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. 

This role will fall under a partnership between WildCAT (Wildlife and Communities Action Trust) and Panthera in the Greater Hwange Ecosystem, employed by and reporting administratively to WildCAT, with technical oversight and direction provided by Panthera.

WildCAT is a Zimbabwean Registered PVO, first established in 2012, with a remit to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems for the benefit of local communities and future generations of Zimbabweans. WildCAT’s objectives are to facilitate research into biodiversity and ecosystems; capacitate vulnerable communities with human-wildlife coexistence initiatives; facilitate equitable sharing of benefits derived from natural resources among vulnerable communities; and to promote capacity building and training in communities. WildCAT has historically focused on conservation of African lions and other large carnivores.

Job Description

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination, integration, and oversight of activities funded under multiple, complementary conservation grants supporting lion recovery and protection in the Greater Hwange Ecosystem (GHE), Zimbabwe.

The role ensures coherent implementation across law enforcement support, data-driven threat analysis, carnivore monitoring, community engagement, and multi-stakeholder coordination, while maintaining strong accountability to donors and partners.

Occasional regional travel may be required.

The ideal candidate must be legally authorized to live and work in Zimbabwe.

The Project Coordinator will perform the following responsibilities:

Project Coordination and Oversight

• Coordinate implementation of all Panthera-WildCAT project activities across the Greater Hwange Ecosystem, including Hwange National Park and buffer zones.
• Ensure alignment between activities funded through complementary donor grants, avoiding duplication and maximizing impact.
• Maintain an integrated workplan and timeline covering all project components.
• Track deliverables, outputs, and milestones across partners and thematic areas.
• Provide direct line management to Panthera Community Outreach Officer/TCG Coordinator, and Hwange Citizen Science Coordinator.

Law Enforcement Support and Capacity Strengthening

• Work closely with Panthera global and regional Counter Wildlife Crime personnel to coordinate support to partner Anti-Poaching Units (APUs), including operational inputs, mentoring visits, and group training.
• Liaise with APU managers and government partners to ensure patrol support, ranger welfare, and training activities are delivered as planned.
• Support the establishment and ongoing operation of a centralised control room to assist coordination of anti-poaching and human-carnivore conflict efforts in the GHE buffer area.
• Support professionalisation initiatives, including reinforcement of the International Ranger Federation code of conduct and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Monitoring, Data Management, and Analysis

• Work closely with Panthera’s Conservation Technology Team to oversee implementation and use of SMART patrol monitoring and related tools (e.g. EarthRanger) across partner organisations.
• Coordinate training, mentoring, and troubleshooting support for rangers, data managers, and analysts.
• Support the aggregation of data sources including those relating to wildlife crime, patrol, biological monitoring, human-wildlife conflict and community-derived information into standard information products (e.g. threat assessments, problem profiles).
• Ensure data quality, consistency, and appropriate sharing among authorised stakeholders.
• Provide necessary support to Panthera staff evaluating the impact of conservation activities in the GHE landscape.
• Ensure the project complies with data sharing laws and regulations as defined by Zimbabwe country legislation.

Tasking, Coordination, and Governance

• Provide coordination support to the Greater Hwange Tasking & Coordination Group (TCG), including meeting preparation, follow-up, and documentation.
• Facilitate information flow between government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders participating in coordinated responses to wildlife crime and human-carnivore conflict.
• Work closely with Panthera analysts and partner organisations to develop evidence-based recommendations relating to threat prioritisation and intervention options.

Community Engagement and Education Support

• Coordinate Panthera-WildCAT support to community-based initiatives (e.g. Eco-Clubs, School programmes, human-wildlife conflict mitigation).
• Ensure activities are aligned with broader conservation objectives and contribute to reducing human-wildlife conflict and wildlife crime drivers.
• Maintain relationships with implementing partners and local stakeholders to ensure community activities are delivered effectively and ethically.

Financial and Administrative Coordination

• Support budget tracking and expenditure monitoring across project components in accordance with Panthera’s financial reporting requirements.
• Assist with procurement planning and logistics coordination where required.
• Support technical inputs for proposals, donor reports, progress updates, and outcome reporting.
• Support timely, accurate reporting against agreed indicators and outcomes for all grants
• Support donor communications, including site visits, briefings, and responses to information requests.

Safeguards, Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure project implementation complies with both WildCAT and Panthera policies, donor requirements, and national laws.
• Support implementation of human rights, social safeguards, and ethical standards.
• Identify operational risks and escalate issues to management with proposed mitigation measures.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary education in a relevant discipline, e.g. conservation biology, natural resource management, criminology, or a related field
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in conservation project coordination or project management
• Demonstrated experience working with law enforcement, government agencies, and NGOs in complex conservation landscapes (in Zimbabwe if possible)
• Strong understanding of wildlife crime, human-wildlife conflict, and data-driven conservation approaches
• Proven ability to coordinate multi-partner initiatives and manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Valid driver’s licence and experience operating manual 4WD vehicles in challenging terrain
• Written and spoken English fluency
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience working with conservation technology tools (e.g. SMART, GIS) will be an added advantage
• Experience working in rural, remote and multi-cultural environments
• Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in Zimbabwe

 How to Apply

Applications close 17 July 2026. Please apply by visiting Panthera’s Career Page. Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter.  CVs must include three professional references and their contact details.  

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in Zimbabwe.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.