Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Mchinji
- Category: Fundraising
- Closing Date: 2026-09-01
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising and resource mobilization strategy.
- Identify and map strategic funding opportunities from institutional donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.
- Lead the end-to-end proposal development process, including writing narrative proposals, logical frameworks and developing accurate project budgets.
- Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with existing donors and cultivate partnerships with prospective funding entities.
- Oversee the design, methodology, and implementation of all organizational research initiatives, baseline surveys, and evaluations.
- Ensure all research projects comply with rigorous academic, ethical, and institutional standards.
- Translate complex research findings into actionable insights, policy briefs, and high-quality reports for donors and stakeholders.
- Represent the organization in high-level research, policy, and funding forums.
- Attend meetings when required and provide updates on development and funding progress to the CEO and Board
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Community Development, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Business Administration, Economics or a related discipline)
- A minimum of 1 year experience within an NGO, or fundraising and community projects.
- Demonstrated success in securing significant institutional funding.
- Strong interest in community development and children’s welfare is a MUST.
- Strong proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
- Familiarity with data analysis software and Google Suite.
- Deep understanding of financial compliance, budgeting standards, and grant management practices.
- A self starter with ability to meet deadlines and work with minimal supervision
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong negotiation capabilities
- Ability to manage tight, cross-functional deadlines.
Salary
A competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
How to Apply
A Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) detailing your suitability for the role and highlighting at least one major funding proposal or research project you successfully led.
An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contact details for three professional referees.
A copy of your certificates
Please send your application to mamwana@mamwana.com with the subject line “Application: Research and Funding Lead – [Your Name]”
Closing Date for Applications is 30 June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for the Research, Funding and Development Lead role in Malawi?
A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, public health, or a related field is usually required; many employers prefer a master’s degree, especially for leadership roles. Relevant certifications such as Project DPro, CFRE (for fundraising), or local training from institutions like UNIMA or Mzuzu University’s Centre for Development Studies add value. Experience with donor compliance frameworks (e.g., USAID, EU, DFID) and familiarity with Malawi’s National Development Plan II is often expected.
What does a typical day look like for this role in a Malawian NGO setting?
You’ll spend time drafting concept notes and full proposals for international and local donors, coordinating with programme teams to align research with funding priorities, and managing grant reporting deadlines. Field engagement is common—visiting project sites across regions like Lilongwe, Salima, or the Northern Region to gather evidence and build community partnerships. You’ll also attend coordination meetings with government departments (e.g., MoH or MoE) and local CSO networks such as NANGO.
How does work culture in Malawi affect expectations for this role?
Relationship-building and respect for hierarchy matter—senior staff and traditional leaders are often consulted before major decisions, and punctuality may be flexible but responsiveness is highly valued. Teamwork is emphasised over individual achievement, and communication tends to be indirect and consensus-oriented, especially when giving feedback or negotiating timelines. Fluency in Chichewa (and optionally Chitumbuka or Yao) supports effective stakeholder engagement beyond formal English settings.
What career progression opportunities exist for someone in this role within the Malawian development sector?
With 3–5 years’ experience, professionals often advance to Country Director, Programme Director, or Technical Advisor roles—especially if they’ve led multi-donor portfolios or contributed to national policy dialogues. Some transition into consultancy, join regional bodies like SADC or AU development units, or pursue academic roles at Malawian universities. Continuous learning through short courses (e.g., at the Malawi Institute of Management) and active participation in NANGO or DEVNET Malawi forums strengthens visibility and growth potential.
What benefits can I realistically expect in this role, and how do they compare to Malawian labour standards?
Most reputable NGOs offer at least 21–30 days annual leave, basic medical cover (often via NHLS or private providers like Medipol), and pension contributions under the National Pension Scheme (NAPSA). Maternity leave follows the Employment Act (8 weeks fully paid), and some organisations provide transport allowances or housing support—though these vary by employer size and donor funding. Benefits are rarely negotiable upfront but may improve after probation, especially for long-serving staff.
How should I apply, and what do Malawian employers specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are usually submitted via email or online portals with a tailored CV, cover letter, and writing sample (e.g., a past proposal excerpt or research summary)—always include your NRC number and contact details. Employers prioritise demonstrable success in securing grants from key donors active in Malawi (e.g., Global Fund, UNICEF, or Irish Aid) and evidence of contextual understanding—such as referencing local challenges like climate resilience or maternal health gaps. References from previous Malawian employers or partners carry significant weight during shortlisting.