Assistant Coordinator, Project Kenyir

Panthera is the only organization in the world that is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems. Utilizing the expertise of the world’s premier cat biologists, Panthera develops and implements global strategies for the most imperiled species. Representing the most comprehensive effort of its kind, Panthera partners with local and international NGOs, scientific institutions, local communities, governments around the globe, and citizens who want to help ensure a future for wild cats. For more on Panthera, visit www.panthera.org.

Panthera has been present in Malaysia through partners for almost a decade. In the beginning of 2020, Panthera incorporated an office in Malaysia – Panthera Wild Cat Conservation Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Panthera Malaysia).

Panthera’s Project Kenyir (formerly known as Project Harimau Selamanya) started in 2014 and has been focused on the monitoring and protection of the Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), as well as all other wild cat species in the Kenyir-Taman Negara Core Area in Terengganu. The project’s main objectives are to stabilize and recover the population of tigers and other wild cats in the landscape following the Panthera’s Regional Development Strategy for South and Southeast Asia in Malaysia.

As an Assistant Coordinator for Panthera’s Project Kenyir, s/he shall support the team with the execution of the project’s research and patrol activities with the aim to study and conserve the wild cat population in the Kenyir-Taman Negara Core Area. S/he will do so by adhering to the code of conduct and standard operating procedures of Panthera Malaysia. As an employee of Panthera Malaysia, s/he will uphold the organisation’s values and operating principles and maintain a professional work etiquette at all times. S/he may be required to assist with other projects of Panthera in other field sites from time to time for transfer of knowledge, skills and experience, at the discretion of the Malaysia Country Manager as and when needed.

The Assistant Coordinator will be assisting the Project Coordinator to operationalize and manage all aspects of the Kenyir project, working closely with the Program Manager. S/he should be equipped with the right skills, knowledge and experience to manage the project’s accounts and perform the necessary administrative duties to ensure the smooth running of the project operations. The Assistant Coordinator will be expected to represent Panthera Malaysia in meetings with local partner agencies and organisations in Terengganu, ensuring that the organisation’s values and operating principles are maintained as Panthera Malaysia operations grow over time.

S/he will report to the Project Coordinator of Project Kenyir.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage the project administrative operations to ensure compliance of Finance and procurement, HR and other administrative policies by all programmatic departments.
• Assist the Project Coordinator by managing the project budget and ensure timely submission of budget forecast and expense reporting are conducted every month/bi-weekly as needed.
• Assist the Project Coordinator with preparing financial reports for submission to relevant donors.
• Ensure that staff, interns, volunteers and any other relevant parties are well aware and comply with safety and administrative procedures and templates in all areas of operation.
• Assist in the recruitment, orientation, and monitoring the performance of field staff.
• Work with the Project Coordinator and Patrol Specialist in ensuring the welfare of project staff are in line with the organisation’s policies and standards.
• Assist with the management of field staff roster by working closely with the Patrol Specialist and Program Manager to upkeep information with the payroll team in a timely manner.
• Assist with the management of community rangers seconded to the project, including timely submission of the required monthly reports to the relevant agencies.
• Upkeep the inventory of all assets and field equipment of the project to enable regular audits.
• Maintain and ensure the project’s facilities and assets are in good operational state.
• Participate in briefing, strategy planning, and debriefing sessions as and when required in order to remain aware of all of the project’s field operations and requirements.
• Provide assistance in application of permits, submission of official letters or requests to relevant authorities or agencies.

Essential Duties

The essential job functions of the Assistant Coordinator of Project Kenyir are as follows:

• Establish and maintain good relations with partners and stakeholders of the project.
• Ensure professional conduct within the team as well as with partners and stakeholders of the project, including government representatives.
• Ensure that all assigned activities are consistent with the schedule and all outputs are delivered on time and at the desired quality.
• Be familiar and comply with the policies and guidelines set out in the Panthera Employee’s Handbook ensuring that the code of conduct & ethics and ‘Patrol Standard Operating Procedures’ are followed at all times.
• Be familiar and comply with Panthera’s programmatic vision, objectives and plans, and intellectual property rights.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable national laws and regulations of Malaysia.

Required Traits, Skills & Experience

An ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• Minimum qualification of Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, HR, Social Sciences or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of prior working experience is preferable
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and unwavering commitment to Panthera’s mission
• Meticulous with a keen eye for details
• Ability to work under pressure and be based in remote areas
• Willingness to be based in Kampung Basung and to travel frequently between field site, Kuala Terengganu, and Kuala Lumpur
• Ability to work with a diverse team
• Ability to adhere to protocols and safety guidelines
• Ability to communicate well and professionally
• Some knowledge of the conservation and policy environment in Malaysia
• Bahasa Malaysia and English language proficiency required
• Driving license (D) would be preferable