Senior Officer, Tiger Protection

The primary purpose of this job is to manage, coordinate and implement tiger and prey monitoring programs in Northern Banjaran Titiwangsa Landscape and office project-related work of the Tiger Protection and Monitoring in the Tiger Conservation Programme. This position will work closely with the other units within the Tiger Conservation Programme as they complement each other and take place within the same landscape.

This position will be based in Gerik, Perak with considerable amounts of time spent in the field. While the incumbent is responsible for specific deliverables related to the Tiger Conservation Programme, he/she will also be guided by and is expected to contribute towards the achievement of WWF-Malaysia Strategy 2021-2030 and WWF Global Tiger Strategy 2022-2034 (or their revised versions) directly or indirectly.

As this position is within a programme that requires dynamic strategy review in tandem with the emerging variables, the incumbent is also expected to support larger and broader conservation initiatives in Peninsular Malaysia.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the activities of assigned field teams to conduct fieldwork at identified sites. Field teams will be tasked with carrying out the on-the-ground work necessary to monitor tiger and prey species. This includes collecting wildlife data at identified sites, compiling all data into a computer database, collecting poaching data, and engaging with the local community.
• Produce reports based on the field work done and disseminate the reports to relevant stakeholders. These reports shall include the status of tiger population and prey abundance, threats, and any challenges encountered. Based on these findings, specific management recommendations will be developed to guide future conservation efforts.
• Assessment of threats, opportunities, and strategic actions to mitigate the threats to tigers, prey species, and other wildlife in general.
• Other outputs specified in the Annual Work Plan and project documentation, which are revised on a yearly basis.

Major Activities

• Coordinate and oversee field teams in collecting data on tiger and other wildlife species, and poaching activities in the Northern Banjaran Titiwangsa Landscape by conducting camera-trapping, sign surveys, and wildlife patrolling. The data should include tracks, scats, signs identified, locality, habitat, threats, and other ecological/biological-related data. Evidence of wildlife presence, signs, and poaching should be photographed and documented for record purposes. Fresh/recent poaching signs found must be reported to local authority immediately for further action.
• Ensure field work for monitoring tigers and other wildlife can be carried out according to the work plan.
• Coordinate the annual, quarterly, and monthly planning of field work, logistics, and implementation of other field activities in consultation with the supervisors and relevant partners.
• Compile, process, and analyze camera-trapping data from the monitoring programme and produce reports to be shared with relevant stakeholders/donors.
• Provide project updates and documentation as required by the supervisors for purposes such as revising and refining project strategy and work plan, internal and external reporting, project monitoring and evaluation, and preparing project annual budget and presentations.
• Manage wildlife data obtained from surveys (database is updated, information is compiled and verified before being analyzed) and work closely with team members in conducting analyses, and interpreting results from analysis to get the latest status of tigers and prey in the Northern Banjaran Titiwangsa Landscape and provide relevant management recommendations.
• Supervise Programme Officer, Support Staff, Short Term Contract (STCs), casual workers, Contract for Service workers, and volunteers who are hired to do field work.
• Collaborate closely with the supervisor and Tiger Lead to develop conservation strategies and measures at the landscape and national level, toward the conservation of tiger and other wildlife species in the Northern Banjaran Titiwangsa Landscape.
• Collaborate closely with the supervisor and Tiger Lead in preparing and formulating any advocacy opportunities and priorities, which can be used to promote wildlife conservation in the Northern Banjaran Titiwangsa Landscape.
• Collaborate closely with CEE Officers to engage with local communities within the Northern Banjaran Titiwangsa Landscape toward increasing awareness on wildlife conservation and protection.
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders in understanding gaps, issues, and conflict related to tiger conservation and develop appropriate solutions.
• Collaborate with the Communication Manager in the development of communication materials to promote WWF-Malaysia tiger conservation efforts.
• Conduct FPIC (free, prior, informed, and consent) consultations with the local community as necessary.
• Liaise with relevant government departments such as State Parks, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, and State Forestry Department as well as other related agencies toward the implementation of these activities.
• Work closely with Managers and Tiger Lead in advocating for better efforts to increase prey populations at the state and federal level.
• Provide timely and informative updates/reports to be submitted to the donors, network offices, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop project and funding proposals to secure adequate grants to implement activities as planned.
• Represent Tiger Conservation Programme and when necessary, WWF-Malaysia in meetings/conferences and events on tiger, tiger prey, or poaching in the local and international arena via participation in conferences, workshops, and meetings.
• Provide support to other units within the Tiger Conservation Programme whenever needed.
• Conduct relevant awareness talks to the general public and local communities whenever needed.

Specifications

• A degree in Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Science, or any related disciplines. An advanced degree (MSc/PhD) is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the conservation field, with hands-on involvement in fieldwork, research, or management of conservation projects.
• Willing to be based at project site, often in remote or challenging environments.
• Willing to accommodate flexible working hours, including weekends.
• Proficient in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, with strong computer skills for data management and report writing.
• Holder of a valid driving licence, with the ability to drive manual vehicles.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude, is hardworking, and works well in teams. Must be self-motivated, able to work independently with minimal supervision, both in the field and in an office setting.
• Strong organizational, planning, and management skills, capable of handling multiple tasks efficiently.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, with knowledge of R programming being an added advantage for data analysis and research.
• Good interpersonal skills, innovative thinking, and adaptability. Capable of working independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Good understanding of current environmental and conservation issues, with a particular focus on the Malaysian context.

Working Relationships

• Develop close professional working relationships with Tiger Lead, to whom you will be reporting on all related matters and maintaining a good working relationship.
• In the absence of your supervisor, you should consult other Managers within the Tiger Conservation Programme or the Head of Peninsular Malaysia Terrestrial Programme.
• Promote teamwork at all operational levels of WWF-Malaysia for the good of the organisation and towards meeting its conservation objectives.
• Nurture and maintain positive relationships with Tiger Alive Initiative, external parties including Malaysian NGOs and government agencies that have conservation objectives and goals that are similar or complementary to those of WWF-Malaysia.

Salary Range

RM4,000 - RM5,000

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Science, Research, and Other

Industries

Environmental Services, Non-profit Organizations, and Conservation Programs

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