The Role
We are seeking a dedicated Project Officer – VSLA and Livelihoods to drive local financial inclusion and economic empowerment. You will play a pivotal role in helping tea farmers establish self-managed savings groups, learn financial literacy, and build sustainable livelihoods.
Job Summary
- Employer: Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP)
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Mulanje, Malawi
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-16
Key Responsibilities
- Community Engagement: Engage with local leaders, authorities, and target communities to raise awareness about VSLA and livelihood strategies.
- Planning & Implementation: Develop weekly, monthly, and quarterly work plans aligned with the project’s Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP).
- Field Work: Conduct regular community visits and facilitate meetings to ensure effective implementation of all VSLA and livelihood activities.
- Needs Assessment: Lead community consultations to identify needs, priorities, and opportunities for development.
- Capacity Building: Coordinate training on VSLA methodologies and livelihood activities to improve women’s capacity to lead income-generating activities.
- Stakeholder Relations: Build strong relationships with community members and local leaders to ensure community ownership and sustainability.
- Reporting & Monitoring: Support the monitoring of project activities and lead the development of all reports related to VSLA and livelihood components.
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Entrepreneurship, Social Sciences, Rural Development, or a highly related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in livelihoods, economic recovery, or financial inclusion programming.
- Technical Expertise: At least 2-3 years of direct experience establishing or supporting VSLA models. Deep practical mastery of VSLA methodologies, group ledger tracking, and financial literacy facilitation is essential.
- Skills: Exceptional facilitation, conflict resolution, and community-mobilization skills.
- Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and the dominant local languages of the field region (Mulanje).
- Integrity: A recognized reputation for integrity.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
How to Apply
About the Company
The Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP) is a non-profit membership organization that works with tea companies, producers, and civil society to improve the sustainability of the tea sector. In Malawi, ETP operates programs focused on tea farming communities, particularly in the Southern Region where the country's tea estates are concentrated. The organization runs farmer field schools and youth skills development initiatives in Malawian tea-growing areas, working to enhance agricultural practices and livelihoods. ETP's Malawi operations emphasize gender equality, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience for smallholder farmers and estate workers alike.
Improving lives in tea communities worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a Project Officer for VSLA and Livelihoods in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Agriculture, Economics, or Social Sciences. Experience with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and community development work is highly valued. Certifications in project management like PMP or PRINCE2, or training in microfinance, give candidates a strong advantage.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Project Officer in this role?
You will train and mentor community VSLA groups, monitor project progress against targets, and prepare reports for donors. Field travel to rural tea-growing areas is frequent, requiring direct engagement with farmers and local leaders. You also coordinate with government extension workers and private sector partners to ensure program sustainability.
How does workplace culture in Malawi affect this role?
Respect for hierarchy and patience in relationship-building are essential in Malawian work culture. Decisions often involve consultation with multiple stakeholders, so flexibility and strong interpersonal skills matter. Punctuality is expected for formal meetings, but community fieldwork follows local rhythms and seasonal farming calendars.
What career progression opportunities exist for Project Officers in the livelihoods sector?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Project Officer, Program Manager, or Country Director roles within NGOs or development agencies. Specializing in monitoring and evaluation or grant management opens doors to regional positions. Some professionals transition into consultancy or start their own social enterprises focused on rural finance.
What benefits should I expect from employers in Malawi for this type of position?
Benefits vary by employer but typically include medical insurance, annual leave of 20-30 days, and pension contributions where mandated. International NGOs often provide housing allowances, transport, and professional development funds. Always review the contract carefully, as local NGOs may offer fewer benefits than international organizations.
How do I apply for this role and what do Malawian employers look for?
Apply through job portals like MyJobo, LinkedIn, or directly on organization websites with a tailored CV and cover letter. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with VSLA methodologies, community mobilization skills, and fluency in local languages like Chichewa. Strong references from previous supervisors and evidence of measurable project outcomes strengthen your application significantly.