The EU Delegation to Malawi works in close coordination with the embassies and consulates of the 27 EU member states. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Malawi government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.
We offer
The post of Programme Officer in the Delegation’s Partnerships Section who will be responsible for investment facilitation and infrastructure (Local Agent Group I) in particular in the fields of secondary education, transport and on occasion also in other areas such as energy and digital. The post is part of the Partnerships Section’s Team for Sustainable Investment, Finance and Trade. The postholder will be offered a fixed-term employment contract of 2 years with the possibility of renewal under reserve of budgetary availability and operational considerations. The Partnerships Section consists of a team of 23 staff and the team in which the post is currently placed has six staff; there are occasional atypical working hours.
Under this post, the recruited person will have a number of fixed tasks and will also be attributed tasks depending on the needs of the Delegation, and on the evolution of these needs. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the EU Ambassador, the EU Head of Partnerships and the Team Leader, providing support, expertise and assistance in the relevant fields.
Job Summary
- Employer: EU Delegation to Malawi
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Project Management
- Salary: €3,037 gross salary
- Closing Date: 2027-01-18
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the programming, identification, formulation, and appraisal of programmes in cooperation with beneficiary institutions, both within the host country and in collaboration with other development partners.
- Prepare proposals for programmes/projects, sector support, etc. in close co-operation with EU headquarters.
- Monitor the implementation of programmes/projects, specifically infrastructure initiatives, and analyse implementation reports. Organise and lead evaluations.
- Collaborate with stakeholders at country and regional levels, including government institutions, multilateral organisations, civil society, and the private sector, to facilitate dialogue and integrate EU partnership priorities in sector policy dialogues, ensuring policy coherence.
- Act as an operational initiator in the relevant IT systems, ensuring accurate documentation and conducting quality checks, providing “operational visa” on necessary documents.
- Maintain contact with other active development partners in Malawi to ensure strategic coherence in bilateral or multilateral relations.
- Handle all aspects of procurement processes, prepare, launch, manage and monitor calls for proposals/tenders, including the evaluation and selection of projects.
- Manage technical and financial aspects of contracts linked to projects.
- Oversee the implementation of projects and the performance of project managers and partners, monitor contractual obligations.
- Deal with horizontal activities, concertation and networking aspects of the programmes and projects.
- Support sector analysis and reporting through drafts and contributions under the area of responsibility.
- Contribute to the development and application of common approaches by the EU, its Member States and other relevant partners.
- Contribute to coordination with other EU Delegations as needed in the region.
Requirements
- University Degree in Economics, Finance, Engineering or a related field.
- Excellent and solid oral and written communication skills in English, as well as good presentational skills and knowledge of the whole Microsoft Office package (especially Word and Excel).
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in areas related to project management and to investment development and/or infrastructure in Malawi or in similar country contexts.
Salary
€3,037 gross salary
How to Apply
REF Code: ADM/AL-I/243467/2026
About the Company
The EU Delegation to Malawi represents the European Union in the Republic of Malawi, based in Lilongwe. It manages diplomatic relations and implements the EU's development cooperation programs across the country, focusing on areas such as agriculture, education, health, and governance. The delegation coordinates with the Malawian government, civil society, and international partners to support sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. It also oversees trade relations and humanitarian assistance within Malawi. As the official EU presence, it facilitates political dialogue and ensures EU policies are effectively delivered to benefit Malawian citizens.
Partnership for sustainable development and prosperity
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Programme Officer role in investment facilitation in Malawi?
Most employers require a Master's degree in economics, development studies, public policy, or a related field, plus at least 5 years of experience in project management or investment promotion. Professional certifications like PMP or PRINCE2 are highly valued, particularly for roles with international organizations such as the EU Delegation.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Programme Officer in investment facilitation and infrastructure?
Daily tasks include coordinating with government ministries like the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre, monitoring project implementation, preparing reports for donors, and organizing stakeholder meetings. You will also liaise with private sector partners and ensure compliance with EU procurement and financial regulations.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect expectations for this role?
Work culture in Malawi emphasizes relationship-building and patience, as decision-making often involves multiple consultations with government and traditional authorities. Punctuality is expected in international organizations, but flexibility is needed when coordinating with local partners who may operate on different timelines.
What career progression opportunities exist for Programme Officers in Malawi's development sector?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Programme Officer, Programme Manager, or Head of Cooperation positions within donor agencies or move into senior roles at ministries like the National Planning Commission. Some professionals transition to regional roles covering Southern Africa or consulting for international development firms.
What benefits are typically offered for Programme Officer positions with international organizations in Malawi?
Benefits usually include comprehensive medical aid covering local and sometimes regional healthcare, pension contributions, generous annual leave of 20-30 days, and relocation assistance for non-local hires. International organizations often provide additional allowances such as education support for dependents and hardship pay where applicable.
What do employers like the EU Delegation look for in applications for Programme Officer roles?
Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with EU financial and contractual procedures, strong analytical and report-writing skills, and proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder relationships in Malawi. Tailor your application to highlight specific achievements in investment promotion or infrastructure projects, and ensure your CV follows the EU's standard format if specified.