CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Governance and Public Sector Engagement Specialist

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

How to Apply

Interested individuals should submit email proposals to ProcurementGPMW@thepalladiumgroup.com with the subject line “Application – Governance and Public Sector Engagement Specialist”.

• A current CV/resume;
• A cover letter highlighting relevant experience and qualifications; and
• Contact information for at least three professional references.

Company Overview

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. With a global team and network of experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people’s lives.

Project Overview

Palladium is seeking a senior-level Governance and Public Sector Engagement Specialist to support multiple initiatives in Malawi, including the following projects:

• The AGRA Malawi Agricultural Commercialization Initiative (MACI) is a four-year AGRA program funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy that uses a Commodity Cluster Compact approach to strengthen the soybean and groundnut value chains in Kasungu and Lilongwe. Palladium’s consultancy provides targeted technical and stakeholder engagement support to improve coordination among government, private sector, and value chain actors and help drive evidence-based agricultural commercialization and growth.
• The Growth Poles Project 2.0 (GPP 2.0) is a five-year initiative (Oct 2023–Sept 2028) led by Palladium International and funded by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs. It aims to accelerate inclusive, sustainable, and resilient wealth creation in Malawi by mobilizing private sector investments in agriculture and natural resource management. Its development objective is to advance a more inclusive, diversified, and resilient private sector that drives sustainable wealth creation while enhancing environmental and ecological diversity.

Assignment Abstract

The Governance and Public Sector Engagement Specialist will provide senior-level technical leadership and advisory support on government engagement, public policy, stakeholder coordination, and public-private dialogue activities across multiple projects. The consultant will help strengthen relationships with government institutions and other key stakeholders; facilitate policy discussions; support reform processes; and contribute to creating an enabling environment for economic growth, agricultural transformation, and private sector investment.

The successful candidate will possess strong experience engaging with senior government officials, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society organizations. The position requires excellent analytical, communication, and facilitation skills, as well as a solid understanding of Malawi’s policy and institutional landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with national, regional, and local government stakeholders relevant to project objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance on public policy, governance, regulatory reform, and public sector engagement activities.
• Support the design and facilitation of stakeholder consultations, workshops, public-private dialogue platforms, and multi-stakeholder coordination mechanisms.
• Conduct policy and institutional analyses related to economic development, agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, natural resource management, investment promotion, finance, or related sectors.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration between government entities, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
• Advise project teams on navigating government processes, policy developments, and stakeholder interests.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, briefing papers, policy notes, presentations, and meeting summaries.
• Represent Palladium in meetings with government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders, as requested.
• Contribute to work planning, technical deliverables, and business development efforts where relevant.
• Support efforts to ensure project activities are aligned with national policies, strategies, and development priorities.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree (MA, MSc, MPA, MBA, or equivalent) in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Political Science, Business Administration, Management, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, International Development, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in governance, public policy, public sector engagement, stakeholder management, economic development, agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, natural resource management, finance, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience working with government ministries, regulatory bodies, and public institutions in Malawi.
• Experience supporting policy reform processes, stakeholder engagement initiatives, or public-private dialogue mechanisms.
• Familiarity with donor-funded development programs and international development organizations.
• Experience working with projects funded by organizations such as NORAD, the Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs, USAID, FCDO, World Bank, African Development Bank, EU, IFAD, or similar donors is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of Malawi’s public sector landscape, policy environment, and development priorities.

Required Competencies

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Strong policy analysis, research, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to engage effectively with senior government officials and high-level stakeholders.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• High level of professionalism, diplomacy, and cultural awareness.

Language and Location Requirements

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Knowledge of Chichewa or other local languages is an advantage.
• Candidates must be based in Malawi and legally authorized to work in the country.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following:

• A current CV/resume;
• A cover letter highlighting relevant experience and qualifications; and
• Contact information for at least three professional references.

Post expires at 5:00pm on Monday August 31st, 2026