Area Manager*

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of one year. There are good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Mangochi, Malawi.

As Area Manager, you will oversee implementation and management of programmes and projects based on the specified directives in terms of content, schedule and budget in Welthungerhilfe’s (WHH’s) Country Office in Malawi. The projects are carried out in accordance with WHH Malawi strategy, standards and the directives and contractual agreements with the donors. You will have overall responsibility for the WHH staff in the field, ensure sound financial management of the allocated WHH funds, and are responsible for raising sufficient additional funds either from public sources or private donations. The projects are implemented directly by the partners. A small team of national project managers and MEAL officers work with and support the partners. This team needs to be guided and supported through on-the-job training to develop and consolidate their project management and project development skills to become a well-trained, competent, confident, reliable and independent managers.

Your responsibilities

• Ensure that all projects in the area are implemented according to the country programme and the rules and standards of donors and Welthungerhilfe
• Ensure that all project relevant support is in place (monitoring, logistics, finance administration, etc.)
• Actively participate in the development of the country programme (in coordination with the Country Director)
• Support the management and implementation of projects by civil society partners
• Supervise the operative implementation of projects by partners and the appropriate use of funds
• Mentor a team of national colleagues that is directly responsible for project coordination, planning, etc.
• Identify co-financing opportunities and develop successful project proposals, especially in the field of agro-business and sustainable food value chains in line with the relevant donor regulations and strategies
• Establish good working relationships with donors and other stakeholders in-country/regionally for emergency, rehabilitation and development programs
• Represent Welthungerhilfe vis-à-vis all relevant national and international stakeholders and partners in the area

Your profile

• A relevant university or polytechnic degree in agro-business or comparable qualification
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in one of the following fields: sustainable agro-business, sustainable food value chains development
• Strong planning and management experience including managing multiple projects at once
• Profound experience in institutional and private fundraising
• Experience of working in a diverse, multi-cultural environment
• BMZ donor experience would be an asset
• Excellent IT skills, especially in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, communication, diplomacy, interpersonal and representation skills
• Very good writing and documentation skills
• Readiness to receive necessary vaccinations for traveling to Welthungerhilfe’s project countries
• Excellent spoken and written English language skills

Our offer

We offer you the opportunity to work in a responsible and interesting field as part of an extremely dedicated team. Welthungerhilfe attaches great importance to the personal and professional development of its employees and the balance of their work and private life. Remuneration is based on our gender-independent salary scale. In addition, Welthungerhilfe offers numerous other benefits, which are listed under “Our benefits”.