The Board is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates of Malawi origin to fill the following position that exist within the Board
Job Summary
- Employer: Lilongwe Water Board
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Environmental Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-20
Key Responsibilities
- Formulating Water Quality and Environmental management strategies. programs and budgets and overseeing their implementation
- Conducting periodic water tests to verify treatment and hygiene standards
- Promoting the implementation of inspection services and Sanitation standards and review of the same
- Carrying out appraisal of catchment area and water systems
- Developing and implementing catchment management and conservation programs and evaluating program implementation impact
- Supervising and appraising staff under his/her charge
- Preparing progress reports
- Responding to queries related to water quality control and environment referred to him/her
- Carrying out research and development on new water treatment chemicals
- Conducting research in water processing activities as well as technologies for environmental management
- Liaising with other stakeholders in the implementation of national and international policies and strategies on water quality and environmental services
- Demonstrating outstanding commitment to service delivery programs of the Board by personally identifying and reporting water bursts/leakages to the Customer Care Division, of which verifiable repair records shall be used during performance appraisal as one of the components to be assessed for time
Requirements
- A minimum of a Master’s degree in Environmental Science or Chemistry.
- Chemical Engineering and or any related field with four (4) years relevant experience. Those with first degree and have six (6) years relevant experience may be considered
How to Apply
REF Code: LWB 4
About the Company
Lilongwe Water Board is a statutory corporation established under the Water Works Act, responsible for water supply and sanitation services in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. The board manages the abstraction, treatment, and distribution of potable water to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the city and surrounding areas. It operates water treatment plants, maintains an extensive network of pipelines and reservoirs, and implements revenue collection systems to sustain its operations. Lilongwe Water Board also engages in water conservation education and infrastructure expansion projects to meet growing demand in one of Malawi's fastest-growing urban centers.
Providing safe water for life
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Water Quality and Environmental Manager role at Lilongwe Water Board?
A bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Water Resources Management, or Civil Engineering is usually required, with a master's degree preferred for senior positions. Professional certifications such as those from the Water and Sanitation Association of Malawi (WASAMA) or international bodies like IEMA strengthen your application. Registration with the Malawi Engineers Board or Environmental Affairs Department is often mandatory for compliance roles.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Water Quality and Environmental Manager in Malawi?
Daily tasks include monitoring water treatment processes, conducting laboratory tests for contaminants, ensuring compliance with Malawi Bureau of Standards and EPA regulations, and preparing reports for regulatory submissions. You will also manage waste disposal protocols, oversee environmental impact assessments, and coordinate with community stakeholders on water safety issues. Field visits to intake points and distribution networks are common given infrastructure challenges.
How does workplace culture and management style typically function in Malawian water utilities like Lilongwe Water Board?
Work culture tends to be hierarchical with clear respect for seniority and formal communication channels, though this varies by leadership. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility is often needed due to infrastructure disruptions like power outages. Building relationships through patience and indirect communication styles helps navigate bureaucratic processes common in parastatal organizations.
What career progression opportunities exist for environmental managers in Malawi's water sector?
Progression typically moves from technical officer to senior manager, then to director-level positions in water quality or corporate services. Specializing in climate resilience, WASH programs, or ISO environmental management systems opens doors to regional roles with NGOs or development partners like World Bank-funded projects. Some transition to consultancy or academia with accumulated field experience.
What benefits are commonly offered for managerial positions in Malawian water boards?
Benefits usually include pension schemes through the Local Authorities Pension Fund or similar government arrangements, medical aid coverage, and annual leave entitlements per Malawi Employment Act standards. Housing or transport allowances may be provided given Lilongwe's cost of living. Performance bonuses are less common in public utilities than in private sector roles.
How should I apply for this role and what do employers in Malawi's water sector prioritize in candidates?
Applications typically require a detailed CV, certified academic documents, and references submitted through official channels or the Public Service Commission portal. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with water quality monitoring equipment, knowledge of Malawi's Water Resources Act, and community engagement skills. Highlighting practical problem-solving in resource-constrained settings distinguishes candidates.