Community Engagement Officer - 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. (PWCCM).

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 a Community Engagement Officer for Panthera’s Project Kenyir, s/he shall work in a team to organize community dialogues, carry out interviews with key personnel, and manage data required to fulfill 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 PWCCM. As an employee of PWCCM, 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.

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

Specific responsibilities include:

• Organise community dialogues and conduct interviews with members of communities living and working within and around the tiger landscapes related to Panthera’s programs.
• Conduct regular engagement with community members as well as affiliated government agencies to develop and strengthen relationship.
• Work with the Project Coordinator and Analysts on the team to identify information requirements to understanding problems that threaten tigers and other wildlife in the landscape.
• Develop survey questionnaires to meet the identified information requirements and conduct the interviews with community members.
• Conduct interviews with poachers as and when opportunity arises and work with the Problem Analyst to fill in information gaps about poaching problem patterns.
• Manage data using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) Profiles database.
• Prepare reports and data visualisations using Microsoft Office, SMART, QGIS and other software as required.
• Prepare reports and briefings to communicate findings derived from community engagement activities.
• Work with Project Coordinator, Problem Analyst, and any other members of the team to ensure community engagement work is aligned with wildlife protection strategies and interventions.
• Assist with procurement of rations and equipment as well as in the management of other community engagement related logistics.

Essential Duties

The essential job functions of a Community Engagement Officer of Project Dupot 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 parners 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:

• Is a citizen of Malaysia
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and unwavering commitment to Panthera’s mission
• Ability to work in a team and adhere to protocols and safety guidelines
• Ability to communicate well and professionally
• A Bachelor's degree, ideally in Social Science related fields
• Some knowledge of the conservation and policy environment in Malaysia
• Bahasa Malaysia language proficiency required
• Driving license (D) would be preferable