Program Officer

We are hiring a Program Officer

ABOUT SPARK MICROGRANTS

Spark MicroGrants believes in a world where everyone lives with dignity and determines their own positive future. Spark has worked in 1350+ villages in 7 countries and has pioneered a community-driven development model in sub-Saharan Africa. Spark works with NGO and Government partners to scale the model’s adoption and impact on rural communities – on their own terms. Our model combines facilitated community meetings with a small, discretionary grant to catalyse local action and institution building. Read more about
our Approach, Impact and Values on our website.

As Spark continues to expand and strengthen its programs in Malawi, there is a growing need for dedicated technical and operational support to ensure high-quality program implementation, effective stakeholder engagement, and strong monitoring of results.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Program Officer will play a key role in supporting the implementation and growth of Spark Microgrants’ programs in Malawi. The Program Officer will strengthen program delivery by coordinating day-to-day project implementation, enhance strategic collaborations, and monitoring, and contribute to design responsibilities. This pivotal role involves ensuring the seamless, efficient, and cost-effective execution and expansion of all Spark Microgrants projects and activities, ultimately driving the achievement of the organization’s objectives and KPIs. The position requires frequent field engagement and close collaboration with partners, government officials, and internal teams to support successful program implementation across Spark’s districts of operation.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Lead capacity-building initiatives for partner trainers, implementing partners, stakeholders, and relevant internal staff to strengthen program quality and sustainability.
• Manage day-to-day project Implementation of multiple projects, including overseeing quality of program implementation, coordination across teams and partner staff, and compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies.
• Collaborate with relevant team members to develop, implement, and refine program monitoring, evaluation frameworks to assess progress toward program objectives and KPIs.
• Work closely with district-level government officials and technical staff to support program planning, high-quality implementation, and alignment with local government priorities and systems where desired.
• Managing the overall implementation of program activities across all our districts of operations in line with approved program plans and activity budget.
• Coordinate and lead field visits with Partners for Spark Microgrants program leads, visitors, donors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Organize and support trainings, roundtables, networking events, and learning forums that contribute to achieving Spark Microgrants’ strategic objectives.
• Prepare and compile high quality program reports and submit them to the Program Manager in a timely manner.
• Provide day-to-day supervision and support to Field Officers to ensure performance accountability and quality program implementation.
• Support project budgeting and financial monitoring, including preparation of activity-level budgets and close collaboration with finance teams to ensure accurate financial reporting.

The PO will:

• Report to the Program Manager, and will have weekly check-ins related to projects, performance, and professional development.
• Participate in weekly program team meetings, monthly Staff meetings and Quarterly Joint Review meetings with Partner organizations.
• Participate in Human-Centered Design practices, meetings and training.
• Participate in planning and budgeting.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science/ Rural or Community Development/Development studies/Project Management / Education majoring in Humanities.

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a similar role in an NGO or development sector.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including developing and managing work plans, tracking deliverables and timelines, and coordinating across internal and external teams.
• Experience in managing donor compliance requirements, budget development and financial reporting in collaboration with finance/operational staff.
• Experience working closely with district-level government officials or other sub-national government counterparts, including coordination, planning, or implementation support.
• Experience in governance, community-driven development, decentralization or related fields is an asset.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Other

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently to project sites.

WHY WORK WITH US?

• You will be joining a dynamic team that hails from ten countries around the world and is committed to our vision.
• You will have the freedom and autonomy to make your role your own. We want to hear your innovative ideas, your vision for the future, and your critical questions.
• We respect and value work-life balance and your need for downtime, vacation, and reflection.
• You will join a dynamic and growing organization with a clear pathway to learning and career advancement.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Location: Lilongwe with 50% travel within the communities where Spark operates.
• Application end date: On a rolling basis, we reserve the right to close this recruitment process at any time.
• Expected Start Date: As soon as possible.
• How to Apply: Follow the link to apply:
  https://sparkmicrogrants.bamboohr.com/careers/154?source=aWQ9NA%3D%3D

Equal Opportunity

Spark Microgrants provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions at Spark are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Spark does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Spark will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship to daily operations.