Position: Group Chief Executive Officer
Grade: MD1
Reporting to: The Board of Directors
Directorate: Office of the Group CEO
Location: Lilongwe
Contract Period: Thirty-six (36) months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance.
Staff responsible for: Director of Investment and Development, Director of Compliance and Risk Management, Director of Planning and Resource Mobilization, Director of Corporate Services, Legal Services Manager, and Internal Audit Manager.
1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The Malawi Development Corporation Holdings Limited (‘MDCHL’) or (‘Company’) was established by the Government of Malawi to spearhead investments in strategic sectors of the economy with an aim of achieving industrialization and bolster sustainable economic growth.
To deliver on its mandate, MDCHL will secure financing, support investment ventures and provide advisory services and technical assistance to its subsidiaries in order to contribute to the social-economic well-being of Malawians.
In order for MDCHL to fulfill its mandate effectively and efficiently, a qualified and experienced Malawian is required to fill the position of Group Chief Executive Officer, tenable at MDCHL’S Head Office in Lilongwe.
An attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications is on offer to the right candidate that will satisfy the Board to having understood aspirations of MDCHL and MW2063.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Executive Leadership
- Closing Date: 2026-09-15
Key Responsibilities
- Providing strategic leadership in the Company’s portfolio businesses and developments of various sectors of the economy to achieve excellent organizational performance towards its mandate and set goals.
- Updating the Board of Directors on strategic initiatives, financial performance and corporate risks of MDCHL.
- Advising the Board of any performance impediments and measures aimed at making the Company more effective to ensure achievement of its mandate.
- Ensuring that a robust Performance Management System (PMS) exists in the company, and fostering high standards of discipline among members of staff.
- Ensuring that a cohesive and competent management team exists in the Company that is adequately trained to execute key duties and applying sound management practices.
- Identifying Company’s structural changes and staff skill requirements and put in place required management systems and processes to manage the motivation of staff.
- Establishing and reviewing of governance structures and efficient business processes of the Company and its subsidiaries.
- Chairing meetings and providing strategic direction to MDCHL’s subsidiary companies.
- Ensuring adherence to legal requirements, statutory obligations, policies, rules and regulations.
- Preparing and presenting appropriate reports to the Board and shareholders as required from time to time.
- Providing secretarial services to the Board.
- Developing, planning and implementing the Company’s strategic plan to achieve key result areas.
- Overseeing the development implementation of effective Strategic Business Plans, policies, operating guidelines and objectives of the subsidiary companies.
- Ensuring that MDCHL conducts its business in compliance with the existing legal and regulatory framework.
- Providing general Company leadership, and ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
- Liaising with shareholders, potential investment and other key stakeholders on matters relevant to the investments and developments in the strategic sectors of the economy.
- Developing and executing a comprehensive strategic communication plan to enhance the Company’s position, reputation and brand.
- Ensuring that the Company is visible to the public in appropriate platforms.
- Providing an environment that promotes proper management and control of financial resources in the company.
- Ensuring timely preparation of capital and operating budgets for submission to the Board
- Providing leadership in resource mobilization drive for the Company.
- Initiating and maintaining linkages and partnerships with relevant institutions both locally and internationally.
- Collaborating with local and international partners on possible joint initiatives.
- Representing the Company at national and international technical and professional meetings and conferences.
- Engaging both local and international partners in raising awareness of the Company’s roles in all business portfolios.
- Safeguarding and enhancing corporate investment standards in conformity with both regional and international protocols.
- Championing results driven, innovative and business oriented Company’s culture.
- Ensuring that the Company develops and maintains a culture of continuous improvement.
- Leading Company’s capacity building, talent development and succession planning to ensure high-performance team.
- Championing corporate governance, risk management and internal control processes.
Requirements
- Applicants must possess a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in the following discipline from accredited institutions: Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, Law or Economics; PLUS post-graduate qualification in Leadership and Management.
