Programs Director at Sparkle Foundation

Vacancy 

Sparkle Foundation is a dynamic and passionate non-profit organisation committed to empowering communities and creating lasting positive change in Malawi. Our mission is to spark hope, inspire change, and illuminate the path to a brighter future for vulnerable populations. We focus on education, healthcare, Nutrition, and community development to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

 

We are looking for a passionate and suitably qualified candidate to fill the following vacancy.

 Job Title:                Programs Director

 

Job Specification: 

The Programs Director will lead and oversee the implementation of Sparkle’s programs, with a strong focus on improving the well-being of children, youth development and strengthening community livelihoods in Zomba district. This position plays a critical role in advancing the Foundation’s mission and will be central to both program implementation and grant management, including the development and submission of high-quality grant proposals to secure sustainable funding.

 

The Programs Director will also cultivate and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders, including government entities, local organizations, and community structures. The role requires an experienced leader who can ensure program quality, technical integrity, sound financial management, and alignment with the organization’s monitoring and evaluation standards.

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Implementation and Management

• Lead the effective implementation of the early childhood development initiatives which include early learning, nutrition and health.
• Build capacity of staff, volunteers and other partners to enhance quality service delivery of the program.
• Oversee the delivery of integrated livelihood programs, ensuring impact, sustainability, and empowerment at the community level.
• Foster strong working relationships with community leaders, government departments, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders to support program goals.
• Supervise and mentor Program Officers, providing guidance, support, and performance evaluations in line with organizational policies.
• Collaborate with Finance and other team members to ensure program expenditures are aligned with approved budgets and grant requirements, including variance analysis and reporting.

 

2. Grant Management and Fundraising

• Take the lead in identifying funding opportunities and coordinating the development of grant proposals, concept notes, and donor reports in collaboration with the Chief Operations Officer and the fundraising teams.
• Manage active grants, including overseeing compliance, reporting timelines, financial tracking, and donor communications.
• Ensure all program activities adhere to donor regulations and requirements, and that grant objectives are met on time and within budget.
• Develop tools and systems for effective grant tracking, reporting, and documentation to support accountability and transparency.

 

3. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• Work in close coordination with the MEAL team to implement a robust M&E framework that tracks progress, outcomes, and impact across all program areas.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure accuracy, relevance, and timely submission of program and donor reports.
• Conduct field monitoring visits, program review meetings, and regular learning sessions with program teams and partners.
• Utilize M&E findings to inform program adjustments, share best practices, and ensure continuous improvement.

 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in development studies, Social Science or any relevant field.
• Those with a Master’s Degree will have an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of program management experience in the NGO sector, with demonstrated success in overseeing complex community-based programs.
• Proven track record in grant writing, grant management, and donor engagement (bilateral, multilateral, individual, corporate or foundation donors).
• Strong technical background in development programming. Knowledge in Early Childhood Development, youth development and community empowerment is preferred.
• Experience in livelihoods programming, including microenterprise development, value chain integration, and financial inclusion.
• Skilled in budget management, reporting, and working cross-functionally with finance and operations teams.
• Demonstrated ability to use participatory approaches including designing and facilitating participatory training programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management tools.
• Fluency in English and Chichewa.

 

This is a full-time leadership position requiring a strategic thinker and team-oriented individual with a passion for making a sustainable impact on children’s lives and community development.

Join Sparkle Foundation and help us build brighter futures.

 

Method Of Application

If you are an energetic and purpose-driven individual who aligns with our values, we invite you to submit your application at the following link. Programs Director

As a requirement of The Sparkle Foundation Child Safeguarding Policy, the successful candidate shall be required to undergo a police background check. 

 

The Closing date for receiving applications is June 20, 2025