Project Manager (1 position)

The University of Malawi is inviting applications from qualified and interested individuals for the position of Project Manager and Research Assistants under the Intake24_ Malawi Project. The position is based in the Department of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Health within the School of Natural and Applied Sciences. This is a 4.5-year contract.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Developmental Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Master’s degree and an evaluation certificate are an added advantage

DUTIES

In collaboration with the Principal Investigator and work package leads, the postholder will be responsible for:

1. Project Planning and Implementation:

• Develop and maintain a detailed project plan, including scope, objectives, activities, timelines, resources, and budget, aligned with the grant proposal.

• Lead the planning and implementation of all project activities in collaboration with work package leads, ensuring alignment with grant objectives and organisational strategy.

• Define tasks and required resources and allocate them effectively to achieve project deliverables.

• Develop and manage a comprehensive project schedule and work plan.

• Ensure the availability and allocation of necessary resources (human, financial, material).

2. Financial Management and Compliance:

• Oversee the project budget, tracking expenditures and ensuring prudent financial management in accordance with grant regulations and organisational policies.

• Monitor grant revenue, budgets, and expenditures, and communicate status with all involved departments and the grantor.

• Ensure strict compliance with all grant terms, conditions, reporting requirements, and relevant national and international regulations.

• Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports, drawdowns, and amendments as required by the grantor.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Establish and implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track project progress, performance measures, and deliverable outcomes.

• Regularly evaluate project activities, performance, and deliverables to benchmark progress against goals.

• Prepare comprehensive and high-quality narrative and financial reports for the grantor and internal stakeholders.

• Communicate progress of grant project activities to internal and external audiences.

• Document lessons learned and best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

4. Team Leadership and Stakeholder Management:

• Lead, mentor, and motivate the project team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Facilitate effective communication and coordination among project team members and other departments.

• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including the grantor, government agencies, community partners, and beneficiaries.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the grantor regarding project implementation and reporting.

• Organize and facilitate regular project meetings with the team and relevant stakeholders.

5. Risk Management:

• Identify potential project risks and challenges and develop proactive mitigation strategies.

• Monitor and manage project risks and issues, ensuring timely resolution and escalation when necessary.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Skills required

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent time management and organisational skills

• Experience in managing project staff, students, collaborators and stakeholders

• Ability to collate, analyse, and interpret evidence and complex data from diverse types of sources

• Ability to manage finances through monitoring budgets and expenditures

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent computer skills

Knowledge

• Project management software and tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, Jira).

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Financial management literacy

Relevant experience

• 3 years of demonstrable experience in project management, specifically managing grants or donor-funded projects, preferably in the nutrition and health sector.

• Proven track record of successfully managing project cycles from planning to close-out.

• Strong understanding of grant compliance, reporting requirements, and financial management.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Disposition

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

• Self-motivated