REPUBLIC OF MALAWI

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

SHIRE VALLEY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME (STP) -2

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Country: MALAWI

Name of Project: SHIRE VALLEY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME-2

Credit No: 71350-MW

Assignment Title: RECEPTIONIST/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Reference No.: MW-SVTP-NCS-INDV-002

1.0 Introduction

The Government of Malawi with support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank is implementing the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP). The program development objective (PDO) for the Shire Valley Transformation Program is to increase agricultural productivity and commercialization for targeted households in the Shire Valley; and to improve the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources. The SVIP is a 14-year program (2018-2031) which targets the development of about 43,370 ha and will be abstracting water from the Shire River at Kapichira Dam and conveying it by gravity to the irrigable area (in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts) hrough canals. It is structured around three coordinated pillars:

• Providing reliable, professionally managed and sustainably financed irrigation service to irrigators in a phased construction of the scheme and providing multiple services including water supply;
• Support farmer organization within a comprehensive land use plan; supporting land tenure strengthening and consolidation; as well as natural resources management; and
• Establishment of smallholder owned commercial farm enterprises transitioning into commercial agriculture from subsistence farming and integrating them into commercial value chains.

The SVIP will be implemented in three sequential but partially overlapping phases. The SVTP-I (2018-2023) Project Development Objective is to provide access to reliable gravity fed irrigation and drainage services, secure land tenure for smallholder farmers and strengthen management of wetlands and protected areas in the Shire Valley. The main areas of action for SVIP -1 are namely: 1) irrigation service provision; 2) land tenure and natural resources management support; 3) agriculture development and commercialization and 4) project management and coordination.

The Ministry of Agriculture now invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Receptionist/Administrative Assistant.

2.0 The Position
Position Title: Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Time Commitment : 100%
Reporting to: Executive Assistant

3.0 Scope of Services

In close consultation with the EA the Receptionist scope of responsibilities will include but not limited to the following:

• To stay at the front desk and be the primary point of contact for people visiting the SVIP offices;
• To manage incoming calls vcand directing them to the relevant project teams or stakeholders
• To welcome project stakeholders and clients with professionalism and courtesy, offering assistance and guiding them to appropriate project-related officers;
• To provide comprehensive administrative support to project teams, including filing, scanning, and data entry activities crucial for project documentation and reporting.
• Assisting coordination of project-related appointments and meetings, both internally and externally as well as efficiently managing project team calendars;
• Assisting in maintaining the project environment, including reception areas, in a tidy and organized manner to support efficient project operations;
• Assisting in safeguarding project-related confidential information, adhering to privacy regulations and exercising discretion in handling sensitive project data and documentation;
• Assisting in overseeing project premises security measures, monitoring access and enforcing protocols to ensure the safety of project resources and personnel; and
• Maintaining accurate visitor logs and upholding compliance with project security procedures.

4.0 Qualifications and Experience:

The candidates should possess the following:

• Minimum of Advanced Diploma in Business Management /Administration
• Secretarial Certificate/ Advanced typing certificate or its equivalent
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Should have at least three years’ experience in a similar position.

6.0 Location of Employment
The Receptionist/Administrative Assistant will be based in Blantyre at SVTP offices.

7.0 Duration of Employment
The Contract is for an initial period of one-year renewable upon satisfactory completion of the assignment and satisfactory appraisal results.

8.0 Reporting Requirements
The Receptionist/Administrative Assistant shall report to the Executive Assistant.

9.0 Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 7:30hrs to 12:00hrs and from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs except on weekends and public holidays.

10.0 Applications including detailed updated curriculum vitae and copies of academic qualifications must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 22nd November, 2024.

The Director of Irrigation Services,
Department of Irrigation,
Off Paul Kagame Road,
P.O. Box 30797,
Lilongwe Malawi.
(Attention: The Principal Human Resources Management Officer)
Alternatively, applications may be emailed to: bandayvonne3@gmail.com;
Cc: mtewete.doi@svtp.gov.mw,
mwalabu2005@yahoo.co.uk;
mmaoni.doi@svtp.gov.mw