POSITION: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERN
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Job Summary
- Employer: Sustainable Fashion Women Empowerment
- Job Type: Internship
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Sales
- Closing Date: 2026-10-21
Requirements
- Female, aged 18-25, residing in Area 49 or surrounding areas.
- Diploma or degree in Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Communications, or a related field.
- Strong interest in sales, business development and entrepreneurship.
- Excellent communication, networking and customer relationship skills.
- Confident in approaching customers, making sales and following up on leads.
- Proactive, results oriented and able to identify opportunities and generate revenue.
- Previous sales, business development or customer facing experience is an added advantage.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to apply for a Business Development Intern role in sustainable fashion in Malawi?
Most employers prefer candidates with a diploma or degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or Fashion Design from institutions like the University of Malawi or Mzuzu University. Practical experience in sales, retail, or community work with women's groups is highly valued. Certifications in digital marketing or entrepreneurship from local NGOs can strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Business Development Intern in this sector?
You will likely assist with market research on local and export demand for sustainable fashion products, support sales outreach to boutiques and ethical buyers, and help train women artisans in basic business skills. You may also manage social media accounts and coordinate with women's cooperatives in rural areas like Thyolo or Dedza. Reporting on sales metrics and grant-funded project outcomes is usually required weekly.
How does workplace culture in Malawi affect expectations for interns in this field?
Malawian workplaces value respect for hierarchy, so punctuality and deference to supervisors are important, especially in NGO and social enterprise settings. Building personal relationships through informal conversation before business discussions is common and expected. Dress codes tend to be modest and professional, with some flexibility in creative fashion organizations.
What career progression paths are realistic after completing this internship?
Successful interns often advance to Business Development Officer or Sales Coordinator roles within the same organization or move to larger NGOs like CARE or local social enterprises. Some transition to founding their own ethical fashion brands with support from incubators such as mHub or GrowthAfrica. Further study in sustainable development or international trade can open doors to regional roles with SADC-focused organizations.
What benefits should I expect as an intern in Malawi's sustainable fashion sector?
Paid internships in this sector typically offer modest stipends covering transport and lunch, though some smaller NGOs may only provide unpaid experience with certificates. Formal benefits like medical aid or pension contributions are rare for intern positions but may become available upon conversion to full-time employment. Annual leave is usually limited to statutory minimums under Malawi's Employment Act unless negotiated otherwise.
How should I apply and what do Malawian employers in this field look for?
Submit applications via email with a concise cover letter explaining your passion for women's empowerment and sustainable fashion, plus a CV highlighting any sales or community work experience. Employers prioritize demonstrated commitment to social impact, so volunteer experience with women's groups or environmental initiatives counts heavily. Prepare for interviews in English or Chichewa, and be ready to discuss how you would help rural artisans access markets in Lilongwe or Blantyre.