Software Engineering Coordinator

About Panthera Corporation

Founded in 2006, Panthera is devoted to the conservation of the world’s 40 species of wild cats and the vast ecosystems they inhabit. Our team of biologists, data scientists, law enforcement experts and wild cat advocates studies and protects the seven species of big cats: cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards and tigers. Panthera also creates targeted conservation strategies for the world’s most threatened and overlooked small cats. With our supporters around the world, we inform the public about the plight of wild cats, help local communities live in harmony with wild cats, protect wild cats and their prey from poaching, fight the illegal wildlife trade and safeguard the precious landscapes wild cats need to survive.

Position

Software Engineering Coordinator

Location

Cape Town, South Africa

Start Date

Immediately

Job Description

• The Software Engineering Coordinator position involves coordinating the development and implementation of new and existing software programs related to big data management and species conservation across Panthera. 
• The Software Engineering Coordinator is required to provide high-level leadership whilst guiding Panthera’s team of Software Developers, Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, and Quality Assurance Engineers in defining development and strategic architecture, and decisions throughout Panthera’s Software Development unit, within the Conservation Technology Department, across a 3–5–10-year horizon.  
• The Software Engineering Coordinator will be expected to build and lead an inclusive and unified software team, and oversee daily project management and team development, including: prioritizing and assigning tasks based on goals, deadlines, and dependencies to ensure clear communication and task coordination; reviewing progress against milestones regularly to identify any delays or issues that need attention; generating performance reports, summaries, and updates for stakeholders to provide insights into project achievements and challenges; analyzing performance metrics such as velocity and burn-down charts to assess team performance and identify areas for enhancement; facilitating daily stand-ups and other regular meetings to ensure team members communicate progress, challenges, and plans; and promoting continuous professional development through coaching on Scrum and Agile principles.  
• The Software Engineering Coordinator is responsible for defining and leading Panthera’s software architecture, including full-stack, database, desktop, mobile, cloud, and security development. This role involves collaborating with the rest of The Conservation Technology Department (including the Sensors unit, Data Management unit, and Support unit), and external NGOs, businesses, and other conservation leaders to implement strategic frameworks and guide key design decisions for large-scale software programs, data management, analytics, and integration solutions, ensuring alignment with Panthera’s overall goals.
• The Software Engineering Coordinator is accountable for ensuring compliance with all strategic and architectural standards and governance related to the broader Conservation Technology department within Panthera and will be expected to leverage knowledge of established practices to drive sustainable development of software required by Panthera and partners.  
• The Software Engineering Coordinator will be expected to promote research in emerging technologies and continuously identify technologies with high-potential value for Panthera and specify their appropriate usage in developing solutions for the organisation.  
• The Software Engineering Coordinator is required to balance business and technology considerations, along with financial and timeline impacts, to recommend optimal roadmaps for Programming. 
• Local and international travel are required. 

Qualifications and Experience

• MSc in Computer Science or BSc Honours with relevant education, experience, and training.
• 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience developing systems and working with big data.
• Proven track record of leading enterprise-scale technical projects and managing teams through the software development and data science lifecycle.
• Experience building successful software teams and delivering complex software solutions.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and develop impactful data management and analytics solutions.

Knowledge and Skills

Technical Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of software development, data science, and machine learning.
• Expert understanding of software solutions and technical software design.
• Strong familiarity with modern technologies and programming languages, such as Python, R, SQL, Git, Java, and Dart (Flutter).
• Deep knowledge of tools and platforms (e.g., Spark, AWS, R, Python) and ability to quickly learn new languages, technologies, and frameworks.

Leadership & Project Management:

• Strong familiarity with the Agile development process, including preparing project plans, communicating them, and breaking work down into trackable tasks.
• Ability to manage and lead teams, ensuring projects are delivered effectively.

Communication & Problem Solving:

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information in simple terms, both verbally and in writing, to internal teams, business partners, and leadership.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with various stakeholders and resolve people- and process-related issues efficiently.

How to Apply 

Applications close 31 October, 2024. Please apply by visiting Panthera’s Career Page Careers | Panthera. Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter.  CVs must include three professional referees and their contact details. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Although this position is open to candidates of any nationality, suitably qualified South African nationals will be given preference.