Vacancy: Development Officer

ARCHIVED - APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED. 

Background

The Government of Ireland has been providing assistance to Malawi since 2002.  The bi-lateral relationship intensified with the establishment of an embassy in Lilongwe in 2007.  In the period 2010-2014 the embassy delivered its first five year programme of support to the Government and people of Malawi with a total value of approx. €56 million.

A further five year, 2016-2020, programme of support is planned.  The country programme is being designed to deliver on the Government’s Foreign Policy, ‘The Global Island, Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World’, and the policy for International Development, ‘One World One Future’ and in support of the Malawian’s Government Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS2).  

The new country programme is being developed using a vulnerability analysis and framework and has a strong focus on Household Resilience, Food and Nutrition Security and Governance. In implementing the strategy, the Embassy will continue to work with several implementing partners, including government and non-governmental organisations.

It has been agreed to contract the services of a Development Officers to support the embassy in overseeing the implementation of the Irish Aid programme.

Responsibilities

The Programme Executive will work closely with the embassy team and will report directly to the relevant Line Programme Manager.

His/her duties will include:

• To work with programme staff in responding to the administrative needs of the programme
• To take responsibility for developing and maintaining a filing and information management system relevant to the needs of the Irish Aid programme
• To establish a directory of national and regionally based contacts which are of relevance to the evolving programme
• To collect documentation and communicate to the embassy team, information relevant to the political, economic and development context in Malawi
• To establish a data-base of locally and regionally-based management and specialist expertise
• To contribute to the introduction of management systems for the effective oversight and monitoring of the current programme
• To assist programme staff in the appraisal new programme proposals forwarded to the embassy for consideration and to participate in the preparation of expenditure proposals
• To contribute to the organisation of meetings and to the planning of visits by delegations
• To participate in meetings as requested, on behalf of the embassy
• To provide support for other activities included in the Embassy Business Plans as requested

Skills and experience

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have a well established track record of good performance and possess the following skills and experience:

• Qualification, at least at degree level, in a relevant subject
• At least 2 years programme management experience working with government, non Government or donor agencies in developing countries.
• Strong familiarity with the political, economic and development context in Malawi and with responses of government, donors and non governmental organisations 
• Familiarity with the key principles and practice of effective aid management and delivery
• Good communication and writing skills
• Strong IT skills
• Fully committed to team working, while well able to work on ones own initiative
• Flexibility and responsiveness to multiple demands

Conditions of employment

This successful applicant will be offered a 2-year contract following an initial probationary period of six months. The contract will include a requirement for regular performance assessment.

The candidate will be based in the Irish Embassy, Lilongwe based, however they will be expected to undertake in-country travel from time to time.

The salary which is non-negotiable is set according to a scale, the starting point of which is MK 644,891 per month.  The salary is subject to PAYE.

How to apply

To apply for this position please forward a covering letter of no more than two pages which demonstrates relevant experience.  The letter should be accompanied by your Curriculum Vitae detailing qualifications and work experience to date, together with details of three referees which should include e-mail addresses. 

Applications should be received not later than close of business Monday, 11th January, 2016.

Applications to be sent by e-mail  or to be hand delivered to The Embassy of Ireland, Arwa House, City Centre, Lilongwe.  Envelopes should be clearly marked Application for the post of Vulnerability Advisor.

Please note that only short listed applicants will be contacted.   Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.   The Embassy of Ireland is committed to a Policy of Equal Opportunity.

 

Embassy of Ireland, Lilongwe, December 2015