Research Coordinator

Contract Duration:                  2 years
Reporting to:                           Head of Operations and Development
Location:                                 Thazima, Nyika National Park, Malawi

BACKGROUND

The Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust (Trust) has been established in Malawi, under a 20-year co-management agreement signed between the Government of Malawi, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), and Peace Parks Foundation. The Trust is responsible for the development and management of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. It is overseen by a Board of Trustees (Board) and a Park Management Unit (PMU) led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is tasked to implement the Strategic Business Plan (SBP).

JOB PURPOSE

The Research Coordinator will play a senior role in overseeing the management and coordination of management-driven research and monitoring projects within the Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust. This role is vital in helping the Trust to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based adaptive management across all key aspects of the Nyika-Vwaza landscape, i.e., law enforcement, community engagement (i.e., including environmental education, Human Wildlife Coexistence management), protected area management (i.e., including wildlife, forestry, grassland, and freshwater ecology), and business development (i.e., including ecotourism, forestry & ecosystem services).

Under the direction of the Head of Operations, the Research Coordinator (as a senior officer) will work in close collaboration with other senior management officers to develop, design, implement, and manage research projects that will inform enhanced management of the Trust. This work will entail overseeing and coordinating all technical aspects of the research process, supporting/facilitating/driving the translation of knowledge to practice, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation of all activities related to biodiversity conservation and management of the Trust. It will also entail the development of a mid to long-term research strategy for the Trust, as well as an inventory of all past and existing research, and a gap analysis.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development of a research and monitoring strategic plan:
  • Develop a research plan for the trust that will support biodiversity conservation and management in all key sections. This will include specific aspects related to law enforcement, human-wildlife coexistence management, wildlife ecology, environmental education, invasive alien species management, fire management, landscape/rangeland/grassland ecology, ecotourism, and any emerging issues. The plan will be based, in particular, on an inventory of all past and current research projects implemented in the Trust territory as well as a gap analysis.
  • Facilitate the development of standardised research and monitoring methodologies and procedures, using specific internationally acceptable guidelines like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Bank Management effectiveness tracking tool (METT), MIKE, Southern African Development Corporation (SADC) Tracking Tool, and any other guidelines.
  • Develop research and monitoring work plans and budgets, and capacity development needs.  Identify, join, form, and/or operate research consortiums and networks to support the strategic research plan of the trust.
  • Participate in knowledge exchange and learning at local and regional research dissemination fora.
• Fundraising
  • Develop and implement annual research programme targets within the research strategic action plan in collaboration with other Trust programmes.
  • Prepare research proposals for the research unit to ensure the sustainability of the research unit and its programmes.
  • Under the direction of the CEO, identify and engage other research institutions, Non-Government Organisation,(NGO), and interested parties to lobby for support of the Trust’s research strategy.
• Planning
  • Ensure all research projects are planned in accordance with the protected area’s general management plans, business plans, community development strategic plan, and overall Trust Annual Work Plan.
  • Develop and submit quarter and annual work plans for the research unit to the CEO.
  • Identify needs for researchers and develop terms of reference as and when needed.
  • Prepare terms of reference and job descriptions of any additional staff for research projects  (as required), including consultants, researchers, volunteers, and interns in consultation with the CEO and Financial Manager (FM).
  • Lead the timely mobilisation of resources for research projects.
• Implementation
  • Design research tools and/or protocols, including data collection and analysis procedures.
  • Assist with capacity building of researchers (as required).
  • Collaborate with other Trust officers to carry out research and studies (as required).
  • Monitor and supervise research personnel throughout the research process.
  • Supervise and verify against outputs the timesheets and claims of researchers for remuneration/payments.
  • Review and consolidate all research outputs before any form of publication, e.g., briefs, reports, manuscripts, etc.
  • Ensure delivery of timely and quality research and monitoring outputs.
  • Ensure and implement environmental and social safeguards for all developmental and management undertakings in and around protected areas.
  • Establish, maintain, and update a research database for the Trust.
• Reporting
  • Prepare periodical research reports (as required).
  • Prepare research and study reports for submission to donors and relevant stakeholders.
  • Translate research outputs into peer-reviewed journal articles, manuscripts, and publications.
  • Organise dissemination of research information through public presentations.
  • Monitor and evaluate the usage of knowledge generated by the research unit within the Trust and beyond.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
  • Support the design, development, and maintenance of an efficient M&E system for all socioecological aspects of management.
  • Ensure safe/secure and professional storage of data to enhance the capacity of the Trust’s learning.
  • Support the design of data collection tools that capture output, outcome, and impact indicators for the Trust.
  • Support and work closely with other senior officers in planning and monitoring all Trust activities.
  • Ensure timely updating of the M&E database for the Trust.
  • Support and/or lead in the capacity building of M&E staff to ensure the timely collection of quality data and reporting.
  • Ensure and support the implementation of environmental and social safeguards frameworks and guidelines.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required. A master’s degree is preferred. Both in environmental sciences, i.e., natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, and /or any relevant discipline.
• Have at least 5 years of experience in a similar position or doing similar work.
• Has strong leadership, management, and fundraising capability for research.
• Exhibit analytical, technical, and good writing skills through evidence of publications.
• Computer skills and knowledge of relevant software applications, including statistical packages, Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, EndNote), and other referencing applications.
• Experience using GIS and remote sensing applications, with demonstrable cartographic skills.
• Supervisory skills, including the ability to delegate work and plan, organise, and evaluate the work of others.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number, and email address. These should be submitted by 7 April 2026.

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, 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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