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years’ post-graduate experience, of which ten (10) years must be at Senior Executive or Corporate Management position with proven track record in getting big investment deals done.
- A proven track record in leadership and management;
- Be customer focused, goal driven, action oriented, innovative, a self-starter and team player;
- Possess strong networking skills to effectively engage with the Company’s stakeholders;
- High level of integrity, sense of maturity and ability to meet deadlines;
- Be decisive, assertive and problem solver;
- Skills and competences in development and implementation of institutional strategic plans;
- Ability to relate and engage with the public and private sector, civil society, senior government and development partner officials;
- Possess proven skills of team building, negotiation and conflict resolution;
- Ability to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled and talented staff.
- Be well experienced in developing, implementing and monitoring budget and ensuring financial discipline.
Salary
An attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications is on offer to the right candidate that will satisfy the Board to having understood aspirations of MDCHL and MW2063.
How to Apply
The Board Chairperson
Malawi Development Corporation Holdings Limited
MERA Complex 3rd floor
Private Bag B421
Lilongwe
E-mail: recruitmentmdchl@finance.gov.mw
Closing date for receipt of application letters is 15th September, 2026.
Only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged through invitation for interviews.
Job Code: MD1
About the Company
Malawi Development Corporation Holdings Limited (MDCHL) is a state-owned enterprise established under Malawian law to drive strategic economic development through investment, asset management, and industrial promotion. It operates primarily from Lilongwe, where it oversees a portfolio of subsidiaries in sectors including agro-processing, manufacturing, and infrastructure services across Malawi. MDCHL was restructured in 2021 under the Malawi Government’s Public Enterprise Reform Programme to enhance governance and commercial viability of its holdings. The corporation reports to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of Malawi and implements national development priorities aligned with Malawi’s Growth and Development Strategy.
State-owned investment and development catalyst in Malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for the Group CEO role at a state-owned enterprise like Malawi Development Corporation Holdings Limited?
Applicants usually hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field, plus at least 15 years of progressive leadership experience — including substantial time in senior executive roles within public sector entities or large parastatals in Malawi. Professional certifications such as FCCA, CIMA, or membership in the Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) are highly regarded, and familiarity with Malawi’s Public Finance Management Act and State-Owned Enterprises Act is essential.
What does a typical day look like for a Group CEO in a Malawian state-owned holding company?
The role involves strategic oversight of subsidiary companies, regular engagement with the Board and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, and coordination with key regulators like the Reserve Bank of Malawi and the Securities Commission. Day-to-day responsibilities include reviewing financial performance, guiding corporate governance compliance, representing the corporation at national development forums, and managing stakeholder expectations across government, donors, and local communities.
How does work culture and leadership expectations differ for executives in Malawi compared to other countries?
Leadership in Malawian public enterprises emphasizes consensus-building, respect for hierarchical protocol, and strong interpersonal diplomacy — especially when interfacing with civil servants and traditional leaders. Punctuality and formal communication are valued, but flexibility around meeting timelines is common; successful executives demonstrate cultural fluency, humility, and a visible commitment to national development priorities such as Malawi 2063.
What career progression paths exist after serving as Group CEO of a Malawian state-owned holding company?
Former Group CEOs often transition into advisory roles with the Government of Malawi, chair positions on other parastatal boards, or high-level appointments in regional institutions like the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Some pursue ambassadorial or ministerial roles, while others join private-sector conglomerates as non-executive directors — particularly if they have built strong cross-sector credibility and policy influence during tenure.
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, and pension — are typically offered to Group CEOs in Malawian state-owned enterprises?
Group CEOs are covered under the National Pension Scheme (NAPSA) and often receive enhanced retirement benefits through the Public Officers’ Pension Scheme or a supplementary pension arrangement approved by the Treasury. They are entitled to 30 days of annual leave, comprehensive medical cover for themselves and immediate dependents via schemes like NASFUND or contracted private providers, and may access housing allowances or official residence arrangements per Treasury guidelines.