Overview

Panthera is the only organization in the world that is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wildcat species and their ecosystems. Utilizing the expertise of the world’s premier cat biologists, Panthera develops and implements global strategies for the seven species of big cats: cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, lions, pumas (also known as mountain lions or cougars), snow leopards and tigers. Panthera also studies and protects the world’s most threatened species of small cats through our Small Cats Program.

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.

Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Duration: 12 months. Annual renewal subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Start date: 15 February 2022.

Preliminary interviews will be held online in early February.

About the Role

Across southern Africa, large numbers of leopards and other wild cats are harvested for their skins which are used by numerous cultural and religious groups in ceremonial attire. While the desire for leopard skins stems from a cultural reverence for the animal, most users do not realise that leopard populations in Africa are in jeopardy. In response to this challenge, in 2013 Panthera partnered with the Nazareth Baptist “Shembe” Church eBuhleni and initiated the Furs for Life Program. Together Panthera and the Church created high-quality, affordable synthetic leopard skin garments for use in religious ceremonies. We are now embarking on the next phase of this project with an ambitious plan to decentralise decision making and control to the Shembe Church. Central to this is the creation of a Shembe owned tailoring company that will be responsible for importing all necessary fabric, and producing and distributing all garments in conjunction with a national behaviour change campaign that promotes the use of synthetic instead of authentic leopard skin garments in traditional ceremonies.

It is the Shembe Enterprise Development Coordinator’s responsibility to ensure the proper running and administration of this business on a day-to-day operational basis. She/he will oversee the creation of the company, assist with operationalising the business plan, and ensure the transfer of skills to our Shembe partners. The ultimate goal is to ensure that responsibilities and skills are transferred to our Shembe partners in a phased and staggered approach over time. As such, an intimate awareness of the practices and beliefs of the Shembe Church is vital.

The Shembe Enterprise Development Coordinator will also be required to assist with the expansion of the Furs for Life project to other interested communities across South Africa. To this end, she/he will assist in building relationships with relevant community leaders and members, prototyping new synthetic fur garments, and distributing garments across South Africa.

Main Duties

Your job focus will include supporting the day-to-day operations of the Shembe tailoring company, including production and distribution of garments. Additionally, the role will include coordinating elements of the national behaviour change campaign run in partnership with the Shembe Church and assisting with the monitoring and evaluation of the demand reduction program. Main tasks will include:

  • Maintaining strong relationship with Shembe partners
  • Developing a profitable traditional garment tailoring business.
  • Assisting with conducting interviews with community members and other stakeholders
  • Data capture
  • Facilitating marketing content creation and distribution as part of the national behaviour change campaign
  • Assisting with data analysis and interpretation
  • Preparing reports
  • Working with Panthera colleagues, communities and partner organisations to develop innovative and practical solutions to complex conservation challenges
  • Where necessary, attending and assisting with training events and workshops
  • Participating in regular internal project meetings
  • Representing Panthera in external meetings and fora where requested
  • Assisting with project administration including monthly financial reporting
  • Assisting Panthera staff with other programmatic needs where necessary, including activities elsewhere in South Africa

Qualifications, skills, and personal attributes

  • An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline of business administration, management, or the social sciences with a minimum of 3-years work experience or a Masters degree with 1-year work experience required, or at least 5 years of demonstrable relevant experience.
  • Good communication, facilitation and diplomatic skills.
  • An ability to take initiative and deliver a high standard of work.
  • An intimate understanding of the teachings, practices, and beliefs of the Shembe Church.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (especially Word and Excel).
  • Strong record-keeping and attention to detail.
  • Fluent in both written and spoken English and Zulu.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Willingness to travel regularly and work outside typical office hours.
  • Possession of a valid South African or international driver’s license, with suitable off-road driving experience.
  • Experience in tailoring or textile related industries and/or community conservation programs would be a considerable advantage.
  • A demonstrable interest in and knowledge of wildlife conservation would be a considerable advantage
  • Right to work in South Africa.

How To Apply

Applications: Closing date for applications is 23:59 on 31 January 2022

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) with two contactable referees
  2. Cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in fulfilling the role (submissions that do not include a cover letter will not be considered)

Please combine and submit your CV and cover letter AS A SINGLE DOCUMENT. The single document should be submitted to the Panthera Careers Page.