The Resource Development & Management Lead role in Africa is part of the Resource Development team within VisionFund’s Business Development Department and will lead on funding acquisition and funds management activities to support VisionFund’s financial inclusion activities in the region. The role will develop and manage funding opportunities through grants from a variety of institutions in keeping with VFI global strategy and funding priorities. This position will manage third party regional grant and major donor acquisition and compliance. The role will ensure we meet all obligations to donors on technical and financial reporting.
They will provide leadership and capacity building on the development of funding acquisition and project management processes in the region, including supporting MFI staff on how to manage grants, report on impact and pre-position with donors.
The role will create and manage a funding opportunity pipeline, providing technical support, project monitoring, and donor impact reporting. This role will develop and support successful relationship building with funders, World Vision Field & Regional Offices and implementing partners. The role will write proposals, review contracts, monitor donor funded projects and maintaining close relationships with MFI project staff to ensure we report on progress, finances and impact.
Job Summary
- Employer: World Vision International
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Fundraising
- Closing Date: 2026-10-03
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all components of RFP response process – review RFPs, profile opportunities, and ensure alignment with MFI funding priorities; vet with MFI and Regional leadership and obtain approval.
- Research and assess funding organisations, ensuring collaboration with WV Field, Regional and Support offices
- Develop opportunity pipeline aligned with MFI and VFI strategic funding priorities.
- Set up and support proposal development teams; create project workplan and ensure proposals and supporting documents are prepared to technical specifications and submitted on time.
- Provide technical support and capacity building to field staff, on proposal development, monitoring, reporting, and project management.
- Within strategy, develop and manage key regional funder relationships with new and existing funders and World Vision Offices to achieve long-lasting global fundraising support to the MFIs.
- Network with major regional third-party funders to establish collaborative relationships, learn of opportunities, and enhance VFI’s ability to gain donor funding and enhance VFI’s reputation in the marketplace.
- With a Matrix reporting line into the East Africa Regional RAM Director, utilize that role to develop and maintain relationships with key World Vision offices ensuring that the microfinance approach is understood and fundraising opportunities are arranged.
- Attend sector seminars, training, communities of practice and forums with the objective of leveraging funding and partnerships for the VF and WV’s work in the region.
- Maintain knowledge of microfinance industry and trends including focus of targeted donors.
- Monitor project compliance and implementation to ensure projects are delivered to specifications.
- Support MFI and ensure project impact reports are of high quality and submitted on time
- Build capacity of MFI for funded projects
- Ensure contracts are reviewed and risks managed and funds flow effectively to the MFI
- Ensure all due diligence and grant compliance requirements are met by VisionFund
- Ensure outcomes of Grant Funded projects are high-quality and high-impact through ongoing monitoring and the execution of mid-term and final evaluations, operations research, etc.
- Review field reports and findings/recommendations to determine and replicate best practices and apply lessons learned.
- Ensure systems are in place in the MFI to track and reporting on progress and financial management, working closely with MFI and Global Finance staff
- Contribute to proposal content libraries.
- Contribute to streamlining Grant Funding processes and documenting protocols and policies
- Deliver capacity building for MFI staff on grants management.
- Continue to learn and grow in understanding of microfinance industry and where grants can support growth
Requirements
- University degree in international development/Relations, Marketing, Economics, or related field
- This role requires at least 10 years’ experience in grant acquisition, fundraising, or corporate management setting dealing with senior management.
- Experience working in a development context in a grants role
- Able to work in complex corporate and development culture and financial systems and ensure procedures internally and with third parties are well documented, monitored and executed.
- Creative and strategic problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to work well with donor and partner agencies, Support Offices, MFI’s, and other VFI departments
- Excellent research and analytical skills and experience in developing funding opportunities.
- Strong grant-making and writing skills, persuasive writing and communication, and complex evidence development.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement
- Written and spoken French is desirable
- MS Office competency.
How to Apply
REF Code: JR49484
About the Company
World Vision International is an interdenominational Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization. It was founded in 1950 by Robert Pierce and Kyung-Chik Han as a service organization to provide care for children in Korea. In 1975, emergency and advocacy work was added to World Vision's objectives. It is active in over 100 countries with a total revenue including grants, product and foreign donations of US$3.14 billion.
Website: https://www.wvi.org/malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Resource Development & Management Advisor role in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in business, development studies, finance, or a related field, with a master's degree often preferred for senior advisory positions. Professional certifications such as CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) or project management credentials strengthen your application. Experience with donor-funded programs and familiarity with international NGO operations are highly valued in the Malawian job market.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Resource Development & Management Advisor?
Daily tasks include developing funding proposals, managing relationships with institutional donors, monitoring grant compliance, and coordinating with program teams to align resources with organizational priorities. You will also analyze funding trends, prepare reports for leadership, and support strategic planning for sustainable income generation. Regular travel to field offices and donor meetings is common in Malawi-based roles.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect this advisory role?
Malawian workplaces emphasize respect for hierarchy and relationship-building, so patience in cultivating donor and government partnerships is essential. Punctuality is valued in formal settings, though flexibility is often needed when coordinating with rural communities or international time zones. Understanding local customs and communicating in Chichewa when appropriate can significantly strengthen stakeholder engagement.
What career progression opportunities exist for resource development professionals in Malawi?
With proven success, advisors can advance to senior management roles such as Director of Resource Development or Country Director positions within international NGOs. Some professionals transition to consulting or establish their own development firms serving multiple organizations. Building expertise in specific sectors like microfinance or climate finance opens additional pathways in regional and global roles.
What benefits are typically offered for this type of position in Malawi?
International NGOs commonly provide medical aid including evacuation coverage, pension or provident fund contributions, and generous annual leave allowances. Housing allowances, education support for dependents, and professional development funding are frequently included for expatriate and senior national staff. Specific packages vary significantly by employer and funding source, so negotiation is advisable.
How should I apply for this role, and what do employers in Malawi specifically look for?
Submit applications through official career portals with tailored CVs highlighting quantifiable fundraising achievements and donor relationship experience. Employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate understanding of Malawi's development context and can show successful grant acquisition from major bilateral or multilateral donors. Strong references from previous supervisors and evidence of cross-cultural teamwork strengthen your candidacy considerably.