Program Manager

POSITION ; Program Manager

Duty Station: Mponela-Dowa, Malawi (with field travel to project sites).

Contract type: Full-time contract (6 Months - Renewable)

Reports to: Church Leadership Board

Employment Start date: 01st December 2025.

The Mennonite Brethren Church in Malawi (MBCM) wishes to advertise a vacant position for the Programs Manager as stated below. Interested persons are requested to send applications to Mennonite Brethren Church in Malawi not later than 17th November 2025. The Application must include a covering letter, a CV, supporting documents and qualifications, and letters of recommendation or references.

Mennonite Brethren Transform Lives Initiative (MB-TLI) is a faith-based organization committed to holistic community transformation through the promotion of peace, justice and sustainable development services. Guided by Christian values of love and service, MB-TLI works to strengthen the resilience and well-being of vulnerable communities across Malawi through its programs in food security and livelihoods, peace building, disaster response, adaptation climate change, gender justice and community development.

The primary purpose of the Programs Manager position is to provide strategic, technical and operational leadership to all development and humanitarian programs under Mennonite Brethren Transform Lives Initiative (MB -TLI), a development arm of the church. The role ensures effective project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting in line with MB-TLI’s mission, donor requirements and national development priorities. The position also provides direct oversight and coordination of all humanitarian and development projects implemented by MB-TLI by ensuring accountability and impact.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities.

1) Program Management & Implementation

Plan, coordinate and oversee implementation of all MB-TLI projects in line with approved work plans and budgets.

Supervise and mentor project officers and field staff to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of outputs.

Ensure all programs align with MB-TLI mission, strategic plan and donor standards.

Integrate cross-cutting issues including gender equality, safeguarding, accountability and environmental sustainability.

2) Humanitarian Cash Distribution – Dzaleka Refugee Camp

Lead the overall coordination and implementation of humanitarian cash distribution activities in Dzaleka Refugee Camp.

Ensure alignment of cash distribution with donor guidelines, national humanitarian standards and protection principles.

Collaborate with financial service providers (e.g. NBS Bank), camp leadership and protection partners to ensure smooth and transparent operations.

Oversee targeting and verification processes in collaboration with community committees and field staff.

Supervise post-distribution monitoring, data collection and learning documentation.

Prepare and submit periodic narrative and technical reports on cash assistance interventions.

3) Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

Work closely with the MEAL Officer to develop and implement monitoring systems.

Ensure collection, analysis and use of data to inform decision-making and reporting.

Lead preparation of high-quality narrative and technical reports for donors and partners.

4) Partnerships, Networking and Representation

MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH IN MALAWI (MBCM)

Represent MB-TLI in coordination and stakeholder meetings with government, donors and partner organizations.

Strengthen collaboration with MCC and other faith-based and community partners.

Support proposal development, concept notes and resource mobilization initiatives.

5) Leadership and Team Management

Provide technical guidance and leadership to project teams.

Conduct regular performance reviews and facilitate staff capacity development.

Promote MB-TLI’s values of integrity, stewardship and servant leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in development studies, Agriculture, International Development, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Project Management (master’s preferred).

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in program management within an NGO or faith-based organization.

Proven experience in project design, proposal writing and donor reporting.

Strong background in community development, livelihoods or humanitarian response.

Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, lead teams and coordinate multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (English and Chichewa).

Core Competencies

Strategic planning and results-based management

Excellent coordination and partnership building skills

Strong leadership and mentoring abilities

Proficiency in MS Office and digital project management tools

Commitment to Christian values and ethical leadership

Please note that: MB-TLI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MB-TLI encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, age or ethnic background. Women, youth and persons from marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents in one PDF file:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining their suitability for the position.

A detailed and updated CV (maximum 3 pages) including three traceable referees.

Email applications to: mbtlirecruitment@gmail.com Subject line: Application – [Position Title]

Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 17th November 2025, at 17:00hrs. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Hand Deliver, addressed to the MBCM office address below.

Mennonite Brethren Church in Malawi (MBCM)

MB MISSION HOUSE,

Chimwaza Trading Centre,

Along M1 Road,

P.O. Box 98,

Mponela, Dowa, Malawi