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. 

Job Title

Zambia Country Director

Entity

Zambia

Location

Zambia

Start Date

01 June 2026

Background

Panthera is the global authority on the conservation of wild cats, working across nearly 30 countries and employing over 300 staff worldwide. Through science-based conservation, field programs, and strong partnerships, Panthera delivers impactful solutions to ensure the long-term survival of the world’s most threatened cat species.

The Zambia Country Director provides overall strategic, operational, and financial leadership to Panthera’s Zambia project, ensuring delivery against organisational and species conservation strategies.  The role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and is accountable for project performance, partnerships, and resource mobilisation. The role is comprised of three core components:

• Strategic development and relationship management within Zambia
• Field operations development and oversight
• Administrative and financial responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Strategic development and relationship management - Zambia

• Consolidate and grow Panthera Zambia's country project according to Panthera's Regional and Species Conservation Strategies, also considering potential new conservation opportunities and needs.
• Support the development and implementation of a fundraising plan at a country level, in coordination with Panthera’s Business Development team and Regional Hub Director.
• Work with Business Development to develop project proposals for the Zambia project, and in coordination with Hub Director design strategic plan to ensure sustainability.
• Maintain close relationships with Panthera's principal partners in Zambia, including the government, other NGOs and funding bodies, and foster new relationships with any such potential partners.
• Represent the organisation and serve as a contact with the government, scientific community, NGO partners, donors, media, etc., as well as at private and public events at a national level.
• Develop (or prolong) MoUs between Panthera and local government and NGO partners in Zambia.
• Work with Panthera’s Lion, Leopard and Small Cats Species Program Directors, scientists, program managers and the wider conservation science teams to ensure that the Zambia project is developed and implemented according to the Regional and species strategy goals and objectives
• Provide regular and timely updates on project progress and challenges to the relevant regional conservation science teams and Regional Hub Director.
• Monitor donor reporting requirements and work with Panthera’s Business Development team to address inquiries and maintain positive relationships with donors.
  
  

 Field operations development and oversight

• Oversee and line manage the Field Operations Manager, who is responsible for management of the wildlife monitoring, law enforcement and community conservation activities in the Greater Kafue Ecosystem and KAZA corridor.
• Mentor and capacitate the Field Operations Manager to develop and further refine staff and project management skills.
• Support the Field Operations Manager in the development of staff workplans.
• Oversee and work with the Field Operations Manager in the facilitation of project kick-off and close-out meetings with project teams, as well as regular project review and coordination meetings.
• Support the Field Operation Manager and Project Coordinators to track and update the various stages of project implementation to ensure project deliverables are met on time and according to set budgets.

Administration and Financial

• Oversee and assist the Field Operations Manager in the development and tracking of project activities, financial and project deadlines.
• Support Project Coordinators with HR activities including recruitment.
• Participate in the recruitment of field-based technical and administration staff to further develop capacity and personnel in-country.
• Work with HR to develop performance management and growth opportunities for national employees.
• Ensure compliance with national laws, donor requirements, and Panthera policies.
• Oversee programme budgets and ensure financial accountability and reporting.
• Identify and manage operational and programmatic risks.

Requirements

Qualifications

• PhD in Natural Resource Management/Conservation.
• Additional qualifications in management, finance, or leadership are an advantage.
  
  

Professional Experience, Skills and Expertise

• 10+ years’ progressive experience in conservation, natural resource management, or international development, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
• Senior-level country or programme leadership experience, preferably as a Country Director, Programme Director, or equivalent role.
• Proven experience working in Zambia or Southern Africa, with strong understanding of regional conservation, governance, and socio-political contexts.
• Demonstrated success managing large, complex field-based conservation programmes.
• Experience working with government authorities, NGOs, donors, and local communities.
• Strong track record in fundraising, donor engagement, and grant management, including proposal development and donor reporting.
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, financial accountability, and compliance with donor and organisational policies.
• Prior experience in large carnivore conservation or protected area management is a strong advantage.
• Solid knowledge of field operations, including wildlife monitoring, law enforcement support, and community-based conservation.
• Ability to identify and manage operational, financial, and reputational risks.
• Strong monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and capacitate senior managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work across cultures and disciplines.
• High degree of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and adaptable.
• Willingness to travel extensively and spend time in field locations.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Legal eligibility to work in Zambia (or ability to obtain relevant permits).
• Valid driver’s license.

How to Apply 

Please send CVs and Cover Letters in one PDF document to the Panthera Careers Page on or before 8 May 2026. CVs must include two professional referees and their contact details. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.