Finance Manager

BACKGROUND

The Government of Malawi, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and Peace Parks Foundation have signed a 20-year Co-Management Agreement for the sustainable development and management of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, forming the Nyika-Vwaza Complex, which is an integral component of the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). These two protected areas collectively cover over 4,000 sq. km of land.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife(DNPW) is an agency of the Government of Malawi responsible for managing protected areas within and outside the protected areas, as mandated by the National Parks and Wildlife Act (CAP 66.07).

Peace Parks Foundation is a non-profit conservation organisation specialising in large-scale conservation through the development of Transfrontier Conservation Areas and the long-term management of key protected areas in partnership with government conservation agencies and local communities.

Under the agreement between DNPW and Peace Parks Foundation, a special non-profit and efficient legal entity, the Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust (Trust) was established in Malawi. The Trust is responsible for the management and development of the Nyika-Vwaza complex. It is overseen by a Board of Trustees (Board) appointed by DNPW and Peace Parks Foundation, in accordance with the Co-Management agreement provisions, and the Trust’s Constitution.

A Park Management Unit is being formed within the Trust to implement the Strategic Business Plan, and is led by a Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the Board.

As part of its Park Management Unit, the Trust is looking for a suitably qualified and experienced professional to fill the position of Finance Manager.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Finance Manager lead the Trust’s finance function end-to-end to safeguard financial health and enable sound decision-making. Lead accurate and timely accounting and reporting, budgeting and forecasting, cash and treasury management, tax and regulatory compliance, and a strong internal control environment. Partner with the CEO/executive team on strategy, capital and risk management, and build a high-performing finance team and systems that scale with the Trust development.

The Finance Manager leads the Trust’s financial function, ensuring robust financial health, compliance, and strategic alignment with the Co-Management Agreement, the Trust Strategic frameworks, relevant legislation and donor requirements. This role oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, donor fund management, internal controls, and risk mitigation. The Finance Manager will make sure that the Trust achieves financial sustainability and transparency.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic financial leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of financial policies, systems, and internal controls in line with Malawi law and international best practices.
• Align financial operations with the Strategic Business Plan and Management Plan.
• Evaluate and restructure the finance team to support the Trust’s growth and operational needs.
• Collaborate with the CEO and other PMU members on strategic planning, capital management, and financial sustainability.

Financial Planning and Reporting

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the Finance & Accounting functions of the Trust, including the preparation of financial statements, financial reports, and information reports.
• Prepare and present annual consolidated budgets, forecasts, and financial reports to the Board and donors.
• Ensure timely and accurate additional financial reporting, including monthly and quarterly updates.
• Maintain and update the Trust’s financial management manual in accordance with PPF’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Oversee the approval and processing of revenue, investments, and expenditure documents, department budgets, mass salary updates, account maintenance, and data entry.
• Prepare and present annual consolidated budgets, forecasts, and accurate financial reports to the Board and donors as needed.

Funding

• Review cash flow monitoring processes and cash forecasts to ensure sufficient liquidity to meet the Trust’s operational needs.
• Maintain the relationships with banks and other financial institutions.

Risk Management

• Monitor and mitigate financial risks, ensuring compliance with tax laws and corporate governance standards.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, implement recommendations, and maintain audit readiness.
• Ensure financial records meet the standards of auditors, donors, and government agencies.

Asset and Contract Oversight

• Oversee financial aspects of asset management, including stocktaking, insurance, and reporting.
• Support the review and transfer of contracts involving Nyika and Vwaza to the Trust, ensuring financial implications are assessed.

Stakeholder Engagement

• ·Maintain relationships with banks, donors, auditors, and government bodies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Professional accounting certification (e.g., ACCA, CPA) preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in financial management, preferably in conservation or donor-funded programmes.
• Proven experience in team leadership, donor compliance, and financial systems development.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
• Advanced financial planning, analysis, and reporting skills.
• Excellent understanding of donor financial frameworks and tax regulations.
• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., D365) and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Ability to work under pressure, in remote settings, and in complex stakeholder environments.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number, email address and contact details of at least three contactable references. These should be submitted by 13 December 2025.

A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience.

Please apply online.

We appreciate the time and effort taken by all applicants in expressing their interest in this role. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to contact candidates who are selected for further consideration. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.

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