The Organization

Founded in 2006, Panthera is devoted to the conservation of the world’s 40 species of wild cats and the vast ecosystems they inhabit. Our team of biologists, data scientists, law enforcement experts and wild cat advocates studies and protects the seven species of big cats: cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards and tigers. Panthera also creates targeted conservation strategies for the world’s most threatened and overlooked small cats. With our supporters around the world, we inform the public about the plight of wild cats, help local communities live in harmony with wild cats, protect wild cats and their prey from poaching, fight the illegal wildlife trade and safeguard the precious landscapes wild cats need to survive.

Position: Community Engagement Officer

Location: Great Kafue Ecosystem, Zambia

Start Date: 01 July 2023

About the role

Panthera is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated young professional who is passionate about conservation and the protection of wildlife and is looking for a path to full time employment at a conservation field site.

The successful candidate will be mentored by experienced Panthera staff and will gain practical experience in community engagement, data capture and analysis, and project administration. The candidate will need to be a critical thinker that possesses strong interpersonal skills in order to cultivate productive working relationships with community members and fellow Panthera staff in order to help develop our understanding of the threats facing wildlife in the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, the challenges faced by communities living with wildlife and potential solutions to help address these threats and challenges.

The candidate may be offered a full-time contract position upon the successful completion of his/her internship dependent upon performance and subject to the availability of funding.

Job Description

The incumbents job duties will be focused on assisting Panthera with the day-to-day operations of the community engagement program and any other activities related to Panthera’s program to support DNPW recover wildlife in the Greater Kafue Ecosystem. On occasion you may be required to assist with programmatic activities elsewhere in Zambia.

Tasks will include:

• Assisting with conducting interviews with community members and other stakeholders.
• Data capture.
• Assisting with data analysis and interpretation.
• Preparing reports.
• Working with Panthera colleagues, communities and partner organisations to develop innovative and practical solutions to complex conservation challenges.
• Where necessary, attending and assisting with training events and workshops.
• Participating in regular internal project meetings.
• Representing Panthera in external meetings and fora where requested.
• Assisting with project administration including monthly financial reporting.
• Assisting Panthera staff with other programmatic needs where necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (a background in biological sciences or wildlife management will be an advantage to candidates but not a necessity)
• Zambian national
• Must be 23 years old or older

Skill and Attributes

• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Proficiency in Nyanja and/or Lozi. Proficiency in additional local languages including Ila, Kaonde and Tonga will be advantageous
• Diplomacy and well-developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Critical and logical thinker with an enquiring mind
• Strong computer skills
• Strong work ethic
• An ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• An ability to take initiative and deliver a high standard of work.
• Willingness to adhere to institutional procedures and standards
• A clear sense of institutional propriety with respect to accountability and transparency
• Unimpeachable integrity
• Living conditions are rough and familiarity with bush living in remote wilderness areas is a must. The candidate must be willing to spend extended periods of time working in remote environments
• A clean driving license for manual vehicles with a minimum of one year’s experience is a necessity. Off-road driving experience is advantageous
• Demonstrable interest in and knowledge of wildlife conservation
• Flexible and responsive to the needs of organization
• Good time management; able to meet deadlines