; Wildlife Health; and Wildlife Back from the Brink. 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.

The success of our new strategy, ZSL 200, and our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, will depend on our ability to influence the private sector to implement sustainable economic models and practices and thereby demonstrate to policy makers the benefits that can be derived. This will include positive influence in the finance sector, so that this powerful engine of economic development addresses the urgent environmental challenges that face us. For positive conservation impact and outcomes to be achieved and sustained it is crucial to harmonise three core elements: economic growth; social inclusion; and environmental protection. These elements are inter-connected and all are crucial for the well-being of individuals and societies, and towards building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and planet. The Sustainable Development Goals recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and addresses a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.

Role Profile

ZSL is seeking an individual to manage SPOTT (www.spott.org), one of ZSL’s flagship initiatives and a global tool for sustainable ESG investing. SPOTT promotes transparency and accountability in high-biodiversity impact commodity sectors by assessing and engaging companies and their investors to support the implementation of environmental best practice.

The SPOTT Manager will be responsible for the SPOTT strategy and for managing the expansion and delivery of SPOTT. This includes oversight of relevant budgets, donor reporting, and ensuring the links between SPOTT and ZSL’s field conservation programmes. The individual will manage the SPOTT team based in London, including the Impacts, Website and Research teams and will also work with other staff in the Conservation Finance and Enterprise department and across ZSL, to resource the expansion of SPOTT to additional commodity sectors.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the SPOTT strategy, its development and its implementation and ensure that it is in line with and contributes to the ZSL Strategy.
• Oversee and ensure the delivery of company assessments and engagement across commodity sectors.
• Oversee the development of commodity-specific SPOTT company assessment and reporting frameworks to consistently improve the way SPOTT assesses and monitors companies and alignments with other transparency/ reporting initiatives, and to secure the adoption of frameworks by key stakeholders.
• Manage the expansion of SPOTT to other supply chain players within current commodities (palm oil refiner and crusher assessments) and other commodities (e.g. rubber).
• Oversee and ensure the delivery of the SPOTT impacts strategy to maximise uptake by key user groups and impact of SPOTT in supporting best practice implementation by companies.
• Work closely with staff in other programmes in ZSL, including the country programmes, to develop SPOTT as a model to support ZSL's field programmes.
• Manage project budgets and donor reporting and work closely with the International Finance business partner to ensure a sustainable income stream and that donor financial reporting requirements are met.
• Represent ZSL on relevant industry initiatives and in the business and biodiversity field.
• Participate in press interviews, give presentations and contribute towards publications.
• Where relevant, provide technical inputs and support the delivery of project activities.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• A relevant academic qualification, preferably at a Masters level
• Extensive and relevant experience related to commodity supply chains and corporate transparency. Experience working with transparency/ reporting tools and initiatives would be an asset
• Proven project and staff management experience
• Experience collaborating and building relationships with partners and donors
• A robust understanding of business and biodiversity conservation, including the palm oil, timber and pulp, rubber, and other high-biodiversity impact sectors
• Understanding of responsible investment and green finance
• An excellent standard of written and spoken English. Proven ability to communicate effectively in additional languages is highly desirable
• Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills
• An ability to manage competing priorities and delegate effectively
• Proven fundraising and report-writing ability
• Ability to work independently and problem-solve
• Highly collaborative with an ability to foster lasting partnerships
• Ability to work in different cultural settings.

Please note: This is a permanent position based at ZSL’s Main Offices in London, Regents Park.

Benefit Package:

The role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 6%, complimentary zoo tickets and more!

To Apply

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.