CAREERS AT CHESTER ZOO

Policy & Advocacy Officer

Job reference:001693

Salary:£27500 per annum

Closing date:16/06/2026

Department:External Affairs

Location:Chester

Employment type:Permanent

Hours Per Week:40

Job Description

Full time, permanent contract with an option for some working from home.

We are Chester Zoo

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 30,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

The Role – Policy & Advocacy Officer

We now have an exciting new role for an outstanding Policy & Advocacy Officer. Reporting to the Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager, as part of our External Affairs Department, you’ll be responsible for supporting delivery of Chester Zoo’s policy and advocacy across a range of UK and international issues; including international conservation, UK wildlife, deforestation, conservation education, and sustainability.
The role requires experience in policy, advocacy and campaigning, problem-solving ability, strong research skills and an excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Support delivery of UK and international policy and advocacy activity, by conducting research and gathering evidence across a range of issues; monitoring developments in biodiversity and environmental policy; and supporting the development of policy content and campaign delivery.
• Help to maintain Chester Zoo’s recognised leadership on tackling deforestation, through supporting our engagement with relevant stakeholders (including corporate partners, industry and civil society) and our efforts to influence regulation and public policy.
• Support the building of relationships with international partners, NGOs, and corporate stakeholders.
• Represent the zoo at relevant policy forums and external events

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The Package

• Permanent contract
• Working 40 hours per week
• £27,500 per annum
• Option for some home working
• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%

Our Requirements

• Professional experience in policy, advocacy and campaigning
• Evidence of problem-solving and ability to work independently
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to distil complex information to present evidence and inform decision-making
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Knowledge of sustainable supply chains and deforestation
• Understanding of EU and international policy and political processes
• Experience of working in a conservation and/or zoo sector setting

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role may take place while the advert is live; candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.