United Purpose (UP) Malawi
Background
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United Purpose (UP) Malawi is an international non-governmental organisation working to create opportunities for lasting improvement in peoples’ lives. We work in partnership with others to support a range of livelihoods and food security, WASH and health, sustainable energy and gender equality programmes reaching over 1,000,000 people a year across Malawi. Globally, we work in nine countries across Africa, Asia and South America, however our Malawi programme is the largest country programme. UP currently operates in 17 districts in Malawi, supporting over 30 on-going projects, with a total staff of over 180 working across five impact areas: Resilient Lives; WASH and Healthier Lives; Sustainable Energy; Gender Equality and Emergency Response.
The Rural Energy Access through Social Enterprise and Decentralisation (EASE) project focuses primarily on SDG7 progress in Malawi and runs from October 2018 to March 2023 with funding provided by the Scottish Government. EASE is a partnership project coordinated by The University of Strathclyde with collaborating partners Community Energy Malawi, United Purpose and WASHTED. EASE aims to increase access to sustainable energy for rural communities in Dedza, thereby enabling economic development and improved livelihoods. By deploying micro-grids and energy kiosks, at least 6 rural communities will have improved access to energy in the target area.
United Purpose is looking to recruit an experienced Sustainable Energy Project Manager to join our SEMU team and manage the UP component under this innovative project. It will be a fast paced and demanding role, which will require a dedicated and proactive approach.
Sustainable Energy Project Manager (x1 based in Lilongwe)
Job Purpose:
The Sustainable Energy Project Manager has overall responsibility for project implementation activities, ensuring that targets are met and all issues are reported to management in a timely manner. They will also be responsible for planning, report writing and line management of support staff.
 Key duties and responsibilities:
- Manage the Scottish Government funded EASE project.
- Develop, implement and monitor the EASE work plan and budget, in line with project log frame, agreed deliverables, and resources. This includes ensuring effective project budgetary control, forecasting and monitoring in line with UP’s financial procedures and guidelines, and fraud and risk management policies.
- Deliver expert technical support and guidance in all aspects of project implementation and budget.
- Ensure that UP sustainable energy programming is founded on and consistent with the latest international best practice in the field.
- Share learning and knowledge across the organisation; and national and international sustainable energy forums.
- Ensure close collaboration and networking with all district partners, including government and communities, as well as other UP projects, during all stages of project implementation.
- Support in the identification and development of proposals for funding opportunities specific to the work of the SEMU.
- Closely monitor and assess project activities to ensure relevance, effectiveness, efficiency.
- Conduct effective monitoring and evaluation of the project, manage data and provide learning.
- Represent and raise the profile of the SEMU with all relevant internal and external stakeholders of UP Malawi.
- Lead procurement of technologies and services required for project implementation.
- Collaborate with local and national Government to ensure project meets required standards and contributes towards achieving rural electrification objectives
- Collaborate with other project partners to ensure timely and effective delivery of project goals.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement, training and capacity building.
- Oversee the deployment, operation and maintenance of micro-grids and kiosks.
- Responsible for donor reporting with guidance from Programme Manager
- Uphold and promote UP’s safeguarding policy.
- Undertake other duties assigned by the line manager.
Successful candidates will have:
- Minimum of a Master’s degree in a field related to renewable energy
- Minimum of 3 years working in sustainable, off-grid energy
- Detailed practical knowledge and experience with mini-grids, both technical and operational
- Understanding of regulations, permits, approvals and procurement processes around renewable energy
- Ability to build/maintain good relationships with stakeholders at all levels – especially local, district and national government staff, traditional governance structures and communities
- Experience delivering trainings, focus groups and other group activities
- Ability to design, implement and sustain effective monitoring and evaluation
- Experience managing budgets, monitoring spend and writing donor reports
- Strong and proven professional attitude and work ethic including: time-management, completing activities to deadlines, self-motivation and autonomy, analytical thinking and evidence-based decision making/problem solving.
- Well-developed skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) and experience using online conferencing platforms (e.g. Microsoft Teams).
- Demonstrable understanding of safeguarding and fraud risks and mitigating actions
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Chichewa
- A valid Driver’s License and ability to drive a manual 4WD car
Terms and conditions
The position attracts a generous benefits package which includes a competitive salary, housing allowance, medical cover, insurance, annual leave, leave grant, etc.
How to apply
Qualified and interested candidates who meet the stated requirements must submit a completed Application Form. Please note that CVs and cover letters will not be accepted. Please visit https://united-purpose.org/s/UP-Job-Application-Form-2wtb.doc to download the Application Form, and then submit the completed form via email only to applicationsmw@united-purpose.org. When submitting, please cite the position you are applying for in the subject title. Any applications that do not include this in the title will not be considered. No hard copies / physical applications will be accepted. Closing date for the receipt of completed application forms is 12:00 Midnight of Sunday, 20th February, 2022. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.
United Purpose takes the safety and well-being of all those we work with, and our staff, very seriously. We have a zero-tolerance policy on abuse. Our recruitment is safe, meaning that we recruit staff with the highest values and standards of ethical behaviour. United Purpose has a Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy, which reflects our commitment to protecting the people with whom we work. All candidates will be expected to comply with this policy and its procedures.
For more information about UP, please visit our website at www.united-purpose.org/malawi/.
UP is an equal opportunity employer, and women are particularly encouraged to apply.