Data Entry Officer

Job Description

Duration: 4 months after which the successful candidate may be offered a full-time contract of employment, dependent upon performance and subject to the availability of funding.

Location: Kafue National Park, Zambia

Start date: 01 June 2022

Work cycle: 7 days off per month

About Panthera

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.

About the Position:

Panthera is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated young professional who is passionate about conservation and the protection of wildlife and is looking for a path to full time employment at a conservation field site. Although the role will predominantly be office-based, the successful candidate will be expected to operate from Kafue National Park during their work cycle.

The successful candidate will be mentored by experienced Panthera staff and will gain practical experience in data management and analysis using Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) as well as other analytical software. The candidate will need to be a critical thinker that possesses strong interpersonal skills in order cultivate working relationships with DNPW law enforcement personnel (including senior management) and fellow Panthera staff.

Applicants should be keen to learn new and innovative techniques that combine community engagement and biological monitoring practices with cutting edge law enforcement methodology to develop and maintain comprehensive community engagement and wildlife law enforcement strategies.

Main Responsibilities:

Assisting existing Panthera staff through capturing data, managing datasets, conducting data analysis and producing reports. Tasks will include:

• Entering data from law enforcement patrols and other sources into SMART database
• Querying the SMART database
• Editing and fix SMART data as and when errors arise
• Using a variety of software packages to analyse data and generate bespoke reports
• Working with DNPW and Panthera colleagues to develop innovative and practical solutions to complex conservation challenges
• Presenting work to DNPW and Panthera colleagues
• Monthly reporting to Panthera program, DNPW and other partners
• Assisting Panthera Program staff with programmatic needs where necessary
• Provide technical assistance to Program staff
• Where necessary, assist line manager with training events

Qualifications:

• Zambian national
• Bachelor’s degree (a background in biological studies or law enforcement will be an advantage to candidates but not a necessity

Skills and personal attributes:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Critical and logical thinker with an enquiring mind
• Strong work ethic
• Diplomacy and well-developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong presentation skills
• An ability to work independently as well as part of a team comprised of government and NGO staff
• An ability to take initiative and deliver a high standard of work.
• Strong computer skills, a proficiency in GIS is advantageous
• Willingness to adhere to, institutional procedures and standards
• A clear sense of institutional propriety with respect to accountability and transparency
• Unimpeachable integrity
• Living conditions are rough and familiarity with bush living in remote wilderness areas is a must. The candidate must be willing to spend extended periods of time working in remote environments
• A clean driving license for manual vehicles with a minimum of one year’s experience is a necessity. Off-road driving experience is advantageous
• Demonstrable interest in and knowledge of wildlife conservation
• Flexible and responsive to the needs of organization
• Good time management; able to meet deadlines

Method of Application

Please submit a CV with two contactable referees and a cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in fulfilling the role as one single document to the Panthera Careers Page. Submissions that do not include a cover letter will not be considered.