Sumatran Orangutan Society

Who we are

SOS is a small charity with a big ambition: to help secure a thriving and resilient future for critically endangered Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans, as well as the people living alongside them.

With an admirable portfolio of projects and partnerships built up over 22 years of supporting conservation efforts in Sumatra, we have recently launched our ambitious Conservation Greenprint, our strategy to 2030, which has collaboration with forest-edge communities at its heart. We are partnering with fantastic, effective frontline organisations doing some truly impactful work; there are tried and tested programmes that are ready to be scaled up; there are innovative approaches that are ready for investment.

To help us succeed in this exciting new phase, we are growing our team, to help us to realise our ambitious plans. 

You’ll be joining a fast-paced, dynamic team and we will do everything we can to help you succeed.  Working with SOS offers some unique rewards – this is a real chance to play a vital role in the protection of an iconic species and their precious rainforest habitats.

If that’s the sort of challenge that excites and energises you, we can’t wait to hear from you. Come and join an innovative, agile and dedicated conservation charity, as we ramp up our efforts to realise a flourishing future for orangutans, forests and people.

Our culture and values

The SOS team are a dedicated group of passionate individuals committed to making a real difference for orangutans and their forest homes. Here are just a few reasons why joining us could be your next great adventure:

Meaningful Impact

By becoming part of our team, you’ll play a crucial role in safeguarding critically endangered orangutans and their rainforest ecosystems. Your efforts will directly contribute to the success of our Conservation Greenprint strategy, helping to create a resilient future for both wildlife and the communities that coexist with them.

Collaborative Culture

We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace. At SOS, your ideas will be valued, and your contributions will help shape our fundraising efforts. We encourage our staff to take the lead in their own work, providing the scope for creativity and strategic input. We believe that collaboration is key to achieving our goals, and we encourage open communication at every level of our organisation. Your voice matters here, and we value the unique perspectives each team member brings.

Professional Development

We are committed to your growth and development. With access to continuous professional development opportunities, you’ll enhance your skills and knowledge while working alongside experienced professionals in the conservation field. We support your ambition and encourage you to take on new challenges that align with your career goals, and you’ll have the chance to develop both personally and professionally, ensuring you are equipped to excel in your role.

Work-Life Balance

We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. Our flexible working arrangements allow you to work from home and participate in regular team meetings to stay connected and engaged. We offer a generous annual leave entitlement, including time off during the festive season, to ensure you have time to recharge and rejuvenate.

Opportunities for Adventure

We believe in the importance of seeing the impact of your hard work firsthand. We offer opportunities for travel, allowing you to witness the positive changes you help create. This experience not only enhances your understanding but also deepens your commitment to our mission, and your ability to inspire the same in our supporters.

Unity and Collaboration

Our close-knit team and engaged board of trustees work collaboratively to share ideas, celebrate successes, and overcome challenges. Together, we break barriers to accelerate our impact, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within our organisation.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

At SOS, we are dedicated to embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in every aspect of our operations. As we grow our team to support our ambitious Conservation Greenprint strategy, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds who possess the skills, ambition, and energy to contribute to our mission.

Equality
We are committed to treating everyone fairly and with dignity and respect. We challenge discrimination and remove barriers, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their desired outcomes within our organisation.

Diversity
We celebrate the rich tapestry of values, abilities, and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. By fostering an environment that welcomes and values diverse backgrounds, thoughts, skills, and experiences, we harness the strengths of our collective differences to enhance our work and impact.

Inclusion
At SOS, we strive to create a workplace culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. We are dedicated to ensuring that all team members feel valued and accepted, allowing everyone to contribute their unique voice. We actively make reasonable adjustments to facilitate participation and engagement for all.

We believe that by embracing these commitments, we can strengthen our organisation and enhance our effectiveness in achieving our conservation goals. Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone feels empowered to make a difference.