The overarching Development Objective of the RCRP SOP is to strengthen the resilience to water-related climate shocks in Eastern and Southern Africa countries. The overarching Development Objective of the SOP will be achieved by:
(i) Strengthening participating countries’ and regional organizations’ capacity to manage disaster risk, including improved national and regional early warning systems (EWS);
(ii) Improving access to climate financing to finance climate adaptation investment;
(iii) Mainstream climate resilience in water infrastructure planning, and generally in water institutions;
(iv) Increase infrastructure resilience, by improving Operation and Management (O&M) systems, with focus on large storage and flood risk management infrastructure;
(v) Improve community-level awareness and response capacity, by establishing/strengthening adaptive social protection system.
The Department of Economic Planning and Development (EP&D) in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs will take on the overall lead and coordination role of the Project. It will set up a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) that will be responsible for coordination, monitoring and reporting for the project. The PIU will work closely with other Ministerial teams to coordinate implementation, build capacity of Ministry teams and District teams for implementation, facilitate support for compliance with environment and social requirements for the project, collect and compile data from the project results framework and manage communications for the Project.
The Department of Economic Planning and Development therefore invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Assistant Financial Management Specialist to be part of the Project Management Team to be positioned in the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) for the Project.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Banking, Finance & Insurance
- Closing Date: 2026-07-31
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the preparation of consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) that give true and fair view of the financial position of the RCRP at the end of the financial year;
- Ensure that RCRP resources are used in accordance with the conditions of the relevant financing agreement, with due attention to economy and efficiency, and only for the purposes for which the financing was provided;
- Ensure goods, works and services financed have been procured in accordance with the relevant financing agreements including specific provisions of the World Bank Procurement Policies and Procedures;
- Verify the contractual and financial details of each invoice, payment requests and interim or final itemized statement of account before making any payment;
- Assist in the preparation of disbursement requests and financial justifications for the project and submit to Treasury and IDA;
- Ensure that all necessary supporting documents, records, and accounts have been maintained in respect of all project activities, including expenditures reported using Statement of Expenditures (SOE) or Interim Financial Reports (IFRs) methods of reporting;
- Ensure all financial reports are in agreement with underlying books of account;
- Ensure national laws and regulations have been complied with, and that the financial and accounting procedures approved for the RCRP (e.g. Operational Manual, financial procedures manual, etc.) are followed and used;
- Periodically review the performance of control functions to ensure that internal controls are sufficient and functioning correctly;
- Ensure that the Financial Performance of the RCRP is Satisfactory;
- Ensure that assets procured under the RCRP exist and there is verifiable ownership in line with the relevant financing agreements;
- Assist in establishing a central accounting filing system, and ensure all project documents are properly retained in accordance with GoM and Bank requirements;
- Ensure annual financial statements and all project accounts are audited timely once a year by a reputable auditing firm;
- Assist in maintaining accurate and traceable schedules for VAT and timely remittance of tax deductions to the Malawi Revenue Authority, and;
- Undertake all other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the role and level of this position as may be requested by the Financial Management Specialist.
Requirements
- Professional accounting qualification, CPA (MW), ACCA, CIMA;
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, or Finance or Business Administration. A Master’s Degree will be an advantage;
- At least 5 years of post-qualification experience in financial management in a reputable and highly performing public sector organization and at least 3 years’ experience of managing donor funded projects covering highly complex financial management issues, and those with Audit experience would have an added advantage;
- Demonstrate extensive practical experience and skills in all aspects of international financial management with due regard to World Bank projects and GoM financial regulations;
- Computer literate; good knowledge of MS Office application and Project Computerized Accounting;
- Outstanding numeracy, planning, organising and controlling skills;
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; and
- Excellent communication and analytical skills.
How to Apply
Address: The Project Coordinator, Regional Climate Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa 2 Project, Department of Economic Planning and Development, P. O. Box 30136, Lilongwe, Malawi.
REF Code: MW-EP&D–554516-CS-INDV
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are typically required for an Assistant Financial Management Specialist role in a Malawian government department?
Typically, a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Financial Management, or a related field from a recognized Malawian or international institution is required. Professional certifications such as ACCA or CIMA, or progressing towards them, are highly advantageous for specialized finance roles in the public sector. Practical experience in financial reporting or budgeting is also often sought after.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of an AFMS in the Department of Economic Planning and Development?
Day-to-day tasks typically involve assisting in budget preparation and monitoring, processing financial transactions, and preparing financial reports for various projects and programs. You would also be involved in maintaining financial records, reconciling accounts, and ensuring compliance with government financial regulations and procedures. This role supports senior management in ensuring prudent financial management and accountability within the department's operations.
What is the typical work culture like in a Malawian government department, and what are the key expectations for this role?
The work culture in Malawian government departments often emphasizes adherence to established procedures, teamwork, and strong respect for hierarchy. Punctuality, diligence, and a commitment to public service are highly valued, alongside the ability to work collaboratively to achieve departmental goals. Expectations for an AFMS include accuracy in financial reporting, integrity in handling public funds, and proactive problem-solving within established guidelines.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for an AFMS within the Malawian public service or related finance sectors?
An AFMS can typically progress to more senior financial roles such as Financial Management Specialist or Senior Accountant within various government departments or parastatals. With additional experience and professional development, opportunities may arise in financial policy formulation, project financial management, or leadership positions. Growth paths often depend on continuous learning and acquiring advanced professional qualifications.
What kind of benefits, such as leave, medical aid, or pension, can one expect in an AFMS role within a Malawian government entity?
Employees in Malawian government entities typically receive a structured benefits package that includes annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave in accordance with public service regulations. Most roles come with a pension scheme, where both the employee and employer contribute, and access to a medical aid scheme or allowances for medical expenses. Specific details may vary, but these core benefits are standard in the public sector.
How to apply for such a role in Malawi, and what specific qualities do Malawian employers look for?
Applications are typically submitted through official government portals, Public Service Commission advertisements, or national newspapers, strictly following the outlined instructions. Employers in Malawi, especially within the public sector, highly value integrity, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of public financial management principles. A well-crafted CV and a cover letter that explicitly addresses the job requirements and showcases your commitment to public service are essential.