Data and Technology Technician

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.

Panthera registered in Tanzania as an international NGO in 2025. The organisation’s activities focus on the western Tanzania conservation landscape, where we will be providing financial, logistical, and technical protection support to local partners, and supporting wildlife monitoring activities.

Position title: Data & Technology Technician

Reports to: Data Manager: Southern & East Africa

Panthera Division: TBC

Geographic Scope: Tanzania

Duty Station: Tabora, Tanzania

Overview

The Data & Technology Technician will support the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) and other relevant partners in the implementation, management, and use of SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) for law enforcement monitoring in western Tanzania. This includes providing support for data collection protocols, data quality control and cleaning, managing data flows, generating regular reports, and troubleshooting technical issues.

The role will also assist TAWA in integrating patrol, ecological, and incident data through platforms such as EarthRanger (or similar), and in the use of other relevant conservation technologies, such as satellite communicators and trackers (e.g. Garmin InReaches), GPS devices, and GIS tools. The Technicians will help ensure the effective deployment and maintenance of these tools, while also building capacity and providing continued support among TAWA staff and partners in their effective use.

The position is based in Tabora, with frequent travel to TAWA offices in the region, and occasional travels to Protected Areas and potentially to Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Morogoro. Occasional international travel, as required, may be expected. Candidates should have a background in conservation, ecology, or a related field, along with a strong interest in data management and applied technologies in conservation contexts.

Responsibilities & duties

• Support TAWA and other partners in the implementation and management of SMART, including data collection, cleaning, verification, and standardisation of SMART patrol data and other relevant datasets (e.g. human-wildlife conflict, ecological monitoring).
• Maintain and update data management protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for SMART use, and support the testing and rollout of new SMART features or updates as required.
• Assist TAWA and partners in ensuring data quality by supporting adherence to protocols, managing data flows from field to database, and maintaining organised, well-structured data catalogues.
• Work closely with TAWA SMART focal points to ensure accurate and timely data entry from field patrols, including by attending operational planning and debrief meetings where SMART outputs are presented.
• Support TAWA in the generation of SMART reports and maps that highlight patrol effort, threat detection, and other key indicators, and in the interpretation and visualisation of SMART data to support site-level decision-making.
• Provide input for donor reporting, particularly regarding outputs related to law enforcement and conservation outcomes.
• Support TAWA and partners in the deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of additional conservation technologies, including EarthRanger (or similar) and control room applications, GPS units, satellite communicators, and other relevant tools, including by developing SOPs, working with TAWA to ensure compliance, and providing feedback to improve system use.
• Provide follow-up support, assistance, and mentoring for partners on all the above technologies as required, including through the provision of relevant training sessions.
• Assist in developing training materials, SOPs, and user manuals for field and office-based staff.
• Assist with procurement, budgeting, and inventory management processes for technology-related equipment, software, and data systems.
• Participate in broader Panthera activities as required, including wildlife monitoring support, workshops, and assistance with field operations.
• Maintain accurate monthly financial records and report expenditures to Panthera staff in Tanzania and internationally.

Qualifications, experience and personality traits

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, conservation biology, ecology, natural resources management, or a related field (required); postgraduate qualification (preferred).
• Experience working with SMART, EarthRanger, or similar conservation data management systems (preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to manage, clean, analyse, and interpret large datasets.
• Experience producing summary reports, dashboards, or maps from field-collected data.
• High level of computer literacy, including strong Excel skills; familiarity with GIS software is an advantage.
• Strong interest and aptitude in technology, with willingness to learn new tools and platforms.
• Ability to train others in the use of data management tools and protocols.
• Experience operating in the field within Protected Areas, including the ability to travel and work in remote locations for extended periods.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with government partners.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and security.
• Tanzanian national proficient in both Kiswahili and English (spoken and written).