Project Manager – Project “Promosso”

The Opportunity
Save the Children (SC) is seeking to hire a Project Manager for the AICS Promosso Project focusing on Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in Zomba, Malawi. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and coordination of the project, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and meeting project targets. The role will report directly to the Director of Programme Operations and supervise the Technical Coordinator for Food Security and Livelihoods. The Project Manager will be responsible for managing the implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and financial control of all project components, ensuring high-quality delivery and maintaining strong relationships with donors, government departments, and project partners.

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and adjust working hours accordingly.

To be successful, you will bring/have:

• A degree in a relevant field (preferably Master’s level).
• A minimum of five years of experience in project management, particularly in Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture, or related sectors.
• Proven track record in budget management, donor compliance, and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of project activities.
• Experience managing and coordinating large-scale development programs with a focus on agriculture, livelihoods, and food security.
• Strong leadership and team management experience with a demonstrated ability to motivate and lead diverse teams.
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL), ensuring results-based approaches and continuous improvement of project outcomes.
• Ability to work in a complex environment with various stakeholders, including government, NGOs, and donors.
• Familiarity with financial reporting, program reviews, and donor compliance.
• Strong communication skills in both English and Chichewa (both written and oral).
• Ability to travel regularly within the project areas.

Key Responsibilities

General Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management, coordination, and implementation of project activities.
• Ensure the project team is appropriately staffed and has the necessary expertise to meet objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance and leadership to inspire and motivate the team.
• Foster strong relationships with government bodies, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that project activities are in line with Save the Children’s mission and values.

Representation and Advocacy

• Represent the project in district-level technical meetings related to Food Security and Livelihoods.
• Work with advocacy and communications teams to develop technical briefs and share lessons learned.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with local government, NGOs, and other agencies to enhance collaboration.

Program Delivery, Management, and Quality Assurance

• Develop and manage project documents, including budgeting, procurement plans, and monitoring plans.
• Ensure security policies and procedures are followed during project delivery.
• Supervise staff and partners, ensuring regular financial and programmatic reports.
• Ensure the project demonstrates value for money to the donor.
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure quality and alignment with project goals.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• Oversee the implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and improve performance.
• Ensure the collection and analysis of project data to inform advocacy and decision-making.
• Support learning processes by capturing lessons from the project and integrating them into future strategies.
• Conduct audits and spot checks to ensure the quality of implementation.

Finance, Reporting, and Donor Compliance

• Take responsibility for budget management, ensuring financial processes align with donor requirements.
• Submit narrative and financial reports to Save the Children Italy as required.
• Monitor progress against financial and programmatic targets, adjusting plans as necessary.
• Ensure that all project activities comply with donor regulations and Save the Children’s rules.

Staff Management and Capacity Building

• Line-manage the project team, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities.
• Create a cooperative working environment that supports team growth and achievement of objectives.
• Provide feedback and professional development opportunities for project staff in collaboration with HR.

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5^th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

We believe in providing reasonable accommodations to support the professional growth and success of all employees. We thus encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations.  A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.