Community Conservation Data Coordinator for southern Kafue ecosystem- 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 Data Intern for Southern Kafue Ecosystem

Location

Greater Kafue Ecosystem, Zambia

Start Date

01 September 2026

Duration

6 month fixed-term contract

Position Purpose

The intern will support the development and day-to-day coordination of reliable community conservation data systems across the Njoko-Loanja landscape and the Sichifulo, Mulobezi and Mufunta GMAs. The intern will improve data collection, quality assurance, analysis, mapping, visualisation, storage and reporting for HWC, wildlife monitoring, environmental education, livelihoods, community governance, training and other programme activities. The intern will report to the Community Conservation Coordinator and work closely with field teams, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), community institutions, partner NGOs and Panthera technical staff.

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

Job Description

Community Conservation Data Intern for Southern Kafue Ecosystem will perform the following responsibilities:

Data systems and quality management

• Assist with the collection, compilation and organisation of community conservation programme data from field teams and programme landscapes.
• Support the preparation and use of approved digital and paper-based data-collection tools, including KoboToolbox, ODK, Excel and other platforms used by Panthera.
• Assist with entering, cleaning and consolidating datasets from Njoko-Loanja, Sichifulo, Mulobezi and Mufunta.
• Support routine checks of submitted data for completeness, consistency, duplication and obvious errors.
• Assist field teams in following standard data-submission procedures and timelines.
• Help organise electronic records, databases and programme folders using approved file-naming and filing procedures.
• Support the preparation and updating of basic data dictionaries, indicator trackers, codebooks and data-collection guidance.
• Learn and apply Panthera requirements relating to confidentiality, informed consent, safeguarding and responsible management of sensitive information.
• Support the organisation and archiving of source documents, including attendance registers, monitoring forms, survey records and other programme documentation.

Analysis, mapping and reporting

• Assist with basic analysis of community conservation data using Microsoft Excel and other approved software.
• Support the preparation of tables, graphs, charts and simple dashboards for programme monitoring and reporting.
• Assist in compiling information relating to HWC incidents, wildlife observations, Wildlife Values activities, environmental education, livelihoods, training and community governance.
• Support the preparation of simple maps showing programme activities, community institutions, HWC incidents, wildlife observations and intervention locations under the guidance of GIS and programme staff.
• Assist in updating programme indicator trackers and monitoring progress against workplans.
• Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly and donor reporting information by compiling and organising verified programme data.
• Assist in identifying basic trends, gaps and inconsistencies in programme datasets and bring these to the attention of the Community Conservation Coordinator.
• Support the preparation of presentations and community feedback materials using approved programme information.

Field support and capacity building

• Participate in approved field visits across the programme landscapes to gain practical experience in community conservation monitoring and data collection.
• Assist Community Conservation Officers and other field staff with the use of approved data-collection forms and digital devices.
• Support household surveys, community assessments, monitoring exercises and other approved data-collection activities.
• Assist with basic GPS data collection and documentation of programme activities where required.
• Participate in field verification of selected programme records under the guidance of Community Conservation staff.
• Support the documentation of lessons and observations from field activities.
• Participate in orientation and training on Panthera's community conservation programmes and data-management procedures.
• Receive practical exposure to KoboToolbox/ODK, Excel, GIS, SMART and other relevant conservation data tools, where applicable.
• Work alongside Community Conservation Officers, enumerators and community monitors to understand field-level data-collection challenges and opportunities.
• Assist with the preparation of simple user guides and data-collection instructions for field teams.
• Participate in relevant programme meetings, learning sessions and technical discussions.
• Undertake other reasonable learning and programme-support assignments provided by the Community Conservation Coordinator.

Key deliverables

• Well-organised and updated community conservation datasets for the programme landscapes.
• Routine cleaning and basic quality checking of programme data.
• Updated programme indicator trackers and data-collection records.
• Basic tables, charts, dashboards and maps supporting programme monitoring.
• Compilation of verified data for monthly, quarterly and donor reporting.
• Improved organisation and archiving of community conservation data and supporting documentation.
• Field data collection, verification and monitoring activities.
• Documentation of lessons learned and practical recommendations arising from the internship.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Geography, GIS, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Information Systems or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including data cleaning, formulas, pivot tables, charts and structured workbooks.
• Experience with KoboToolbox, ODK, SMART, QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth or another data or mapping platform is highly desirable.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, R, Python, SPSS or database tools is an advantage.
• Ability to translate data into clear tables, maps, graphics and short management messages for non-technical audiences.
• Strong attention to detail, organisation, confidentiality and documentation.
• Previous volunteer, internship, research, survey or field-monitoring experience is preferred.
• Interest in wildlife conservation, community-based natural resource management and evidence-informed programme 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 internship 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 intern must comply with Panthera policies, standard operating procedures, safeguarding requirements and health and safety guidance.
• The intern 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.