Deputy Head of Department (gn) Europe Department

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an internationally operating conservation organisation based in Germany that has been supporting conservation projects in Africa, South America, South East Asia and Europe for many decades. Following our mission to conserve wildlife and ecosystems we are focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places.

About the project

In Europe, our focus is on the protection of large natural landscapes and wilderness areas in the Carpathians, Polesia, Bialowieza and the steppes of Kazakhstan, as well as wilderness development in Germany. To support this work, we are looking for a Deputy Head of Department (gn) Europe Department.

The purpose of the role is primarily to support the Head of Department in key functions, co-manage the department and to act as second in charge, stepping in in case of the HoD’s absence or other circumstances which require representing the Department or taking decisions on behalf of the HoD. The full-time position will be based at the FZS headquarters in Frankfurt/Main.

In detail the key functions are:

• Manage cross-cutting division (finance management, communication and fundraising, advocacy and IT) of the department, line-manage lead staff in this division
• Co-manage the overall operations of the department including the implementation of the department‘s longer term and annual planning cycle (based on the departmental strategy)
• Maintain a clear overview of the Europe Programmes and the status of its projects (including budget status, project plans and implementation, and staff activities)
• Act as the key point of contact for other departments from within FZS
• Co-oversee and support the field projects and ensure that FZS procedures and policies are being adhered to where needed
• Co-lead on staff development and team coherence
• Further management and leadership development of the job holder (to be regulated in the Annual Performance Agreement)

• Higher degree – or equivalent experience – in nature conservation, forestry, biology, geography, environmental studies or related fields
• More than 5 years’ experience in the field of nature conservation and working internationally
• Strong leadership and the ability to work and take decisions independently
• Excellent organization and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English and preferably German, Ukrainian would be an asset) 
• Energetic “roll up the sleeves” work ethic, creative ‘out the box’ thinking, and attention to detail
• A passion for wilderness and nature conservation

• Engaging and meaningful work with room for your own ideas
• Opportunity to get to know impressive wilderness areas in Europe, and to contribute towards their protection
• Form part of a dynamic and motivated team in Europe, as well as the larger FZS team working to secure outstanding wild places across the globe
• Job ticket, occupational pension scheme and 30 days’ vacation per year
• Flat hierarchy, opportunities for further training and the option for remote work within limits
• The position is initially limited to two years with a possible longer-term perspective