Choolwe Mulenga
Kabwe
Summary
Dedicated conservationist passionate about wildlife conservation, with extensive experience in conservation technology, community engagement, and data-driven wildlife management. Highly self-motivated, creative, and practical, with a strong ability to adapt, learn quickly, and work with minimal supervision to achieve set goals. Proven leadership in coordinating regional data-driven conservation initiatives.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Coordinator- Conservation Technology
Panthera Wildcat Conservation
01.2022 - Current
- Coordinate all operational data (data relating to LE, HWC, etc.) in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique
- Ensure monthly, quarterly and annual reports are being completed in a timely manner and with relevant material up to a high standard
- Assist with any technology or data processing issues/challenges sites are having in a prompt manner, seek help from SMART Partnership, EarthRanger community and/or other forums when needed
- Send feedback to SMART Partnership and EarthRanger forum for technology improvements
- Actively test new operational data collection software (including SMART releases and EarthRanger releases)
- Assist with donor reporting of operational data
- Maintain an active status on SMART Partnership working groups, testing new software, creating documentation and providing constant feedback and information on new tools
- Provide support to existing and new Panthera-supported SMART sites within region
- Work with the Regional Coordinator – Biological to assist with all biological monitoring data processing in countries above
- As guided by the Regional Coordinator – Biological, assist with tasks as required to help data curation, processing and management of the biological data across the region
- Actively test Panthera IDS and other relevant biological data software
- Send feedback to Conservation Technology (CTEC) Programming team for technology improvements
- Participate in the development and dissemination of Panthera IDS or other relevant biological monitoring software user documentation
- Conduct or coordinate software training where needed, with Coordinators and the Africa Coordinator
- Training includes the use of SMART and EarthRanger, or any other technology solutions identified (i.e., Wild Books and Panthera IDs)
- Ensure cooperative and adaptive management of data management staff by facilitating regular communication with the Project Coordinators for projects generating patrol, observation, Human Wildlife Conflict, and camera trap data across the continent
- Provide support to existing and new Panthera-supported SMART sites within region. This might mean extensive travel locally when required to field bases.
- Ensure cooperative and adaptive management of DMAN activities by facilitating regular communication with the Project Coordinators for projects generating patrol, observation, and HWC, across the Region. This includes both Conservation Action and Conservation Science staff.
- Participate in the creation and adaptation of 2-year Conservation Standard Project Plans for global rollout and usage of SMART and IDS, and any other relevant software tools.
- Work with the Africa Coordinator to timeously complete assigned Objectives, Activities, and Indicators according to the Conservation Standards Project Plans in hopes of achieving the SMART and IDS adoption targets outlined in the Project Plans. This includes, but is not limited to, abovementioned responsibilities
- Oversee and manage the work of any contractors who are delivering a service to Panthera in relation to operational data outputs within the Region in 2025.
- Organize and track work schedules of Coordinators and their Technicians (on-days, off days, leave days)
- First reviewer of budgets and finance related matters for Coordinators/Technicians/Interns on the program.
- Consult with the Regional HR Manager regarding all HR matters for Coordinators or Technicians.
- With the Africa Coordinator, lead the hiring of any relevant new staff for the region.
