Sustainable Finance Programme Manager

Zoological Society of London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 12%

Flexible working

25 days annual leave

Life assurance from day one

Wellbeing support

Zoo tickets

Job summary

The Zoological Society of London is seeking a Sustainable Finance Programme Manager to shape and grow our Sustainable Finance Programme in London. You will lead strategy, drive delivery and develop nature finance advisory services to mobilise private and public capital for biodiversity.

This role combines finance, science and conservation, building partnerships with development finance institutions and donors, and delivering diverse projects across UK and global landscapes with regular travel.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in finance, economics, sustainability, environmental sciences or a related field.
• Experience in sustainable finance, conservation finance, ESG or finance-sector engagement.
• Strong understanding of sustainable finance, ESG and conservation finance mechanisms.
• Proven experience building partnerships and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders.
• A track record of business development, pipeline management and securing grant or commercial income.
• Excellent communication, organisation and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work across different countries and cultures.

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

Skills

Sustainable finance

Conservation finance

ESG

Stakeholder engagement

Business development

Project management

Communication

Education

Degree in finance/economics/sustainability

Job description

Purpose of the role

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

About You

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in finance, economics, sustainability, environmental sciences or a related field.
• Experience in sustainable finance, conservation finance, ESG or finance-sector engagement.
• Strong understanding of sustainable finance, ESG and conservation finance mechanisms.
• Proven experience building partnerships and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders.
• A track record of business development, pipeline management and securing grant or commercial income.
• Excellent communication, organisation and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work across different countries and cultures.

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 underrepresented 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.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What We Offer

Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working options
• 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Access to our staff Equality Networks
• Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
• Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)

You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide.