Founded in 2006, One Acre Fund equips 5.5 million smallholder farmers to make their farms more productive. Across nine countries that together are home to two-thirds of Africa’s farmers, we provide high-quality farm supplies, tree seedlings, accessible credit, modern agronomic training, and a wide range of other agricultural services. On average, this model enables any farmer to increase their income and assets on supported land by more than 35 percent, while permanently improving their resilience. This is all made possible by our team of 9,000+ full-time staff, drawn from diverse backgrounds and professions. To learn more, please see our Why Work Here blog post.
Our Malawi program, founded in 2016, provides more than 670,000 farmers with quality farm supplies and training. Our office in Malawi is located in Zomba, in the country’s south. One Acre Fund works in Malawi’s southern region, which has the highest concentration of smallholder farmers in the country.
About the Role
Lead our case investigation team. We are seeking an expert to manage audit execution, drive fraud prevention, and improve internal controls. You’ll own a critical role in safeguarding program integrity and supporting our mission for farmers.
Job Summary
- Employer: One Acre Fund
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Zomba, Malawi
- Category: Audit
- Closing Date: 2026-11-01
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and Develop the Team: Manage a team of 4-5 audit officers, conducting regular check-ins, performance reviews, and targeted professional development to keep morale and performance high.
- Oversee Audit Operations: Build the yearly risk-based audit plan, manage weekly team bandwidth, and prioritize urgent ad-hoc fraud or harassment investigation requests.
- Ensure High Quality: Conduct weekly quality checks on reports, shadow field investigations, and provide on-the-ground coaching to close delivery gaps.
- Drive Investigations & Controls: Safeguard the program by investigating staff and farmer fraud, client harassment, and “ghost farmers,” while constantly tightening internal control frameworks.
- Collaborate & Troubleshoot: Partner with HR on cash recovery, support Global Legal teams on high-level investigations, and collaborate with Field Operations on anti-fraud campaigns.
- Manage Data & Reporting: Consolidate monthly audit reports for stakeholders, maintain country and global trackers, and populate the Global Client Protection Heatmap.
- Shape the Future Framework: Work hand-in-hand with the Business Operations Lead to transition the team from traditional repayment audits into a pure case investigation unit.
Requirements
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Auditing, Accounting, or a related field.
- Experience: 2+ Proven track record in internal/external auditing, risk-based audit planning, and compliance monitoring.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of internal control frameworks and fraud investigation techniques.
- Data Skills: Basic to intermediate SQL skills and proficiency in at least one BI/visualization tool (e.g., Power BI, Superset).
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical thinking, rigorous attention to detail, and excellent team leadership abilities.
How to Apply
About the Company
One Acre Fund is a social enterprise that supplies smallholder farmers in East Africa with asset-based financing and agriculture training services to reduce hunger and poverty. Headquartered in Kakamega, Kenya, the organization works with farmers in rural villages throughout Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and Ethiopia.
Website: https://oneacrefund.org/what-we-do/countries-we-serve/malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Case Investigation Senior Coordinator role in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, law, or a related field. Professional certifications such as ACCA, CIA, or CFE are highly valued and often preferred for senior coordination positions.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Case Investigation Senior Coordinator?
Daily tasks include leading fraud and misconduct investigations, coordinating with field teams to gather evidence, preparing detailed case reports, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. You will also train junior staff and liaise with external auditors or legal authorities when necessary.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect expectations for this senior role?
Malawian workplaces emphasize respect for hierarchy and collaborative decision-making, so building strong relationships with district teams is essential. Punctuality and professionalism are expected, but flexibility is often needed due to infrastructure challenges in rural areas.
What career progression opportunities exist for investigation professionals in Malawi?
With experience, you can advance to Head of Internal Audit, Risk Manager, or Compliance Director roles within NGOs, banks, or government agencies. Many professionals also transition into consultancy or regional positions with international organizations operating across Southern Africa.
What benefits are typically offered for senior coordinator positions in Malawi?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, annual leave of 20-25 days, and sometimes hardship allowances for rural postings. Specific benefits vary significantly by employer type, with international NGOs often offering more comprehensive packages than local firms.
How should I apply for this role and what do Malawian employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through official job portals or organization websites with a tailored CV highlighting investigation experience and local knowledge. Employers prioritize demonstrated integrity, experience managing complex cases in rural Malawi, and fluency in Chichewa alongside English.