National Programme Coordinator

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT@ 

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, IRRIGATION AND WATER DEVELOPMENT

POSITION: NATIONAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR 

Location: Lilongwe

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)

COUNTRY: MALAWI

NAME OF PROJECT: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION PROGRAMME II

PROJECT ID #: 2000004502

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: NATIONAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR (NPC)

REFERENCE NO.: 019/SAPP II/PMU/NPC/2026/2027

DATE OF ISSUE: 24th JULY 2026.

1. Background

The Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Water Development, is implementing the Sustainable Agricultural Production Programme Phase II (SAPP II) with financial support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The programme is designed to enhance agricultural productivity, commercialization, and climate resilience among smallholder farmers, thereby contributing to improved food security, rural incomes, and sustainable livelihoods.

SAPP II is aligned with Malawi 2063, which identifies Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization as a key pillar for achieving inclusive wealth creation and economic transformation.

The programme supports the development of inclusive and resilient agricultural value chains, promotes climate-smart agricultural practices, and strengthens market access for smallholder farmers.

To ensure effective implementation and coordination of programme activities, the Ministry of Agriculture intends to recruit an Individual Consultant as a National Programme Coordinator to support the Programme Management Unit (PMU) in the execution of its mandate under SAPP II.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The National Programme Coordinator (NPC) shall be responsible to the Secretary for Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development for management and supervision of Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme II (SAPP II) implementation.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development now invites eligible and interested individuals to indicate their interest for the Individual consulting services. Interested individual consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services as stipulated in the detailed terms of reference below

3. Details Terms of Reference for the Assignment

3.1 Scope of Services

The NPC is based at the SAPP II Secretariat (SAPPS) with a significant amount of field travel to oversee programme implementation progress. The NPC will lead the activities of the SAPP Secretariat including the Ministry of Agriculture counterparts and will direct, supervise and monitor all programme work, whether in-house or contracted out. S/He will work closely with the appointed SAPP II Desk Officers and senior staff from the National, District and downstream agencies, farmers, community groups, service providers, private and NGO sector entities or representative bodies to ensure that the implementing agencies implement activities cost-effectively and contribute to achieving programme outcomes and impacts. Detail on scope of work include, but is not limited to:

Lead implementation of SAPPI! to ensure it achieves the main objectives of its stakeholders such as small farmer households, particularly the Government of Malawi (GoM) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Manage and supervise all SAPP Il programme staff and consultants and ensure that capacity development is done where gaps are perceived.

Report to the Principal Secretary responsible for Agriculture on strategic issues or inter-agency issues impacting on the successful implementation of SAPP II.

Liaise with and develop good working relationships with implementing ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as well as their nominated desk officers.

Act as secretary to the Programme Steering Committee (PSC) and ensure that PSC members are provided with agendas and background papers to facilitate the smooth working of the PSC.

Facilitate the NAIP Executive Management Committee (EMC) and ensure that its directives and guidelines are incorporated into SAPP II.

Organize and provide structured agendas for bi-monthly meetings of the Programme Technical Committee (PTC) to motivate implementing agency staff to participate and contribute to improving SAPP II implementation and outcomes.

Regularly meet with national and District level agency managers, participating ministries, parastatal organizations, district Administration members, local government authorities and other national or regional level bodies representing farmers, service providers, value chain actors and related interests who could contribute to improving SAPP implementation.

Ensure government of Malawi and IAD fiduciary compliance during SAPP II implementation.

Ensure gender inclusivity in programming and implementation of SAPP II

Ensure programme assets are maintained, repaired and ensure that asset registers updated from time to time

Any other duties as assigned by the Secretary for Agriculture.

4. Project Management and Coordination

Oversee day-to-day management of the project, ensuring efficient planning, execution, and monitoring of activities.

Lead the development of annual work plans, budgets, and procurement plans in alignment with project objectives.

Coordinate with project partners, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector and community-based organizations, to achieve project goals.

5. Strategic Planning and Implementation

Develop and implement strategies for sustainable agricultural productivity improvements and ensure alignment with national policies.

Ensure integration of climate-smart practices, sustainable resource management, and value chain enhancements within project interventions.

6. Financial Management and Compliance

Supervise project financial reporting, ensure timely submission of reports, and oversee adherence to budget allocations.

Implement measures for risk management and mitigation, ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial matters.

Ensure project resources are used efficiently and that financial procedures are in compliance with IFAD and Government of Malawi requirements.

7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (M&E)

Prepare and submit regular progress reports to the Project Steering Committee, IFAD, and relevant government departments.

Establish and maintain an effective M&E system to track project progress and impact indicators (KPls). against key performance

Facilitate data collection and impact assessments and incorporate Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Foster collaborative relationships with government counterparts, community leaders, private sector partners, and donor agencies.

Serve as the primary point of contact for SAPP and represent the project at national and regional forums.

9. Capacity Building and Knowledge Management

Identify capacity-building needs among project staff, implementing partners, and beneficiaries, and coordinate relevant training sessions.

Facilitate knowledge exchange, documentation of best practices, and dissemination of project learnings to stakeholders.

Contribute to the development of policy briefs and knowledge products to influence sustainable agricultural productivity initiatives in Malawi.

10. Environmental and Social Safeguards Compliance

Ensure that project activities are compliant with environmental and social safeguards as per IFAD and national standards.

11. Skills and Competencies

Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.

Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, value chain development, and capacity-building methodologies.

Excellent financial management skills with experience in donor-funded project financial compliance.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with government agencies, donors, and community groups.

Strong communication and negotiation skills in both written and spoken English

12. Personal Attributes

Strong leadership, adaptability, and ability to motivate and guide a team.

Commitment to achieving sustainable and inclusive agricultural productivity outcomes.

Demonstrated commitment to IFAD’s core values of inclusivity, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

13. Qualification

A Master’s Degree in Economics, Rural Development, Business Administration, Social Sciences or Natural Resources;

At least 10 years’ experience in the planning, management, administration and implementation of agricultural or rural development programmes in the public, private or sectors and experience in agribusiness development through produce-private partnerships;

Experience in managing a pro-poor partnership commodity programme in a related environment is an added advantage;

Demonstrated understanding of development partner and government procedures in respect of fiduciary management.

Demonstrated commitment to improved livelihoods of the rural poor and women coupled with effective judgment and determination;

Consistent track record of increasing responsibility and achievement;

Empathy with cultural traditions; and a high level of interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills.

14. Selection Methods.

A consultant will be selected in accordance with the individual consultant selection (ICS) method set out in Module F2 section 7 of the IFAD Project Procurement Handbook.

15. Method Of Application

Expression of Interest with detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and copies of supporting qualification documents including names of three traceable references must be delivered in written form to the address below (in person or by email or by mail NOT later than 7th August 2026.

Address for submission by email is dhrmd@agriculture.gov.mw.

The Chairperson

Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee

Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Water Development

Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme II,

P.O. Box 30314

Lilongwe 3

Malawi