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. For more on Panthera, visit www.panthera.org.Panthera has been present in Malaysia through partners for almost a decade.

In the beginning of 2020, Panthera incorporated an office in Malaysia - Panthera Wild Cat Conservation Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (PWCCM).In July 2024, Panthera established four regional hubs to oversee the administrative and programmatic compliance with Panthera global policies, strategies and priorities in alignment with the national/ local regulations. Following that, PWCCM has become part of the Middle East & Asia Hub of Panthera, based in the United Arab Emirates. The Program Manager supports the Director of PWCCM in operationalising and managing all administrative and financial aspects of PWCCM in compliance with the Panthera policies and strategies, and the applicable national regulations. . S/he will ensure that the organisation’s  values and operating principles are maintained as PWCCM operations grow over time.  The Program Manager will be based in Malaysia, leading the development and management of Panthera's growing Malaysia country program, and will collaborate with existing country programs in the region on regional projects.
S/he will report to the Country Director of PWCCM. 

Specific responsibilities include: 

• Manage PWCCM administrative operations to ensure compliance of finance and procurement, HR and other administrative policies by all programmatic departments.
• Assist the Country Director in maintaining leadership on wild cat conservation by supporting the development and maintaining management of key partnerships, including with the national Government, ensuring the best possible working relationships are established and maintained.
• Proactively prepares or coordinates the preparation of timely and accurate organizational reports for PWCCM for review and approval by PWCCM Director to be presented to the Middle East & Asia Hub, Panthera Headquarters, donors or other 

 Essential Duties

The essential job functions of the Program Manager are as follows:

• Ensure proper registration and compliance with statutory regulations in Malaysia

Following instructions from and in support to PWCCM Director, work with local authorities on operations matters to ensure adequate and timely statutory reporting and submission of documentation, as the case requires

• Support the PWCCM Director by ensuring that staff, interns, volunteers and any other relevant parties are well aware and comply with administrative procedures and templates in all areas of operation.
• Ensure that PWCCM has adequate human, technical and financial capacity, and complies with all applicable national laws and regulations in Malaysia to operate and progress smoothly. Maintains record of human, technical and financial resources for PWCCM, ensuring compliance with the national laws and regulations, as well as Panthera policies, and provides regular updates on their adequacy to the Director
• In coordination with the Director and following Panthera policies, organize the recruitment processes and files, and support new staff’s orientation. .
• Develop financial plans and reports in line with Panthera processes on global and regional level (Middle East & Asia)
• Ensure that staff and contractors are well aware of Panthera reporting requirements, tools and software, and that Panthera’s systems are used in compliance with Panthera’s operational procedures/ requirements.
• Plan and support the acquisitions of  capital asset for the operation of PWCCM and manage their record and inventory in line with Panthera policies.
• Assist the Country Director in overseeing the program quality in Malaysia by timely and quality completion of M&E processes, adoption of quality standards and guidelines, and efficient use of global and regional program resources.
• Under the supervision of the Country Director, organise statutory reporting and auditing  for PWCCM.
• Ensure proper use of PWCCM resources in pursuit of quality programs for wild cat conservation, and ensure that adequate internal control are in place to protect PWCCM financial and intangible assets.
• Maintain the virtual repository of PWCCM official documentations.

 Administrative Duties

• Coordinate several types of processes with Panthera Middle East & Asia Hub or Headquarters, if/ as the case requires, including but not limited to preparation of annual budgets, tracking of expenses against budgets on a monthly basis, supervising the use of funds according to project objectives, and key human resource procedures.
• In collaboration with PWCCM staff,  coordinate and directly contribute to the timely, accurate and documentation-supported reporting to donors and Panthera Headquarters/ Hub 
• Coordinate the preparation of reports to donors and to the Finance team providing information for audits when needed.
• Supervise the work of external accountants, making sure that deadlines are met and requirements established by the Finance department.
• Ensure that accounting and payroll processes are running efficiently. 
• Ensure that there are sufficient funds available for operations to run smoothly
• Coordinate with Project Coordinators to ensure that funds and expenses are allocated and reported accordingly and in a timely manner.
• Make occasional site visits to meet with the project field teams, with Project Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators (once or twice a year, as needed), on operational matters related to assets, HR, and admin.
• Coordinate with Accounting Team to ensure that each grant is categorized and booked correctly.
• Coordinate with Payroll team to ensure that statutory payments are recorded accordingly.
• Coordinate with Accounting Team to ensure that current documentation process is audit compliant.
• Coordinate with Tax Agent to ensure that PWCCM submits all tax related documents in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with Company Secretary when required and manage communications with PWCCM’s Directors for circulars and any other related administrative matters.
• Prepare any official letters for employee movements, permit applications, confirmation letters and formal communications with government agencies in both English and Bahasa Malaysia.
• Under the supervision of the Country Director, organize the process of recruitment planning and implementation, ensuring compliance to both local labour and Panthera procedures and policies.
• Coordinate with the Human Resource team of Panthera Corporation in drafting and implementing policies and Employee Handbook for PWCCM.
• Monitor bank balance and put in advance request to Panthera Corporation according to the monthly forecast 
• Monitor spending plan and expenses to ensure that funds allocated are spent accordingly
• Provide Accounting Team with information on the workflow process when requested
• Monitor the progress during the recruitment process
• When needed, assist in the development (or amendments) of MOUs between Panthera and local government or NGO partners in the region, and ensure quality control and compliance with the donor, country legal and Panthera requirements
• Compile PWCCM’s annual and monthly budget forecasts

Supervisory Responsibilities (If applicable)

• External Accountants

Required Traits, Skills & Experience

This ideal opportunity for a mature leader with experience in a complex nonprofit and/or government contracting that has multiple programs.  An ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and unwavering commitment Panthera’s mission
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, management or related discipline preferred.
• At least 4 years of experience in operations and people management, preferably in a non-profit/ non-government environment.
• Very good knowledge of the labour and statutory reporting legal requirements in Malaysia
• Keen analytical skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting
• Experience working with foreign subsidiaries and foreign currency translation
• Experience managing audits
• Experience in developing and maintaining organisational policy and procedures
• Proven experience with managing complex contractual relationships
• Demonstrated capacity in financial planning and management
• Highly organized and self-motivated with the ability to self-manage
• Demonstrated high level of attention to detail and the ability to multi-task across activities, geographies and projects
• Ability to take initiative, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities;
• English and Bahasa Malaysia language proficiency required
• Holder of Driving License (D) preferred