EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Are you an accomplished strategic leader passionate about sustainable development, environmental restoration and improving community livelihoods in Malawi? Floresta is seeking a dynamic, strategic and mission-aligned National Director to lead the organization’s strategic direction, programme delivery and organizational growth.

Location: Mzuzu, Malawi
Reports to: Chairperson, Board of Trustees
Travel: Regular travel to programme sites, with occasional international travel

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership and Programme Management: Lead the development and implementation of the organisation’s strategy, programmes and growth priorities, ensuring effective delivery, quality, impact and accountability.
• Resource Mobilisation and Strategic Partnerships: Drive resource mobilisation, donor engagement and strategic partnership development to strengthen programme impact and organisational sustainability.
• People Leadership and Team Development: Build, lead and mentor a high-performing, inclusive and values-driven team, fostering staff development, collaboration and accountability.
• Financial Management, Risk and Compliance: Oversee financial management, budget utilisation, organisational risks, regulatory compliance and internal controls.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Programme Quality: Strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), quality assurance and evidence-based decision-making.
• Organisational Effectiveness and Operational Management: Strengthen organisational effectiveness through clear work plans, performance targets, management systems and accountability mechanisms.
• Board Governance and Stakeholder Engagement: Support effective Board governance, ensure timely reporting and maintain strategic relationships with government, donors, development partners, NGOs, civil society organisations, research institutions and other stakeholders.
• Strategic Communications, Visibility and Representation: Promote Floresta’s visibility and communicate programme achievements, evidence and impact to donors, partners, communities and other stakeholders.
• Organisational Values, Safeguarding and Reputation: Uphold Floresta’s values, safeguarding standards, inclusion and integrity, while protecting the organisation's reputation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, such as Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Climate Change or Development Studies.
• At least seven years of progressive senior leadership experience, with a proven track record in strategic planning, organisational management and performance delivery.
• Demonstrated experience managing development programmes, preferably in natural resource management, climate change, environmental sustainability, agriculture or rural livelihoods.
• Proven competence in financial management, people management, programme oversight, risk management and organisational accountability.
• A strong track record in resource mobilisation, donor engagement, partnership development and maintaining effective relationships with government and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and motivate teams, with strong interpersonal, coaching and performance-management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in developing funding proposals, mobilising resources and managing donor-funded programmes.
• Experience in establishing or strengthening programme management systems, performance frameworks and organisational accountability mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organisational improvement initiatives and promote efficient use of financial, human and operational resources.
• Sound knowledge of Malawi’s natural resource management, environmental and climate priorities, as well as relevant national policies, institutional frameworks, key stakeholders and emerging issues affecting sustainable development and rural communities.