Environmental planner
Department of National Parks and Wildlife
Chilanga
01.2013 - Current
- Assisting in environmental assessments: Helping conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and site evaluations for conservation projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
- Conservation Planning: Supporting the development of management plans for protected areas, focusing on sustainable land and resource use within parks and adjacent areas
- Environmental Policy and Regulation Compliance: Helping ensure that projects align with environmental regulations, policies, and DNPW’s mission to protect biodiversity
- Research and Reporting: Conducting research on environmental trends, writing reports, and presenting findings to guide decision-making in conservation projects
Panthera – Lion Recovery Fund SMART Coordinator for Zambia and Zimbabwe
Panthera Wildcat Conservation
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Provide both on-site and remote support to all LRF supported SMART Sites
- These sites include; Charara Safari Area, Hwange National Park, Gonarezhou National Park, BioCarbon Partners, Zambia, Kafue National Park and Cotouda 9 (Mozambique)
- Edit and fix SMART data when and as errors arise
- Oversee all monthly reports from LRF SMART capacitated sites
- Work with partner NGO’s and authorities to catalogue and provide support for all necessary SMART activities in their respective areas
- Facilitate Panthera SMART training events and refresher courses in Panthera – LRF supported areas
- Provide ongoing technical SMART assistance when necessary to Panthera – LRF supported sites
- Give feedback on SMART patrol data to Panthera – LRF SMART supported sites
- Regular reporting of programs to Panthera and LRF
- Meet all metrics outlined in the 2021 LRF grant application
- Meet donor reporting requirements to LRF
Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) Coordinator for Kafue National Park
Panthera Wildcat Conservation
05.2019 - 12.2020
- Conduct or provide oversight to all SMART debriefs for all KNP SMART capacitated stations
- Edit and fix SMART data when and as errors arise
- Create or supervise and vet all monthly reports from KNP SMART stations and disseminate to appropriate individuals
- Create combined monthly reports from KNP SMART stations and disseminate to appropriate individuals
- Catalogue and provide support for all necessary SMART activities in KNP
- Facilitate Panthera SMART training events and refresher courses in KNP
- Provide technical SMART assistance when necessary
- Attend relevant monthly operations meetings and give feedback on SMART patrol data
- Regular reporting of SMART collected data to Panthera program, INL, KAZA program, DNPW
Community Conservation officer
Panthera Wildcat Conservation
12.2018 - 04.2019
- Community Engagement: Facilitated awareness programs to educate local communities on wildlife conservation, focusing on coexisting with large carnivores like lions and leopards
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Worked alongside government agencies, non-profits, and local leaders to coordinate conservation initiatives and ensure alignment with regional wildlife management policies
- Reporting and Documentation: Prepared reports and presentations summarizing field findings, community feedback, and the effectiveness of conservation programs to support ongoing project planning
- Data Collection and Analysis: Conducted field surveys to gather data on wildlife presence, human-wildlife conflict incidents, and community attitudes towards conservation; analyzed data to identify patterns and recommend solutions
- Administrative Support: Assisted with logistical and administrative tasks, including organizing field schedules, managing supplies, and coordinating meetings with stakeholders
Education
Master of science degree - Conservation Biology
University of CapeTown
01.2024
Bachelors of Science Degree - Wildlife Management
Copperbelt University
01.2014
GCE Grade Twelve School Certificate -
Mkushi High School
01.2009
GCSE Grade Nine Certificate -
Mkushi Boma Basic School
01.2006
Skills
- Research methodology
- Excellent in negotiating and relationship-building skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Community Engagement
- Meeting organization and facilitation
- Experienced in field data collection, analysis and presentation
References
- Dr Kim-Young Overton, Conservation Director - Africa Region, The Nature Conservancy, +64 276377192, kim.young@tnc.org or kimdyathome@gmail.com
- Xia Stevens, Africa Coordinator - Conservation Technology, Panthera Wildcat Conservation, Hook Bridge, Kafue National Park, Zambia, +260 973074413, xstevens@panthera.org
- Prof. Sarah Durant, Conservation Science, Zoological Society of London, +44 7885227560, sarah.durant@ioz.ac.uk
Timeline
Regional Coordinator- Conservation Technology
Panthera Wildcat Conservation
01.2022 - Current
Panthera – Lion Recovery Fund SMART Coordinator for Zambia and Zimbabwe
Panthera Wildcat Conservation
01.2021 - 12.2021
Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) Coordinator for Kafue National Park
Panthera Wildcat Conservation
05.2019 - 12.2020
Community Conservation officer
Panthera Wildcat Conservation
12.2018 - 04.2019
Environmental planner
Department of National Parks and Wildlife
01.2013 - Current
Master of science degree - Conservation Biology
University of CapeTown
Bachelors of Science Degree - Wildlife Management
Copperbelt University
GCE Grade Twelve School Certificate -
Mkushi High School
GCSE Grade Nine Certificate -
Mkushi Boma Basic School
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