At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major international conservation programme and enhance management effectiveness in protected areas.
- Company: Join the Zoological Society of London and the SMART‑EarthRanger Conservation Alliance.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting under-represented communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global conservation efforts while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing conservation projects and delivering training programmes is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47912 - 50574 € per year.
The Zoological Society of London and the SMART‑EarthRanger Conservation Alliance (SERCA) are seeking a Programme Manager to lead delivery of a major international programme focused on strengthening the management effectiveness of protected and conserved areas across Africa and beyond, through improved monitoring, reporting, and adaptive management using SERCA tools.
The Programme Manager (SERCA Impact & Capacity) will play a central role in improving how conservation area teams collect, analyse, report, and use monitoring data to inform decision‑making, translating SERCA’s tools (SMART and EarthRanger) into improved conservation outcomes in protected and conserved areas. This will be achieved through strengthening field capacity, embedding adaptive management practices, and aligning monitoring systems with management effectiveness and reporting requirements.
The role is responsible for overall programme leadership and coordinated delivery across multiple organisations, partners, and geographies, including oversight of training, technical guidance, and monitoring and reporting frameworks, and support for their effective implementation in real‑world conservation contexts.
The position is hosted within ZSL’s Monitoring & Technology Programme on behalf of SERCA and sits within the Alliance’s Impact function, working closely with the Capacity function and other SERCA teams. The role can be based at ZSL’s Head Office in Regent’s Park, London, or at ZSL’s registered offices in Kenya or Cameroon. Candidates must have the existing right to work in the country where they wish to be based. Salary will align with ZSL’s local pay scales for that location, with the London‑based salary range being £47,912 – £50,574 per annum, depending on experience. This role includes international travel, expected to be up to approximately 45 days per year depending on programme requirements.
Key responsibilities
- Lead delivery and coordination of a major multi‑partner conservation programme across multiple countries and organisations.
- Manage programme planning, budgets, reporting, partnerships, and coordination of staff, consultants, and partner contributions.
- Oversee development and delivery of training programmes, learning systems, and technical guidance focused on effective use of SERCA tools for conservation monitoring, reporting, and decision‑making.
- Lead development of monitoring frameworks, adaptive management approaches, and management effectiveness and reporting workflows, and implementation standards that support improved management of protected and conserved areas.
- Support implementing sites and partners to strengthen monitoring workflows, data quality, reporting, and use of SERCA data in management processes.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of SERCA tools and approaches, and development of future programme phases and funding proposals.
About You
- Significant experience managing complex, multi‑partner conservation projects, particularly in protected and conserved areas.
- Proven experience designing and delivering training programmes in conservation or related fields and producing technical guidance or training materials.
- Significant experience supporting use of conservation area monitoring platforms, including SMART and/or EarthRanger.
- Experience applying protected and conserved area management effectiveness assessment approaches (e.g. METT, IMET, RAPPAM).
- Experience developing conservation monitoring frameworks, indicators, or evaluation systems, and supporting the application of monitoring data to inform management decision‑making (adaptive management).
Other information
Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 8th June 2026. This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of under‑represented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.
Benefits
- Purpose‑driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
- Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
- Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
- Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays (increasing with milestone anniversaries).
- Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks – Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience.
- Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
- Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
- Cycle2Work – our cycle‑to‑work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
- Season ticket loan – we offer an interest free loan for eligible London‑based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
- Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.
Programme Manager (SERCA Impact & Capacity) employer: Elbichologo
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an exceptional employer, offering a purpose-driven work environment where every role contributes to the vital mission of wildlife conservation. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, ZSL provides generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and access to various equality networks, fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity. Located in the heart of London, ZSL also offers unique opportunities for international travel and professional growth within a collaborative, multi-partner conservation programme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (SERCA Impact & Capacity)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation field, especially those connected to SERCA or ZSL. Attend events, webinars, and workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your experience with conservation projects, training programmes, and monitoring frameworks. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers, especially around your experience with SMART and EarthRanger tools. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the StudySmarter community and contributing to impactful conservation work.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (SERCA Impact & Capacity)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with conservation projects and the specific skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the Programme Manager role!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past experiences, focus on the impact you've made in previous roles. Use metrics or specific examples to illustrate how you've improved management effectiveness or training outcomes in conservation settings.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity with SERCA.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elbichologo
✨Know Your SERCA Tools
Familiarise yourself with the SMART and EarthRanger platforms. Be ready to discuss how you've used similar tools in past projects, and think about specific examples where you improved monitoring or reporting processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to share experiences where you've led multi-partner conservation projects. Highlight your ability to coordinate teams across different geographies and how you managed challenges that arose during these collaborations.
✨Demonstrate Training Expertise
Since the role involves developing training programmes, be prepared to discuss your experience in designing and delivering training. Bring examples of materials you've created and how they contributed to effective learning outcomes.
✨Understand Adaptive Management
Brush up on adaptive management practices and be ready to explain how you've applied them in previous roles. Discuss how you’ve used monitoring data to inform decision-making and improve conservation outcomes.
