Candidates will show a good understanding of the policy environment and political processes in Malawi, and across East Africa. Ideally, candidates will have excellent interpersonal skills as well as a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
The successful candidate will work closely with the local Country Manager in Malawi, as well as the Director of External Affairs, Director of Carbon Strategy and Head of Communications to drive BURN mission and vision with governments, enhancing the company’s brand while supports the policy team initiatives manages crisis communication, and ensures that all communication with public officials is aligned with the organization’s goals and values.
Job Summary
- Employer: BURN Manufacturing
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Blantyre, Malawi
- Category: Government Relations
- Closing Date: 2026-10-28
Key Responsibilities
- Government Relations & Policy Engagement
- Implement BURN’s government relations strategy at national and subnational levels.
- Foster relationships with ministries, regulators, and relevant public institutions.
- Monitor and analyse policy and regulatory developments affecting clean cooking, carbon markets, manufacturing, and energy access.
- Prepare policy briefs, submissions, and advocacy materials.
- Support advocacy for enabling policy environments that strengthen clean cooking adoption and carbon integrity.
- Partnerships & Stakeholder Development
- Build partnerships with development partners, NGOs, private sector, and research institutions.
- Identify collaboration opportunities that support BURN’s market and policy priorities.
- Support development of MOUs, joint programs, grant applications, and public-private partnerships.
- Maintain stakeholder mapping and engagement plans.
- Strategic Communications & External Affairs
- Support government-facing communications strategies.
- Develop speeches, talking points, and briefing notes for senior executives.
- Align public messaging with policy positions and regulatory priorities.
- Contribute to crisis communication involving government stakeholders.
- Support thought leadership for visibility in energy and policy platforms.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Commercial, Carbon, Legal, Grants, Tax and Communications teams.
- Provide policy intelligence to guide expansion, compliance, and project operations.
- Support government-facing engagements during audits or regulatory reviews.
- Public Affairs, Events & Representation
- Coordinate BURN’s participation in policy forums and government events.
- Organize high-level meetings and site visits with officials and partners.
- Lead public affairs initiatives to strengthen BURN’s credibility and visibility.
- Reporting & Documentation
- Prepare reports on engagement activities, policy updates, risks, and recommendations.
- Maintain documentation of government interactions and partnership commitments.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Political Science, Law, Communications, or related field.
- Master’s degree is an added advantage.
- 7-10 years’ experience in government relations, policy advocacy, public affairs, or partnerships.
- Strong understanding of specific placement country’s policy and regulatory systems.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Proven ability to influence and engage senior government and institutional stakeholders.
- Strong project management and multitasking skills.
- High initiative, political acumen, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and stakeholder management tools.
How to Apply
About the Company
BURN Manufacturing operates in Malawi as part of its broader East African presence, distributing fuel-efficient cookstoves designed to reduce household fuel costs and indoor air pollution. The company employs local staff and partners with distributors across Malawi to reach low-income households with its jikokoa stove models. BURN's Malawi operations contribute to its mission of manufacturing and selling clean cookstoves across sub-Saharan Africa, with regional headquarters in Kenya. The company sources materials locally where possible and provides after-sales support through its Malawian retail network.
Clean cooking solutions for African households
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Government Relations Lead in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Law, or International Relations. A master's degree or diploma in governance, policy studies, or public affairs strengthens your profile. Prior experience in government ministries, NGOs, or corporate regulatory roles is highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Government Relations Lead?
You will build and maintain relationships with ministries, regulators, and local government officials to advance company interests. Daily tasks include monitoring policy changes, preparing briefing documents, attending stakeholder meetings, and ensuring compliance with Malawian regulations. You also coordinate responses to government inquiries and represent the company at public forums.
How does the local work culture in Malawi affect this role?
Malawian business culture emphasizes personal relationships and respect for hierarchy, so face-to-face meetings and patience in negotiations are essential. Government processes can be slow, requiring persistence and diplomatic follow-up. Understanding local customs, including appropriate greetings and formal protocols, builds trust with public officials.
What career progression opportunities exist for Government Relations professionals in Malawi?
You can advance to Director of Government Affairs, Regional Policy Lead for Southern Africa, or Chief Compliance Officer. Some professionals transition into senior advisory roles within international development organizations or move into executive management. Building a strong network across public and private sectors opens consulting and board-level opportunities.
What benefits are typically offered for senior roles like Government Relations Lead in Malawi?
Employers usually provide medical aid, pension contributions, and annual leave aligned with Malawi's Employment Act. Many companies offer performance bonuses, fuel allowances, and mobile phone allowances given the travel-intensive nature of the role. Relocation support may be available for candidates based outside Lilongwe or Blantyre.
How should I apply for a Government Relations Lead position, and what do Malawian employers prioritize?
Submit a tailored CV highlighting policy engagement experience and measurable outcomes from past government interactions. Employers prioritize candidates with proven networks in relevant ministries, strong written communication in English, and demonstrated integrity. Include references from senior government or corporate contacts who can vouch for your relationship-building skills.