Data Officer, Project Tekai

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 .

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. (Panthera Malaysia).

Panthera’s Project Tekai started in 2023 and is focused on the monitoring and protection of the Malayan tiger ( Panthera tigris jacksoni ), as well as all other wild cat species in the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve, also known as the Tekai Core Area in Pahang. 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 Data Officer for Panthera’s Project Tekai, s/he shall work in a team to plan patrols, carry out fieldwork, and manage data required to fulfil 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 Panthera Malaysia. As an employee of Panthera Malaysia, 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 Tekai.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Participate in the implementation of site security and biological monitoring activities.
• Store patrol data and run queries using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) database.
• Store and manage camera trap data, run vigilance queries and carry out basic analyses using PantheraIDS.
• Assist Community Engagement Officer, Patrol Lead/Specialist and Problem Analyst on data entry and management tasks relevant to the project.
• Prepare data visualisations using Microsoft Excel, QGIS and other software as required.
• Prepare maps and assist in preparation of equipment for patrols, briefing and debriefing sessions.
• Assist briefing, strategy planning, and debriefing sessions as and when required.
• Assist with maintaining office, patrol and camera trap equipment inventory.
• Assist with the preparation of regular monthly and quarterly reports to project stakeholders as well as assist Problem Analyst and Wildlife Analyst with post operation reports and special bulletins.
• Assist with the communication of findings and results from data analysis to members on the project/patrol team.
• Assist with procurement of rations and patrol equipment as well as in the management of other project related logistics as and when required.
• Participate in fieldwork as and when required, in order to maintain awareness of the field operations and also to guide data recording best practices by field team members.

The essential job functions of a Data Officer of Project Tekai 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 partners 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:

• A minimum of Bachelor's degree, ideally in Biology or Geography related fields
• Working knowledge of GIS software (ArcGIS, Q-GIS)
• 1-2 year work experience is preferable
• 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
• Some knowledge of the conservation and policy environment in Malaysia
• Bahasa Malaysia and English language proficiency required
• Driving license (D) would be preferable

Interested applicants may submit most updated CV, along with a cover letter, and write directly to Lam Wai Yee, Country Manager of Panthera Malaysia at wylam@panthera.org .

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