Southeast Asia Counter Wildlife Crime Coordinator

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.

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Hub Director, Middle East & Asia

Remuneration: USD 45,000 – USD 55,000 (including benefits) per annum dependent on experience and qualifications

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Southeast Asia Counter Wildlife Crime (SEA CWC) Coordinator to lead our efforts in combating wildlife crime across the region, with particular focus on Malaysia and Thailand. Based in Kuala Lumpur, you will work closely with Panthera’s global CWC team and regional staff to integrate best practices, drive strategic initiatives, and build partnerships to protect wild cats from illegal poaching, trafficking and other threats.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead CWC Integration: Oversee the implementation of counter wildlife crime strategies in Asia, ensuring alignment with Panthera’s regional and species-specific goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and law enforcement to foster joint understanding and prioritisation of wildlife crime problems and implementation of coordinated interventions.
• Project Management: Manage CWC-led contracts, including Panthera’s global Big Trafficking Project, and oversee fundraising, budgeting, and reporting.
• Strategic Planning: Oversee/develop threat, risk and capability assessments, tactical plans, and standard operating procedures to enhance CWC effectiveness.
• Capability building: Organise CWC trainings, mentoring and manage logistics for events.
• Team Leadership: Supervise regional CWC personnel including the Regional Analyst
• Regional Travel: Travel within Southeast Asia and occasionally beyond to support program objectives.

Who You Are

• You have 7+ years of professional experience in wildlife protection, law enforcement, or crime prevention (or a relevant Master’s degree with 4+ years of experience).
• You are fluent in English, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• You have a proven track record in countering wildlife or organized crime and a deep commitment to conservation.
• You excel in project management, with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and lead small teams both remotely and in person.
• You are inquisitive, adaptable, and driven to disrupt wildlife crime through innovative and proactive approaches.
• You can think critically and creatively and have a knack for problem-solving.
• You have experience in engaging stakeholders, including law enforcement and/or conservation NGOs.
• You have experience working in Asia and are adept at navigating cultural sensitivities.
• You are comfortable working independently, producing detailed reports, and managing budgets.

Why Join Panthera?

• Be part of a global team dedicated to saving wild cats and their habitats.
• Lead impactful initiatives in a critical region for wildlife conservation.
• Collaborate with world-class conservation experts.
• Work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment with opportunities for professional growth.