Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Finance
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate books of accounts and financial records.
- Process and verify payments, disbursements and supporting documents.
- Prepare financial reports, withdrawal applications and audit schedules.
- Conduct bank reconciliations and monitor cash flow.
- Support budgeting, expenditure monitoring and financial reporting.
- Maintain the fixed asset register and audit-ready financial files.
- Support compliance with internal controls and donor financial procedures.
- Assist with audits, supervision missions and implementation of recommendations.
- Provide financial administration and support to district-level teams.
Requirements
- Degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Professional qualification such as ACCA, CA or equivalent.
- At least 5 years’ relevant experience in accounting, bookkeeping or financial administration.
- Experience with accounting software such as TOMPRO, Navision, QuickBooks, Pastel or Sage and Microsoft Excel.
- Experience in IFAD, EU, World Bank or similar donor-funded programmes is an added advantage.
How to Apply
Email: procurement@sapp.mw
The Chairperson
Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee
Ministry of Agriculture
Capital Hill, P.O. Box 30134, Lilongwe 3
About the Company
Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme II (SAPP II) is a Malawi-based agricultural development initiative implemented by the Government of Malawi with support from the World Bank and other partners. It operates across multiple districts—including Dedza, Ntcheu, and Machinga—to strengthen climate-resilient farming systems, improve input access, and link smallholder farmers to markets. The programme specifically targets rural households in Malawi’s central and southern regions, integrating extension services, savings groups, and post-harvest infrastructure. SAPP II builds on lessons from its predecessor and remains active as of 2023–2024 under the Ministry of Agriculture’s oversight.
Boosting smallholder productivity and market access in Malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this role in Malawi?
A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is usually mandatory, with preference given to candidates holding ACCA, CIMA, or ICPMA (Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Malawi) certification. Relevant postgraduate diplomas or short courses in public financial management or donor-funded project finance—especially those aligned with World Bank or EU guidelines—are highly valued by employers managing SAPP II funds.
What does a typical day look like for an Assistant Financial Management Specialist on SAPP II?
Daily tasks include processing payments for agricultural inputs, verifying vendor invoices against procurement records, updating the national Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), and preparing monthly financial reports for the Ministry of Agriculture and development partners. You’ll also support field staff with budget tracking for district-level extension activities and ensure compliance with both Malawian Public Finance Management Act requirements and donor financial rules.
How does work culture and professional expectations differ for finance roles in Malawi compared to other countries?
In Malawi, hierarchical respect and formal communication with senior officers—including written memos for approvals—are standard, especially within government-linked programmes like SAPP II. Punctuality, integrity in handling public funds, and strong interpersonal skills for coordinating with non-finance staff (e.g., agronomists and extension officers) are consistently emphasised during performance reviews and recruitment interviews.
What realistic career progression paths exist after working as an Assistant Financial Management Specialist on SAPP II?
With 3–5 years’ experience and further certification (e.g., ACCA Part Qualification or ICPMA membership), you may advance to Financial Management Specialist or Finance Officer roles within SAPP II or similar programmes like NASFAM or DPPA. Some professionals transition into internal audit units at the Ministry of Finance or move into finance leadership positions with NGOs such as World Vision Malawi or Concern Universal, where SAPP II experience signals strong public-sector financial discipline.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—can I expect in this role?
Most SAPP II implementing entities offer statutory benefits including 21 days annual leave, maternity/paternity leave per Malawian Employment Act, and enrolment in the National Pension Scheme (NAPSA). Medical aid varies: government institutions often provide NHLS coverage, while partner NGOs may offer private schemes or reimbursements—always confirm specifics during the interview, as coverage depends on the employer’s contractual arrangement with the programme.
How do I apply, and what do employers in Malawi specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are typically submitted online via the hiring entity’s portal (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture website or UNDP Malawi careers page) or through email with certified documents, CV, and a cover letter citing relevant SAPP I/II or agriculture project exposure. Employers prioritise demonstrable experience with IFMIS, knowledge of Malawi’s Procurement Act, fluency in Chichewa for stakeholder engagement, and evidence of ethical conduct—often verified through referee checks with prior supervisors in the public sector.