Project Coordinator, Project Tekai

About Panthera Corporation

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.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 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, 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.

As a Project Coordinator for Panthera’s Project Tekai, s/he shall manage field teams, oversee the management of data, and liaise with the necessary government agencies required to fulfil the project’s patrol activities with the aim to conserve the wild cat population in the project landscape. 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 Project Coordinator will be expected to represent Panthera Malaysia in meetings with partner agencies and organisations in Pahang and at the regional scale, ensuring that the organisation’s values and operating principles are maintained as Panthera Malaysia operations grow over time.S/he will report to the Malaysia Country Manager.

Specific responsibilities include: 

• Lead the implementation of all project activities, including patrol activities, biological monitoring,  counter-poaching operations, and community engagement work.
• Assist with preparation of proposals and fundraising efforts.
• Develop strategies and workplan to meet the objectives of the project and execute the planned interventions.
• Engage with all stakeholders of the project and ensure transparent and professional relationships with partner agencies and organizations related to the project and oversee alignment of strategies.
• Manage all project data and information sharing and ensure effective levels of security for data protection and use, with clear protocols on information management in place.
• Manage the project budget and ensure the timely submissions of budget forecast and expense reporting are conducted monthly/bi-weekly as needed.
• Lead in the preparation of financial and technical reports for the submission to relevant donors and project partners.
• Ensure regular reporting and briefing on project activities is carried out internally across Panthera teams for cross learning, as well as higher management and project field team.
• Oversee the recruitment, orientation, and monitoring of all project staff performance and ensure their welfare.
• Oversee the preparation of maps and equipment for patrols, briefing and debriefing sessions.
• Conduct briefing, strategy and tactical planning, and debriefing sessions as and when required.
• Oversee the preparation of post operation reports.
• Oversee the procurement of rations and patrol equipment as well as in the management of other project related logistics.
• Monitor and manage the annual project budget
• Provide regular project updates and strengthen collaboration with relevant government agencies and other local stakeholders of the project.
• Coordinate with Patrol Specialist and CWC Coordinator and other coordinators in Panthera Malaysia to work towards the vision of Panthera in Malaysia for the conservation and research of focal wild cat species in the country.

Essential Duties

The essential job functions of a Project Coordinator of Project Tekai 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.
• Keep abreast with current research and developments in biodiversity monitoring and wildlife crime science. This may require attending various meetings, workshops, conferences and training programmes.
• 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:

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and unwavering commitment to Panthera’s mission
• At least 4 years’ experience in managing a field project and minimum of 8 years of working experience
• Qualification of Master’s degree or higher, ideally in Biology, Social Science, Conservation Management or related fields.
• Ability to work in a team and adhere to protocols and safety guidelines
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and unwavering commitment to Panthera’s mission
• Ability to communicate well and professionally
• Ability to work under pressure and be based in remote areas
• Willingness to be based in Jerantut, and to travel frequently between field site, Kuantan, and Kuala Lumpur
• Ability to work with a diverse team
• Working knowledge of the conservation and policy environment in Malaysia
• Working knowledge of GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and relevant R packages
• Bahasa Malaysia and English language proficiency required
• Driving license (D) required