About the Centre for Multiparty Democracy

The Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) is a platform for dialogue for political parties in Malawi. The Centre sets out to contribute to the consolidation of multiparty democracy by striving for the development of a well-functioning multiparty political system and promotion of accountable and institutionalized political parties in Malawi. The Centre for Multiparty Democracy is looking for an interested and motivated person to fill the post of Executive Director.

Overall purpose of the job:

The Executive Director will have the overall responsibility for the vision and mission of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy. He/she will be primarily a facilitator of interparty dialogue. As such, the office holder will be expected to serve as Secretary to the Board of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy that comprises Secretaries General of all political parties represented in the National Assembly.

The Executive Director provides leadership in resource mobilization, political and policy analysis, strategic planning, networking and partnership development to achieve successful implementation of the mission of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy.

Other Responsibilities

Leadership and organization Development

• Provide overall leadership and direction in the operations of the organization.
• Provide leadership and participate in the formulation and realization of the vision, mission, and strategic planning to guide the organization.
• Oversee the review, development, and successful implementation of the administrative and financial system, monitoring and evaluation system, policies, procedures, training manuals, guidelines, programmes, and projects.
• Monitor implementation of activities and keep the Board informed of all situations that are impacting on the organization vision and mission.

Staff Capacity Development

• In liaison with the Programme Manager and Finance and Administration Manager, ensure that CMD has staff with relevant capacity to implement its mandate.

Representation, Communication, and Networking

• Represent CMD to enhance its visibility.
• Act as the spokesperson of the organization including sending and receiving all official correspondences on behalf of CMD.
• Establish and enhance good working relationships, networking, as well as collaboration with relevant government departments, civil society organizations, development partners, member political parties, and key stakeholders which collaborate with CMD on issues related to politics, elections, democracy and governance in Malawi and abroad.

Financial Management, Budgeting, and Resource Mobilization

• Oversee the development and submission of the financial reports, budgets, and other documentation that may be required by the Board of Directors, development partners, etc.
• Facilitate and participate in the budget analysis and expenditure monitoring to ensure accountability and good stewardship of financial resources entrusted to CMD.
• Approve budgets and expenditures in line with the approved budget lines.
• Provide guidance and participate in the development, review, and implementation of the Resource Mobilisation Strategy for CMD.
• Ensure the CMD has resources for operations

Board liaison

• Facilitate all dialogue interventions of CMD.
• Arrange Board meeting including Annual General Meeting.
  Record the minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors and Trustees, Maintain records of committee meetings.
  Oversee the maintenance of membership lists
  Safe keeping of all CMD contracts with donors and other working partners.
  Advise the Board on CMD strategic direction.
• Provide in-depth political analysis to the Board of CMD from time to time

Qualifications

• The desired candidate must possess at least a Masters Degree in Political Sciences, Public Administration, Development Studies or any other social science related discipline.

Experience

• Experience in facilitating interparty dialogue or any other proven experience in working with political parties, or working in the field of elections, democracy and governance is essential.
• Excellent and proven knowledge of Malawi politics and political party system
• Experience in conflict resolution and management
• Ability to work in a diverse political setting with people of diverse political persuasions;
• Experience in developing partner liaison and fundraising;
• Excellent Communication skills;
• Excellent report writing skills;
• Ability to provide objective political analysis
• Self-starter and self-driven with ability to present oneself to different audiences.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should send their application and motivation letter (1.5 pages max) and a detailed CV to the Chairperson of the Board through email at info@cmd.mw by Friday, 9th August, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.