Background

The Evangelical Lutheran Development Service (ELDS) is Development service arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi (ELCM). It was established in 1989 and is operational in twelve districts namely Chikwawa, Neno, Mwanza, Zomba and Phalombe in south; Dowa, Dedza, Kasungu, Nkhota Kota and Mchinji in Centre; Karonga and Chitipa in the North. ELDS works in rural areas to reduce human suffering and poverty through sustainable development (food and nutrition security, Micro-finance, Value Addition and Marketing; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; Health Services (Maternal and Child Health, Sexual Reproductive Health Rights); Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management; HIV and AIDS, Psychosocial, Disability, Child Protection, Gender, Human Rights and advocacy as cross cutting.

With funding from NORAD through Oxfam Malawi, is to implement a “Rooted in Diversity: Partnership for Food Security and Livelihoods* in Nkhota-kota District for five-years (2024-2028). ELDS is therefore inviting applications from suitably qualified persons to be considered for positions below.

Project Officer

Reporting to the Projects Coordinator, the Project Officer is responsible for the overall management of project activities within the district. He/she also provides technical assistance to project Field Officer in areas of capacity building, mentoring, training support, documentation. He/she will also provide support to the monitoring and evaluation function in the project. Working in close liaison with the Project Team, OXFAM in Malawi project Team, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the achievement of the project goals.

Key functions

• Coordinate the formulation of monthly activity work plans and budgets for the district at project level.
• Contribute towards development of annual work plans and budgets
• Communicate to project Field Officer in the project on any relevant information from the main Office in a timely manner.
• Support project Field Officer in all technical matters of the project
• Provide technical leadership and assistance to partners in all areas and promote project learning through documentation of lessons learned.
• Conduct regular field visits and monitor district activities as necessary to ensure adequate implementation and sustainability
• Ensure appropriate communication and timely responses between project partners and staff.
• Receive and analyze project weekly and monthly reports from Field Officer and recommend appropriate action.
• Prepare and consolidate timely monthly activity project and financial report including financial management.
• Represent the project / ELDS at local government authorities and other parties as necessary, ensure all relevant parties are kept informed of ELDS activities as appropriate.
• Oversee welfare of staff under his/her jurisdiction.

Qualifications, Knowledge and skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agri-business, Natural Resources Management and a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a coordination role.
• Knowledge and experience in Agro-ecology, Agri-business and cooperative development, food security and livelihoods, Integrated Watershed Management, Natural Resources Management, Disaster Risk Management, Irrigation, Farmer Field Schools (FFS)/Farmer Business Schools concepts and community based micro-finance. Knowledge in Participatory Plant Breeding will be an added advantage.
• Experience in participatory and community-based approaches.
• Possess good analytic skills and proficient in writing technical reports.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead and work efficiently with different program teams with minimum supervision
• Experience working in a non- governmental organizational setting and international donor-funded projects
• Ability to use MS Word, Excel, Micro-soft Power Point, data analysis tools
• Ability to ride a motorcycle

Interested candidates should submit their applications with CVs plus at least three traceable referees not later than 31st October, 2024. Applications should be addressed to:

The Executive Director
Evangelical Lutheran Development Service
P/Bag 25
LILONGWE
Tel: 0111 741 576

Email: matamandokachirwa@ymail.com copy to alickkaonda@yahoo.co.uk

ELDS offers equal opportunities and regards issues of safe guarding with highest priority. Only shortlisted candidates will be communicated for immediate interviews. Women are encouraged to apply.