Project Manager (1 position)

Job Title and Company

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:

• 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 organisational 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

How to Apply

Applications should be sent to the University of Malawi. No specific email address is provided.