Resource Protection Manager

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. 

Position

Resource Protection Manager

 Location

Zambia

 Start Date

23 November 2026        

Duration

1 year fixed-term contract

The Position

Panthera seeks a Resource Protection Manager to lead our anti-poaching and resource protection work for the Panthera Zambia Project. In Zambia, Panthera operates an integrated conservation and community livelihoods programme across the Greater Kafue Ecosystem (GKE) in close collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), local communities, and other stakeholders. Resource protection work spans three Game Management Areas (GMAs), Mulobezi, Mufunta and Sichifulo, along the western and southern boundary of the Kafue National Park, protecting wildlife and communities and advancing human-wildlife coexistence.

Working closely with the Zambia Community Conservation Manager and the Global Counter Wildlife Crime team, the Resource Protection Manager ensures that conservation priorities are effectively addressed while communities share the benefits of conservation.

 Role Purpose

The Resource Protection Manager provides operational planning, technical and strategic leadership for Panthera Zambia's resource protection. Working closely with Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) law-enforcement leadership to ensure effective information-led patrol planning, coordinated deployment and adaptive decision-making across all three GMAs. The Resource Protection Manager will report to the Zambia Country Director and be based in the GKE in Zambia.

All applicants must have existing legal work authorization in Zambia. Panthera is unable to sponsor work visas for this position.

 Key Responsibilities

Operations and Resource Protection

• Provide strategic oversight of all resource protection activities within Panthera Zambia's programmatic footprint, including GMAs and open community areas.
• Ensure the efficient deployment, maintenance, secure storage and accountability of Panthera-provided resources and assets, including rations, vehicles, camping and communication equipment, with accurate inventory records.
• Oversee the GMA control room as a hub for situational awareness, team coordination and performance monitoring.
  Improve team effectiveness through systematic use of available information products, analytical tools and operational systems.
• Embed Panthera's counter wildlife crime best practices across all operations, upholding the highest standards of safety, equipment management, training and professional conduct.
• Develop, update and consistently apply site-appropriate SOPs across all field operations.
• Conduct regular capability assessments to identify training gaps, resource needs and constraints and translate findings into targeted improvement plans.
• Champion human rights principles and the International Ranger Federation Code of Conduct, fostering discipline, accountability and respectful engagement with communities.

Planning, Reporting & Administration

• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual operational work plans across all GMAs, aligned with Panthera's strategic priorities.
• Prepare high-quality reports tracking performance against agreed targets and indicators, using patrol data to support evidence-based management decisions.
• Develop, manage and monitor operational budgets; identifying cost efficiencies without compromising operational effectiveness or staff safety.
• Lead operational risk management, including incident investigation and documentation, safety and security training and emergency response readiness.
• Maintain a live risk register and convene regular operational reviews of threats, incidents, partner performance, safeguards, logistics, expenditure, corrective actions, escalating risks to the Zambia Country Director.

People, Assets & Infrastructure

• Line manages Panthera’s patrol team lead(s) and site analyst(s), including goal-setting, performance reviews and professional development.
• Oversee fleet, workshop and maintenance operations, with preventive maintenance schedules that minimise downtime.
• Manage procurement, stores, logistics and inventory systems, with asset registers, condition assessments and replacement planning.
• Lead planning, delivery and maintenance of GMA resource protection infrastructure to time, budget and quality standards.
• Ensure field bases maintain fit-for-purpose communications, access control, emergency and evacuation procedures, medical arrangements, incident-command protocols and operational-security standards.
• Coordinate fire management across the GMAs, including prevention, response, firebreak maintenance and monitoring. 
• Coordinate road maintenance across the GMAs

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain productive working relationships with key stakeholders, including DNPW, Community Resource Boards, traditional authorities, NGOs and conservation partners.
• Document operational roles, decision rights and escalation routes between key stakeholders so that responsibility is matched by appropriate authority and misunderstandings over command are avoided.
• Represent Panthera in internal and external forums and support collaborative, landscape-scale conservation approaches across the Greater Kafue Ecosystem.
• Work with Panthera's community engagement team to integrate resource protection with alternative livelihoods, wildlife value programmes and community-led conservation.

General

• Set the standards for excellence, teamwork, integrity through personal example.
• Mentor and coach high-potential staff, supporting succession planning.
• Contribute technical input to fundraising proposals and other strategic initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records, databases, plans, contracts, permits and operational documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Panthera policies, procedures, financial controls and reporting requirements.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in natural resource management, conservation, operations management or related relevant field.
• At least 10 years' experience in field operations and protected area management in demanding environments, including at least five years’ experience managing counter-poaching teams.
• Significant leadership experience with proven team-building and mentoring ability.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills and ability to act as a credible representative of Panthera at all levels.
• Experience in planning, procurement, stock control, logistics, systems improvement and budget management.
• Good working knowledge of practical risk management in remote or field-based settings.
• Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain rigorous operational records.
• Proficient in computer applications, with the ability to maintain asset, inventory, maintenance, and operational databases and produce high-quality reports.
• Valid driver's licence and 4x4 driving experience.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Willingness to live in a remote, rural area.
• Resilience, practicality and dedication to operational excellence.

How to Apply 

Applications close 6 November 2026. Please apply by visiting Panthera’s Career Page. Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter.  CVs must include three professional referees and their contact details.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.