Research Officer – Economic Impact

Closing date: 27th February 2026
Duty station: Lilongwe

About Export Development Fund

Export Development Fund (EDF) is a development finance institution (DFI) mandated to promote the growth as well as diversification of the country’s exports. EDF’s mission is to support the Malawi economy through provision of foreign trade solutions to facilitate export diversification, international competitiveness and inclusive growth. EDF also plays a leading role in job creation by investing in ambitious projects and initiatives, with the aim of enhancing the competitiveness of Malawi’s exports.

EDF’s young and dynamic team is motivated towards the collective goal of transforming Malawi’s exporting sector for accelerated economic development.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an energetic and innovative individual to join EDF as a Research Officer – Economic Impact.

Job Purpose

The Research Officer (Economic Impact) is responsible for conducting rigorous economic research, impact assessment, and market intelligence that informs strategic investment decisions, product development, and policy advocacy. Reporting to the Strategy, Research & Marketing Manager, the Research Officer’s responsibilities shall include, but not limited to the following:

• Conduct in-depth sectoral assessments of EDF’s priority sectors to identify development gaps, investment opportunities, and constraints to export competitiveness, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Analyze macroeconomic trends, trade patterns, and balance of payments dynamics for Malawi, identifying implications for EDF’s operations and strategic positioning, with particular focus on foreign exchange generation potential.
• Undertake value chain analysis for key export commodities and sectors to identify critical intervention points where EDF financing can generate maximum developmental impact and market transformation.
• Assess the impact of national and international trade policies, tariff regimes, non-tariff barriers, and trade agreements (including AfCFTA) on Malawi’s export competitiveness and EDF’s target markets.
• Conduct competitor analysis and benchmarking studies comparing EDF’s products, services, and impact against peer development finance institutions in Malawi, the SADC region and globally.
• Provide economic rationale and feasibility analysis for potential investments, including demand-supply dynamics, market sizing, competitive landscape, and macroeconomic sensitivity analysis.
• Develop economic models and forecasting tools to project sector performance, trade flows, and impact of various economic scenarios on EDF’s portfolio and strategic objectives.
• Monitor and analyse global and regional trade trends, market opportunities, and commodity dynamics for Malawi’s key export products, providing timely intelligence to inform EDF’s origination and client advisory functions.
• Undertake product-market feasibility studies to assess viability of new or expanded export products, including demand analysis, supply chain requirements, quality standards, and competitive positioning.
• Analyse trade statistics, customs data, and trade flows to identify emerging opportunities, track Malawi’s export performance, and benchmark against regional competitors.
• Provide regular market briefs and trade bulletins covering developments in target markets, commodity price movements, policy changes, and business opportunities relevant to EDF clients.
• Engage with strategic partners including academic institutions, research centres and government agencies (Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Finance, Reserve Bank of Malawi, National Statistical Office, Malawi Revenue Authority) to access data, align research agendas, and contribute to national policy discussions.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills, and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Development Studies, Business Analytics, Statistics, or related quantitative field plus Master’s degree in Economics, Development Economics, International Trade, Applied Statistics, or related field.
• Professional certifications in Data Analytics with a minimum of 5 years’ work experience in economic research, development finance, trade analysis, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting rigorous economic analysis and impact assessments with a track record of producing high-quality research outputs (reports, policy briefs, journal articles).
• Familiarity with trade analysis, input-output models, and value chain analysis methodologies.
• Strong Excel skills including advanced functions, pivot tables, and data visualization.
• Deep understanding of development economics, trade theory, and financial markets.
• Knowledge of Malawi’s economic structure, key sectors, and trade dynamics.
• Familiarity with development finance principles and DFI operations.
• Exceptional written communication with ability to produce clear, concise, and compelling research reports and strong presentation skills to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences.

Mode of Application

Interested candidates should submit their completed APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT – CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL PROFILE FORM by close of business, Friday 27th February 2026 via email to:

recruitment@edf.mw

Only shortlisted applicants shall be acknowledged and invited for interviews. EDF is an equal opportunity employer; as such, women are encouraged to apply.