Conservation Technology Director, Cape Town, South Africa at United Nations

Key Responsibilities

• Chart the architectural course for Panthera in sensor design and development, big data management, tooled analytics, and machine learning capabilities in support of conservation impact.
• Lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of Panthera's conservation technology programs across regions and thematic areas.
• Guide and mentor a global, multidisciplinary team of Directors, Program Coordinators, Engineers, Data Scientists, Technicians, and support staff.
• Ensure conservation technology tools are effectively integrated into conservation projects and aligned with field realities and organizational priorities.
• Grow and strengthen conservation data management and technology capacity across Panthera's projects in the Americas, Middle East, and Asia; while sustaining capacity across Panthera's African projects.
• Oversee the sustainability, maintenance, and optimization of existing platforms and tools, ensuring interoperability and long-term effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain best practices for data governance, data security, and ethical use of conservation data across technology platforms.
• Identify and evaluate emerging AI technologies and analytical approaches that can enhance and support Panthera's mission.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of conservation technologies deployed across Panthera's projects, ensuring continuous improvement and scalability.
• Lead the PantheraCam program toward financial sustainability and operational resilience.
• Lead and coordinate grant proposal development and manage budgets across conservation technology teams.
• Represent Panthera in global conservation technology partnerships, technical working groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Build strong partnerships with NGOs, governments, donors, and technology collaborators.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MSc, PhD, or equivalent experience) in conservation biology, ecology, wildlife management, computer science, engineering, data science, or a related field.
• Strong background in conservation, ecology, wildlife management, or related fields, combined with a solid technical background in software development, engineering, or data systems.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary, international teams.
• Experience overseeing complex programs, software projects, budgets, and grant-funded initiatives.
• Strong understanding of big data, analytics, AI and machine learning, and modern software development practices.
• Experience with camera trapping, conservation sensors, or other biodiversity monitoring technologies is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical teams, conservation practitioners, partners, and senior leadership.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve people- and process-related challenges in complex organizational environments.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
• International travel is required. This is a full-time senior leadership position within Panthera's global team.