Counter Predation Officer

As a Counter Predation Officer for Panthera’s Project Tekai, s/he shall work in a team to lead the strategic approach, interventions, and activities aimed at implementing counter-predation measures to reduce tiger predation on livestock in the ASARTR landscape. This includes co-designing and piloting affordable, scalable, non-lethal solutions with local communities to mitigate human-tiger conflict (HTC), promote coexistence, and prevent retaliatory killings. S/he will do so by adhering to the code of conduct and standard operating procedures of Panthera Malaysia. As an employee of Panthera Malaysia, s/he will uphold the organization’s values and operating principles and maintain a professional work etiquette at all times. S/he may be required to assist with other projects of Panthera in other field sites from time to time for transfer of knowledge, skills and experience, at the discretion of the Malaysia Country Manager as and when needed.

S/he will report to the Project Coordinator of Project Tekai / Country Director. The ideal candidate must be legally authorized to work in Malaysia.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and implementation of counter-predation strategies, including threat assessments, protocols, risk mapping, and the design of proactive, non-lethal interventions such as LED fox lights, solar-powered livestock collars, secure night enclosures, on-farm water troughs, and solar-powered electric fences.

• Collaborate with the EMS Community Development team and local communities to co-design HTC mitigation protocols, integrating scientific knowledge with local practices (e.g., plant-based repellents) to address patterns of livestock depredation and reduce economic losses.

• Oversee the piloting of affordable and scalable solutions in ASARTR and surrounding areas, ensuring adaptability to site-specific contexts and monitoring real-time changes via mobile apps or other tools.

• Conduct focus groups, interviews, and community dialogues to understand HTC patterns, evaluate existing measures, and refine interventions for maximum effectiveness.

• Develop and deliver training programs for communities, rangers, and stakeholders on counter-predation tools, livestock husbandry techniques, and monitoring protocols.

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of interventions, producing reports on outcomes such as reduced predation incidents, improved community livelihoods, and tiger population stability.

• Integrate counter-predation work with broader wildlife protection strategies, including community-based intelligence systems and alignment with Malaysia's National Tiger Conservation Action Plan (NTCAP).

• Advise on infrastructure needs, such as predator-proof enclosures, and coordinate procurement of equipment and materials. Ensure compliance with ethical standards, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), when engaging with local and indigenous communities.

• Represent Panthera in partnerships with government agencies (e.g., PERHILITAN, Pahang State Parks Corporation), NGOs (e.g., Enggang Management Services), and communities, facilitating knowledge exchange and impactful intervention pathways.

Essential Duties

• Establish and maintain good relations with partners and stakeholders of the project, including communities, government representatives, and conservation organizations.

• Ensure professional conduct within the team as well as with partners and stakeholders of the project.

• Ensure that all assigned activities are consistent with the schedule and all outputs are delivered on time and at the desired quality.

• Keep abreast with current research and developments in human-wildlife conflict mitigation, counter-predation techniques, and sustainable agriculture practices. This may require attending various meetings, workshops, conferences and training programmes.

• Be familiar and comply with the policies and guidelines set out in the Panthera Employee’s Handbook ensuring that the code of conduct & ethics and other Panthera policies are followed at all times.

• Be familiar and comply with Panthera’s programmatic vision, objectives and plans, and intellectual property rights.

• Maintain highest standards of professionalism and conduct when representing Panthera at local, regional and global levels.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable national laws and regulations of Malaysia.

Required Traits, Skills & Experience

• A minimum of Bachelor's degree, preferably in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related fields.

• 3-5 years of relevant working experience in human-wildlife conflict mitigation, livestock management, or agricultural engineering, with a focus on predator deterrence in rural or conservation settings.

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and unwavering commitment to Panthera’s mission.

• Ability to work in a team and adhere to protocols and safety guidelines.

• Ability to communicate well and professionally, including facilitating community engagement and stakeholder coordination. Ability to work independently and travel regularly to remote field sites.

• Ability to be based in Jerantut, Pahang.

• Efficacy towards interacting with people, with interest to work with local and indigenous communities towards the goal of wild cat conservation and balanced human-tiger coexistence.

• Knowledge of conservation and policy environment in Malaysia, including HTC issues and sustainable farming practices.

• Driving license (D) would be preferable.