Programme Development Specialist

Position: Programme Development Specialist (Senior Program Officer)
Advertising End Date: 10 May 2026
All Locations: Nepal
All Departments: International field programmes
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term
Workplace type: On-site
Business Area: Global Conservation and Field Programmes
Contract length: 12 months

Purpose of the role

Overview of the role: 

The purpose of this role is to lead programme development in coordination with senior management, field teams and other stakeholders to design a compelling and high-quality biodiversity conservation projects in Nepal.

The post holder will work closely with the Country Representative, program manager, field teams and fundraising team based in the UK to deliver the responsibilities and activities as noted within the Main Duties and Key Responsibilities section of this document.

Key responsibilities: 

• Identify funding opportunities and lead the development of high-quality project proposals, concept notes, and budgets aligned with donor priorities.

• Identify opportunities for developing new conservation projects focusing on ZSL’s key themes: Species Protection, Restoring Habitats, Living with Wildlife, and Inspiring Change.

• Conceptualize and develop result chains/theory of changes, logical framework for development of large funding applications.

• Conduct coordination meetings with technical staffs and field teams to generate ideas and maintain a proactive approach to fundraising.

• Communicate ZSL’s work to key stakeholders including funders, charity organisations and government through writing briefing notes, success stories, best practices and documents and presentations etc.

• Coordinate and maintain communication with ZSL regional and London team to support development and submission of funding proposals and any other issues as required.

About You

• Master’s degree in Forestry, Environment Science, Environmental Management, Climate Change, Development Studies or a related field.

• At least 5 years of experience in fundraising, project development, donor relations, and communication within INGOs, NGOs, or development organizations.

• Proven experience of designing and preparing projects related to biodiversity conservation, climate change, nature-based solution and/or eco-system-based adaptation.

• Proven experience in fundraising, negotiation with stakeholders, and establishing strategic partnerships and collaborations with national and international like-minded institutions for project development and implementation.

• Experience of drafting briefs, project reports, donor newsletter or other promotional material and/or impact reporting

• Demonstrated understanding of national and international policies and strategies related to forest management, biodiversity conservation and climate change.

• 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 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 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

• Holidays – 19 days paid annual leave during each 12-month period worked, plus national and public holidays as per the Labor Act of Nepal.

• Wellbeing – Accidental insurance for staff and medical insurance for staff (including family members)

• Maternity leave and paternity leave available as per Labor act of Nepal.

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.