Programme Officer at Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organisation dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries Concern Worldwide, in collaboration with the Nsanje District Council and with funding from the European Union, will implement a five-year Masenjere and Kalulu Land and Ecosystem Project under the broader Greening and Growing Malawi: Ulimi and Chilengedwe m’Malawi Initiative (UCHI). The project aims to promote ecological restoration, sustainable energy supply, and enhanced livelihoods.
It envisions that the sustainable use of renewable energy sources and improved livelihoods through
community-based enterprises will significantly reduce pressure on forests and natural resources.
Concern Worldwide therefore invites applications from interested candidates qualified for the following position:

Job Title: Programme Officer
Contract: One Year Fixed Term Contract
Duty Station: Nsanje

Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Programme Officer – Forestry will support the implementation of project activities related to community forestry development and management.
The incumbent will be responsible for promoting active community participation and collaboration
with key stakeholders in sustainable forest resource management, agroforestry and sustainable
land-use practices in Nsanje District. S/he will play a key role in supporting communities to sustainably manage their forestry resources in close partnership with relevant government and non-governmental stakeholders involved in sustainable land use initiatives to ensure effective implementation of the restoration project.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate establishment of sustainable forest management practices anchored on ecosystem
  and landscape approaches to enhance ecosystem resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
• Establish individual and communal woodlots, natural regeneration and potential sustainable
  forest-based enterprises on customary land supported with community tree nurseries.
• Conduct environmental outreach education in schools and local governance institutions
  through media engagement for instance media tours and community radio jingles.
• Train communities and other stakeholders to enforce forest legislation, shared management of
  forest reserves and customary land Village Forestry Agents.
• Build community capacity to monitor land degradation and implementation of sustainable land
  management technologies.
• Establish homestead with fast growing tree of high calorific value species as source of energy.
• Facilitate use of fuel-efficient climate-smart energy technologies among local communities
• Facilitate issuance of customary land certificates.
• Establish and revive structures (Customary Land Committees, Customary Land Tribunal and
  the District Land Tribunal) for land governance
• Establish Customary Estates in communities surrounding the forest reserve and escarpment.
• Facilitate the development of District State of Environment and Outlook Report (DSOER) and
  Contingency Plans.
• Initiate payment for ecosystem service mechanism to sustain management of the natural
  resources in Nsanje District beyond the project.
• Produce comprehensive and analytical monthly and quarterly donor reports and provide inputs
  for technical progress reports including documenting and writing success stories
• Ensure that all project activities prioritize gender equality and the empowerment of women and
  girls, especially in beneficiary selection and community engagement.
• Oversee the establishment and management of Complaints and Feedback Response Mechanisms
  (CFRMs) at community level and ensuring timely resolution of complaints.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Environmental Management, Natural Resources Management,
  Community Development or other related fields or a Diploma in relevant field with significant
  experience including some line management experience.
• At least three years’ experience in community-based restoration, agroforestry and sustainable
  land use practices. Demonstrated experience in building capacity of community forestry
  groups on catchment conservation and sustainable financing mechanisms and in community
  engagement and community empowerment. Previous experience working in Nsanje District is
  an added advantage.
• Excellent communication skills in Chichewa and English with the ability to engage with
  community members, local leaders and government officials.

Method Of Application

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, should send their CV (3 pages maximum
including contacts of three professional referees) and Cover Letter to [email protected]
with the subject of the email as \Programme Officer – Forestry\.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 9th July 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Concern is an equal opportunities employer