Our Malawi program, founded in 2016, provides more than 670,000 farmers with quality farm supplies and training. Our office in Malawi is located in Zomba, in the country’s south. One Acre Fund works in Malawi’s southern region, which has the highest concentration of smallholder farmers in the country.
Seeking a Trees Execution Coordinator with 2+ years’ experience implementing agroforestry programs to lead execution across four districts, driving high-quality delivery and helping achieve the program’s 2030 goal of serving 1.5 million farmers.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Agriculture
- Closing Date: 2026-10-27
Key Responsibilities
- Field Team Performance Management
- Assist the Agroforestry Associate and Execution Specialist in the recruitment and hiring of staff (e.g. Interns, District Snr Supervisors).
- Train District Supervisors, Senior Field Officers, and Field Assistants on various program activities.
- Assist District Supervisors and Senior Field Officers to plan and prioritize their work by allocating their time and resources to the most impactful things.
- Manage field teams performance using the program score cards and escalation tool.
- Support District Senior Supervisors by visiting the field at least once a week splitting your time between HQ and the field.
- Manage Field Communication
- Provide actionable feedback to both District Supervisors and Senior Field Officers.
- Compile field reports submitted by District Supervisors and submit them as a weekly report for the wider team.
- Coordinate weekly IV Team and biweekly field team meetings.
- Communicate various activity deadlines.
- Field Data Management
- Design and create field data collection tools.
- Analyze KPIs and recommend ways of improving low KPIs.
- Collect and update village verification data at the EPA level.
- Conduct seedlings distribution data reconciliation.
- Track and record seasonal learnings to inform future expansion plans.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Management or related field.
- 2+ years’ experience implementing agroforestry programs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Report writing skills.
- Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
- Leadership skills.
- Computer skills.
- Knowledge of forestry/environmental management practices.
- Knowledge of community dynamics.
- Knowledge of leadership and management.
How to Apply
One Acre Fund never asks candidates to pay any money or pay for tests at any stage of the interview process. Official One Acre Fund emails will always arrive from an @oneacrefund.org address. Please report any suspicious communication here (globalhotline@oneacrefund.org), but do not send applications or application materials to this email address.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism are deeply connected to our organization’s mission and purpose. One Acre Fund aspires to build a culture where all staff feel consistently valued, represented, and connected – so that our team can thrive as professionals, and achieve exceptional impact for the farmers we serve.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
About the Company
One Acre Fund is a social enterprise that supplies smallholder farmers in East Africa with asset-based financing and agriculture training services to reduce hunger and poverty. Headquartered in Kakamega, Kenya, the organization works with farmers in rural villages throughout Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and Ethiopia.
Website: https://oneacrefund.org/what-we-do/countries-we-serve/malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for the Malawi Trees Execution Coordinator role?
A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Science, or a related field is usually required; relevant experience in tree planting, agroforestry extension, or community-based natural resource management in Malawi is highly valued. Certifications such as the Malawi National Certificate in Agriculture (NQF Level 5) or training in participatory rural appraisal (PRA) or climate-smart agriculture are advantageous but not mandatory.
What does a typical day look like for this role in Malawi?
You’ll spend most days visiting smallholder farmers across districts to support tree seedling distribution, planting, and survival monitoring, often using paper-based or mobile data tools. Coordination with local agricultural extension officers, traditional leaders, and One Acre Fund field staff is routine, and travel within your assigned zone—often by bicycle, motorbike, or public transport—is expected.
How does work culture and employer expectations differ in Malawian agricultural NGOs compared to other sectors?
Respect for hierarchy, punctuality in community engagements, and strong interpersonal skills—especially fluency in Chichewa and familiarity with local customs—are essential. Employers expect adaptability to rural infrastructure constraints (e.g., limited electricity, intermittent internet), and success is measured by farmer adoption rates and field-level problem-solving—not just office-based reporting.
What realistic career progression paths exist after holding this fixed-term coordinator role?
Strong performers may advance to roles such as District Manager, Agroforestry Technical Advisor, or Program Officer within similar NGOs or government departments like the Department of Forestry. Some transition into private-sector roles with agribusinesses or social enterprises focused on climate resilience, while others pursue further studies supported by employer partnerships with institutions like Bunda College or Mzuzu University.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) are commonly offered for this type of fixed-term role in Malawi?
Fixed-term roles typically include statutory leave (21 days annual leave plus public holidays), basic medical coverage through a national scheme or employer-arranged plan, and contributions to the National Pension Scheme (NAPSA). Maternity/paternity leave follows Malawian labour law requirements, and some employers offer additional allowances for fieldwork or remote posting.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Malawi specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are usually submitted online via the employer’s portal or email, with a CV, cover letter in English, and certified academic certificates—scanned copies must be legible and include NQF verification where applicable. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience working directly with smallholder farmers in Malawi, evidence of logistical coordination in rural settings, and references from previous agricultural extension or NGO employers within the country.