Course: Consulting for Wildlife Conservation

Why take this course?

Demand for conservation consultants is rising. As governments scramble to meet biodiversity commitments, NGOs look to plug specialist gaps, and corporations take sustainability more seriously, the market for skilled conservation expertise has never been bigger. But having the technical knowledge is only part of what it takes to build a consultancy that actually works.

The consultants who struggle are not necessarily the ones who lack expertise. They are the ones who have not worked out how to position themselves, who say yes to the wrong work, who undercharge and over-deliver without a plan, or who let a difficult client dynamic derail a project. These are not failures of conservation ability, they are failures of consultancy craft.

That craft is learnable. Finding the right clients, writing proposals that win work, setting boundaries, building a reputation, and knowing when and how to scale; none of this requires luck or natural salesmanship. It requires a clear approach, applied consistently. This course provides that approach, built specifically for the realities of working as a consultant in the conservation sector.

Aspiring consultants who are considering a move into independent practice and want to understand what it really takes to build a credible, sustainable consultancy from the ground up.

Practising consultants who are already taking on conservation work but want a structured framework to sharpen their approach, strengthen client relationships, and grow their business more deliberately.

Conservation professionals in employed roles who carry out consultancy-style work as part of their job advising clients, delivering technical services, or managing external contracts and want to do this more effectively.

Conservation organisations developing or supporting a network of consultants, and looking for a quality framework to underpin that work.

What will I learn?

This training course has been developed with input from experienced conservation experts to help kick start your journey into the world of consulting.

You will learn how to:

• Approach consultancy work with the principles that build lasting client trust and professional reputation.
• Assess market opportunities by identifying the right prospects, services, and pricing for your skills.
• Craft a value proposition and professional profile that gets you noticed for the right work.
• Generate leads through networking, thought leadership, and proactive opportunity searching.
• Convert prospects into clients through effective research, initial meetings, and clear contracting.
• Deliver a seamless, high-quality consultancy experience that exceeds client expectations.
• Document your work in ways that protect you and your client, and foster their long-term independence.
• Scale your consultancy through subcontracting, associate networks, or building a consultancy practice.

What will my learning experience be like?

WildTeam courses are delivered online and on demand, so you can study in your own time and at your own pace.

You will work through practical course materials, activities, and assessments designed to help you build skills you can apply in real conservation work. Once you have completed the course and passed the required exams, you will receive a certificate to recognise your achievement.

The course contains 19 video lessons, 18 exercises, quizzes and a final exam. We estimate the course will take 10 hours to complete.

Where can I find our more?

To find out more and sign up, click the button below.

Who is providing this training?

WildTeam UK is a not-for-profit charity that designs and delivers training in key skills that help conservationists increase their impact. To date, we have trained over 5,000 conservationists from 118 countries.

How much is the course?

Our courses cost £190 when purchased individually. Alternatively, you can join as an annual member for £290, giving you access to all WildTeam training courses at better value, if you plan to take more than one course.

What do people say about the training?

“Field projects lead by Bristol Zoological Society aim to increase their conservation impact and thanks to WildTeam’s great training, we will achieve that!” Daphne Kerhoas, Higher Education and Conservation Manager, Bristol Zoological Society

“It was a wonderful opportunity and our team is keen to apply all lessons learned towards conducting our work efficiently.” Amanda Shia Kang Ping, Research Officer, HUTAN - Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Programme

“I hope to use these skills to help improve efficiency, communication and overall productivity here at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife.” Jeremy Phan, Director, Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife