Sustainable Finance Programme Manager

THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is seeking a Sustainable Finance Programme Manager to lead and grow our sustainable finance strategy and nature finance advisory offerings. You will shape the programme across the organisation and mobilise capital for biodiversity, drawing on ZSL’s science and conservation work.

You will lead projects and partnerships, connect finance with conservation, and build a financially sustainable portfolio that delivers impact globally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Sustainable Finance Programme: Set the strategic direction for ZSL’s sustainable finance work, lead its delivery and champion its adoption across the Society.
• Grow our Nature Finance Offer: Lead the development and growth of ZSL’s nature finance advisory work, shaping services and expanding portfolio.
• Build Partnerships and Income: Develop relationships with finance-sector organisations, donors and partners to generate sustainable income for conservation impact.
• Connect Science, Finance and Conservation: Draw on ZSL’s scientific expertise to develop credible nature finance solutions and provide technical leadership.
• Champion Nature Finance Externally: Represent ZSL to finance sector, policymakers and partners to drive action on financing nature.
• Lead People, Performance and Delivery: Manage the Sustainable Finance team, oversee budgets, and ensure effective delivery.

Job description

We're looking for a Sustainable Finance Programme Manager to lead and grow our Sustainable Finance Programme. You'll have two main areas of focus. First, you'll shape ZSL's sustainable finance strategy across the organisation, helping us use finance to support our conservation work. Second, you'll lead and develop our nature finance advisory work, building on our existing grant-funded and commercial offer to mobilise private and public capital for nature.

You'll set the direction for the programme, lead its delivery and help grow it into a financially sustainable portfolio. Drawing on ZSL's science, data and field expertise, you'll make the case to the finance sector and other key partners for why, and how, they need to act for biodiversity. You'll then turn that ambition into action through the projects, partnerships and advisory services you lead.

Your work will help attract investment, generate revenue and reduce risk for biodiversity, including through areas such as carbon and biodiversity impact metrics, nature-positive commodities and conservation enterprise. You'll also play a key role in delivering ZSL's global strategy, particularly Impact Area 4 – Creating Change, and our ambition to influence over £100 million for nature recovery.

You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues across ZSL’s network in the UK, Africa and Asia, building strong relationships with development finance institutions, partners and organisations across the finance sector. Together, you’ll develop and deliver a diverse portfolio of work, spanning the UK and priority landscapes and seascapes around the world, helping to turn finance into meaningful action for nature.

This is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week in London, with a flexible mix of office and home working. You’ll typically work from our Regent’s Park office one day a week, with additional office days and travel as required, including occasional evenings, weekends and international travel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Sustainable Finance Programme:Set the strategic direction for ZSL’s sustainable finance work, lead its delivery and champion its adoption across the Society.
• Grow our Nature Finance Offer:Lead the development and growth of ZSL’s nature finance advisory work, shaping our services, identifying new opportunities and expanding our grant-funded and commercial portfolio.
• Build Partnerships and Income:Develop strong relationships with finance-sector organisations, development finance institutions, donors and partners, building a pipeline of opportunities that generates sustainable income and supports conservation impact.
• Connect Science, Finance and Conservation:Draw on ZSL’s scientific expertise and conservation work to develop credible, innovative nature finance solutions and provide technical leadership across projects and initiatives.
• Champion Nature Finance Externally:Represent ZSL with the finance sector, policymakers and partners, using thought leadership, events, publications and advocacy to build understanding and action around financing nature.
• Lead People, Performance and Delivery – Manage and develop the Sustainable Finance team, oversee budgets, projects and partnerships, and ensure work is delivered effectively, sustainably and in line with ZSL’s strategy and values