Internship Opportunity: Program Assistant

Job description

Internship Opportunity: Program Assistant

Organization: Panthera Zambia

Location: Greater Kafue Ecosystem (GKE) and other areas as assigned

Duration: 3-6 months

Stipend: A modest monthly stipend will be provided. All official field costs will be covered by Panthera.

About Panthera

Panthera is a global non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to conserving wild cats and their habitats. In Zambia, Panthera is committed to safeguarding wild cats and promoting community-driven conservation in key ecosystems across the GKE landscape.

Position Overview

Panthera Zambia invites applications for a Program Assistant Internship. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in rural environmental education, human-wildlife conflict (HWC) mitigation, and community livelihood improvement initiatives linked to wildlife conservation.

The intern will report to the Community Conservation Coordinator and work closely with Panthera teams and partners.

Key Responsibilities

· Support stakeholder engagement with traditional leaders, community members, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), and partner organizations.

· Liaise with Panthera program managers to align and coordinate activities across the landscape.

· Assist in delivering environmental education, HWC mitigation, and livelihood projects in GMAs and wildlife corridors.

· Help coordinate and document environmental education meetings and workshops.

· Ensure proper stewardship, care, and maintenance of project equipment, including vehicles and field tools.

· Prepare and submit financial information, activity reports, and grant documentation as required.

· Draft technical and communication reports for project activities.

· Submit a monthly operating report by the 5th of each month.

· Adhere strictly to standard operating procedures and health and safety guidelines.

Qualifications and Requirements

· Bachelor of Science in Environmental Education, Conservation Ecology, Wildlife Management, or a closely related Natural Resource Management field.

· Strong interest in natural resource/wildlife conservation.

· Minimum one year of relevant work or volunteer experience.

· Strong communication, presentation, and writing skills.

· Self-motivated, results-oriented, emotionally intelligent, and of high integrity.

· Willingness to conduct extensive fieldwork in remote/rural areas under challenging conditions (including camping in the bush).

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

· Experience with financial reporting and/or community engagement will be an advantage.

· Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office; GIS software/Google Earth is an advantage).

· Experience in non-profit organizations will be an added advantage.

· Proficiency in SMART data collection software is desirable.

· Solid 4×4 driving experience and a valid manual driver’s license are required.

· Proficiency in one or more local languages (Tonga, Toka Leya, or Lozi) is essential.

· Must be able to build strong working relationships with diverse partners, including community members, traditional leaders, NGOs, DNPW, and other government agencies.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A cover letter addressed to the Community Conservation Coordinator/ Human Resources Manager

2. A current CV.

3. Copies of academic qualifications.

Email applications to: seafricarecruitment@panthera.org

Subject line: Application for Program Assistant Internship.

Deadline for applications: 27 October 2025.

Late applications will be kept on file for future opportunities. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within five days after the deadline.