Community Conservation Environmental Education Coordinating Officer- Intern

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

Community Conservation Environmental Education Coordinating Officer Intern

Location

Greater Kafue Ecosystem, Zambia

Start Date

01 September 2026

Duration

6 month fixed-term contract

Position purpose

The intern will support the planning, coordination, delivery and monitoring of community and school-based environmental education across the Njoko-Loanja landscape and the Sichifulo, Mulobezi and Mufunta GMAs. The role will help young people, teachers and community members understand wildlife conservation, ecological connectivity, human-wildlife coexistence and the value of healthy natural resources. The intern will work under the guidance of the Community Conservation Coordinator and in close collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), traditional leaders, schools, community structures, partner NGOs and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate must be legally authorized to work in Zambia.

Job Description

Community Conservation Environmental Education Coordinating Officer Intern will perform the following responsibilities:

Environmental education coordination

• Support the preparation and implementation of annual and monthly environmental education workplans across the four programme landscapes.
• Coordinate and strengthen existing Eco-Clubs and support the establishment of new clubs where approved, working with teachers, school administrators and district education stakeholders.
• Develop, adapt and deliver age-appropriate learning sessions on wild cats, prey species, habitats, ecological corridors, protected areas, natural resource governance, climate change and human-wildlife coexistence.
• Support teacher orientation, lesson planning and the preparation of locally relevant teaching aids, activity guides, conservation messages and field-learning materials.
• Coordinate conservation events, school competitions, debates, clean-up activities, nature visits and community awareness sessions in line with approved programme plans.
• Promote inclusive participation by girls, boys, young people with disabilities and learners from remote communities, while applying safeguarding and consent requirements.
• Integrate environmental education with Panthera's HWC, Wildlife Values, livelihoods, land-use planning and community governance activities where appropriate.
• Support the safe organisation of school and community field activities, including logistics, participant registers, equipment and communication with responsible authorities.

Partnership and stakeholder engagement

• Maintain respectful working relationships with DNPW, traditional leaders, CRBs, VAGs, CNRMCs, schools, local authorities and partner NGOs.
• Help organise and document stakeholder meetings, teacher sessions, community events and education programme reviews.
• Coordinate activity schedules with Panthera project and programme managers to avoid duplication and align messages across the landscape.
• Represent the environmental education programme at approved local meetings and provide accurate programme information under the guidance of the line manager.

Monitoring, reporting and administration

• Maintain accurate records of schools, Eco-Clubs, learners, teachers, sessions, materials distributed and stakeholder engagements.
• Use simple pre- and post-activity assessments, participant feedback and observation tools to measure learning, participation and programme quality.
• Prepare concise monthly activity reports by the fifth working day of the following month and contribute to donor, technical and communications reports.
• Provide properly supported financial information, activity requests, attendance records and expense documentation as required by the line manager.
• Capture photographs and human-interest information only with appropriate consent and in accordance with Panthera safeguarding and communications requirements.

Key deliverables

• A current environmental education workplan and activity calendar covering the assigned landscapes.
• Functional and regularly supported Eco-Clubs with complete participation and activity records.
• Environmental education materials adapted to the ecological and cultural context of each landscape.
• Timely monthly reports summarising reach, learning, challenges, lessons and planned follow-up actions.
• A well-organised digital and physical filing system for education programme records and approved media.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education, Education, Conservation Ecology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Management or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation, community development and youth learning.
• Previous volunteer, internship, teaching, facilitation or rural field experience is preferred.
• Confidence in public speaking, group facilitation and preparing clear written reports.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Google Workspace, KoboToolbox or basic GIS is an advantage.
• Ability to follow technical guidance and safeguarding procedures while showing initiative in day-to-day delivery.

Core competencies

• Excellent written and spoken English, with clear report-writing and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work respectfully across government, traditional leadership, community and NGO settings.
• Self-motivation, honesty, sound judgement, emotional intelligence and a results-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently while remaining a dependable and collaborative team member.
• Initiative, resourcefulness and practical problem-solving under changing field conditions.
• Respect for confidentiality, safeguarding, community consent and responsible handling of organisational information and equipment.
• Ability to communicate in Lozi, Tonga, Nyanja, Toka-Leya or another language relevant to the programme landscape is strongly preferred.

Working conditions and compliance

• The role requires frequent travel and extended field assignments across remote rural areas, including work in variable weather, difficult terrain and basic accommodation or camping conditions.
• The post holder must comply with Panthera policies, standard operating procedures, safeguarding requirements and health and safety guidance.
• The post holder is responsible for the careful use, maintenance and documentation of assigned vehicles, motorcycles, field equipment, data devices and other organisational assets.
• Approved costs incurred during official assignments will be managed in accordance with Panthera policies and prior authorisation.
• A monthly internship stipend will be provided in accordance with Panthera Zambia's internship arrangements.
• A valid driver's licence and experience with 4x4 vehicles or motorcycles are strong advantages and may be required for particular assignments.

How to Apply

Applications close 20 August 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.