ZSL is Hiring a Sustainable Finance Analyst

Overview of the role

The purpose of the role is to provide research and analysis to support project development, management and decision making in a wide range of areas related to sustainable finance including; biodiversity risk analysis and mitigation, company sustainability, finance sector policy and regulation, market research, impact investment, conservation enterprise model design, and a range of related legal and social considerations.

The post holder will draw on their skills and experience in research and analysis in a field related to biodiversity and/or sustainability. They will be required to synthesise and present information in a variety of formats relevant to ZSL’s partners. They are expected to build their knowledge and capacity in a rapidly developing and innovative field to be able to influence some of the largest financial institutions and most significant biodiversity conservation and restoration projects in the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Interviews and engagement with investors and businesses
• Qualitative research and analysis of academic and non-academic sources including analysis of policy, regulation and standards
• Quantitative data analysis and the production of tables, graphs and other graphical outputs
• Preparation and delivery of presentations, reports and guides
• Provision of technical advice, support and training to external clients
• Record keeping, minute-taking and maintenance of systems including the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system
• Coordination of working groups, technical committees, meetings and workshops
  Self-directed learning and professional development including participating in training

The ideal candidate will:

• Degree in a topic related to sustainability, finance and/or biodiversity or equivalent work experience
• Experience in research and analysis on topics related to Environmental Social and Governance (ESG), finance and/or biodiversity including interpreting policy and regulation
• Experience of working with international teams in cross-cultural environments, including those based in the Global South
• An understanding of key trends and topics in sustainable finance, ESG and investing in nature
• An ability to research, analyse and write reports to a professional standard
• Ability to engage with a wide variety of audiences from financial institutions to local organisations in the Global South
• Organisational skills, including the ability to coordinate working groups, events and committees
• Strong attention to detail and good record-keeping skills

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.

About ZSL

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. 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.

About the Programme

ZSL’s Sustainable Business & Finance Department works with commercial organisations, communities, NGOs and governments to address major global challenges to forest and biodiversity loss. We work with all actors in commodity supply chains – from producers to buyers and investors – to achieve supply chain transparency and sustainability, supporting practices which protect & enhance biodiversity. Sitting within the Sustainable Business & Finance Department, the Sustainable Finance Programme aims to close the $1 trillion financing gap for nature, through working both on the demand side with investors to increase the financing for nature, and on the supply side to develop investible, nature positive projects and enterprises.

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Our vision and purpose – you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
• 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
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• 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 to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity and paternity packages

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) from ZSL’s career website. You can do this by clicking the “Apply for this job” button. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please contact recruitment@zsl.org

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) on 8th October 2023