Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Loans and Grants Disbursement shall be responsible for the efficient and effective disbursement of loans to the needy and deserving students in all accredited institutions of higher learning in Malawi.

The successful candidate shall be responsible for advising the Board on the development of criteria, systems and strategies for screening of applications and disbursement of loans and grants. In addition, the successful candidate shall be responsible for implementing all loans and grants disbursement policies and supporting the Executive Director in reviewing strategies for mobilizing resources for the Loan Fund. He/she shall be expected to provide guidance and direction to staff in the Loans and Grants Disbursement Directorate through the setting and managing of performance targets and ensuring their achievement.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Advising the Loans and Grants Disbursement Committee of the Board on the development and review of criteria, systems and procedures for the assessment of loan and grants applications and disbursement;
2. Implementing policies on loans and grants disbursement;
3. Drafting adverts on loans and grants application and disbursement process and calendar;
4. Planning, conducting and evaluating various awareness campaigns on the loans and grants application and disbursement process;
5. Establishing and maintaining effective operational links with students and administrators of accredited institutions of higher learning to ensure cooperation for the loans and grants disbursement processes;
6. Leading the screening of applications for loans and grants in liaison with administrators of accredited institutions of higher learning;
7. Preparing relevant reports on loan and grants disbursement for Management and Loans and Grants Disbursement Committee including releasing lists of students qualified and approved to be provided with loans and grants;
8. Drafting press statements on disbursement of loans and grants as approved by the Board of Directors;
9. Ensuring that legislations, policies and procedures relating to loans and grants disbursement are strictly adhered to;
10. Initiating and facilitating the processing and payment of loans and grants;
11. Administering bond forms to students approved to receive loans;
12. Monitoring and evaluating the performance of the Loans and Grants Directorate to ensure achievement of objectives and performance targets and make recommendations for improvement;
13. Preparing reports on loans and grants applications and disbursement and supporting the Executive Director in presenting them to the Board or the Loans and Grants Disbursement Committee;
14. Collecting information about changes in academic calendars, students enrolment trends and cost of living and determining their potential effect on the work of the Board;
15. Maintaining a database of all beneficiaries of loans and grants;
16. Taking part in the development, implementation and review of resource mobilization strategies.

Qualifications and Experience

1. First Degree plus a Master’s Degree obtained from an accredited institution in any of the following fields: Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management Studies and Social Sciences; or Equivalent professional qualifications in Finance, Banking and Accounting; or Comparable qualifications in other related fields but complimented with a proven track record of managing institutions of higher learning or commercial enterprises or loans;
2. At least five (5) years of post-qualification experience at senior management level, after obtaining a Master’s Degree.

Competencies, Skills and Attributes

1. Knowledge of Government procedures and regulations;
2. Passion to support matters of needy students;
3. Knowledge of socio-economic structure of the Malawian population including the welfare of students in institutions of higher learning;
4. Conflict resolution skills;
5. Ability to supervise others, a self-starter and self-motivation;
6. Familiar with contemporary developments in higher education financing globally;
7. Person who is ethical and of high integrity;
8. Be results oriented and able to cope with work pressure;
9. Demonstrable experience in executive management.

Appointment and Remuneration

The successful candidate shall be offered a performance related contract for a period of three (3) years subject to renewal for another term, with an attractive salary, benefits and gratuity commensurate with the seniority of the position, based on the Board’s Staff Terms and Conditions of Service.