Project Coordinator, Project Tekai

About Panthera Corporation

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. Panthera Corporation consists of Panthera Corporation- USA and several foreign legal entities and foreign branch offices.  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 Tekai started in 2023 and is focused on the monitoring and protection of the Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), as well as all other wild cat species in the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve (ASARTR), also known as the Tekai Core Area in Pahang. 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.

Role Overview

The Project Coordinator for Panthera’s Project Tekai will lead field teams, manage project data, and collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders to support wild cat conservation in Malaysia. Reporting to the Malaysia Country Manager, the Coordinator will uphold Panthera’s values, adhere to its code of conduct and standard operating procedures, and maintain professional standards. The role may involve occasional support for other Panthera projects to share knowledge and expertise, as directed by the Malaysia Country Manager.

The Coordinator will represent Panthera Malaysia in meetings with partners and organizations in Pahang and regionally, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission as operations expand.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Implementation: Lead patrol activities, biological monitoring, counter-poaching efforts, and community engagement initiatives to achieve project objectives.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute work plans and strategies to meet conservation goals, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain transparent, professional relationships with government agencies, partners, and local stakeholders, aligning strategies where applicable.
• Data Management: Oversee project data collection, storage, and sharing, implementing robust protocols to ensure data security and accessibility.
• Financial Oversight: Manage the project budget, submit timely budget forecasts and expense reports (monthly or bi-weekly), and prepare financial and technical reports for donors and partners.
• Team Leadership: Supervise recruitment, training, and performance evaluations of project staff, ensuring their welfare and professional development.
• Operational Logistics: Oversee procurement of patrol equipment and rations, manage logistics, and coordinate the preparation of maps and briefings for field operations.
• Reporting and Collaboration: Provide regular project updates to internal teams, management, and external stakeholders, fostering cross-learning and collaboration with Panthera Malaysia’s Patrol Specialist, CWC Coordinator, and other team members.
• Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with Panthera’s policies, Malaysia’s national laws, and the organization’s programmatic vision.

Essential Duties

• Foster strong, professional relationships with project partners, government representatives, and stakeholders.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality project outputs in line with schedules and objectives.
• Stay updated on advancements in biodiversity monitoring and wildlife crime science through workshops, conferences, and training.
• Adhere to Panthera’s Employee Handbook, including its code of conduct, ethics, and Patrol Standard Operating Procedures.

Required Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Education: Master’s degree or higher in Biology, Conservation Management, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 8 years of professional experience, including at least 4 years managing field-based conservation or research projects.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and relevant R packages for data analysis.
• Language: Fluency in Bahasa Malaysia and English (written and spoken).
• Licenses: Valid Malaysian driving license (Class D).
• Personal Attributes:
• Strong integrity, credibility, and commitment to Panthera’s conservation mission.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for diverse team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to remote field conditions.
• Willingness to be based in Jerantut, with frequent travel to Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, and field sites.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with Malaysia’s conservation policies and environmental landscape.
• Teamwork: Proven ability to work collaboratively while adhering to safety and operational protocols.

Location and Travel

The role is based in Jerantut, Pahang, with frequent travel to field sites, Kuantan, and Kuala Lumpur as required.