Position: Integral Mission Project Officer
Reports to: Church Empowerment Coordinator
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Church Empowerment Coordinator, the Project Officer will be responsible for effective project implementation across projects being implemented in the Church Empowerment Zone (CEZ). The incumbent will also contribute to promoting the integration of support services in the implementation district.
The roles for this position include managing work plans envisaged in interventions in both assigned and across projects, providing technical support to promoters and church leaders, coordinating church planting and discipleship, and managing the interface between Impact Relief (IR) and community, governmental, and non-governmental structures.
Job Summary
- Employer: Impact Relief
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-06
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a clear work plan for a discipleship and church planting program according to Timothy Initiative (TTI) models.
- Develop church-planting plans with clear timelines, responsibilities, milestones, and follow-up mechanisms.
- Ensure church planting is connected to Impact Relief’s broader CEZ approach rather than operating as a standalone activity.
- Document examples of successful disciple-making and lessons that can be replicated across the CEZ.
- Ensure that church-planting training results in practical disciple-making and multiplication.
- Coordinate all CEZ spiritual formation initiatives.
- Facilitate implementation of CEZ-related plans and budgets in collaboration with promoters and the District Coordinator.
- Lead holistic empowerment of local churches in the CEZ.
- Facilitate collaboration between local churches, community structures, government agencies, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Guide the establishment of self-initiated and Impact Relief-initiated ministries to ensure community ownership.
- Facilitate the graduation of program participants toward spiritual, social, and economic development.
- Facilitate the establishment and implementation of church-network plans.
- In liaison with the Church Empowerment Coordinator, facilitate quarterly project technical reviews and planning meetings with the promoters.
- Ensure timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports according to IR-applicable standards.
- Manage financial obligations according to policy.
- Maintain close links with the appropriate Government Departments and other organizations, including NGOs, implementing related projects in the district to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication of efforts.
- Provide overall supportive supervision of all training events planned in the area of implementation.
Requirements
- Degree in Theology, Community Development, or any relevant field from a well-recognized and accredited University or College.
- Demonstrated ministry training with experience in church planting will be an added advantage for candidates whose first degree is not in Theology.
- At least 3 years of experience at officer level in a faith-based non-governmental organization.
- Demonstrate commitment to Christian faith, church-based community transformation, and Impact Relief Malawi’s Christian values and mission.
- Practical experience in disciple-making, leadership development, church multiplication, or church planting will be a strong advantage.
- Proficiency in writing technical and programmatic reports.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with pastors, church leaders, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
- Experience in financial planning, expenditure monitoring, and budget management.
- Experience in community participation, ownership, and empowerment.
- Motorcycle driving license.
- Commitment to Impact Relief values.
How to Apply
Apply by email: HR@impactreliefmalawi.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become an Integral Mission Project Officer in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in development studies, project management, social sciences, or theology from a recognized Malawian university like UNIMA or Mzuzu University. Professional certifications such as PRINCE2, PMP, or NGO-specific training from institutions like the Malawi Institute of Management strengthen your application significantly.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You will coordinate relief and development projects, monitor budgets in Malawian Kwacha, liaise with district councils and community leaders, and prepare reports for donors like USAID or DFID. Field travel to rural areas is common, requiring flexibility with local transport and accommodation conditions.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect this position?
Malawian workplaces value respect for hierarchy, patience in relationship-building with communities, and flexibility when plans change due to weather or infrastructure challenges. Punctuality is appreciated, though meetings often start with extended greetings; understanding Chichewa or local languages is a major advantage in rural assignments.
What career progression opportunities exist for Project Officers in Malawi's NGO sector?
With 3-5 years of experience, you can advance to Senior Project Officer, Project Manager, or Programme Coordinator roles overseeing multiple districts. Some professionals transition into grant management, monitoring and evaluation specializations, or pursue master's degrees to qualify for international NGO headquarters positions.
What benefits should I expect from employers in Malawi's relief and development sector?
Reputable NGOs typically provide medical aid through schemes like MASM or Liberty Health, pension contributions to NICO or Old Mutual, and annual leave of 20-25 days plus public holidays. Field-based roles often include hardship allowances, transport refunds, and sometimes accommodation support in remote postings.
How do I apply for this role and what do Malawian employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through NGO job boards like NGO Coordination Board Malawi, ReliefWeb, or newspaper advertisements in The Nation; tailor your CV to highlight community mobilization experience and measurable project results. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated field experience, strong report-writing skills, and genuine commitment to faith-based or holistic development approaches.