Point of Progress (POP)
VACANCY
Position available: Thematic Lead for Agriculture, Environment, and Climate Change
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Type: Full-time
About Us
Point of Progress (POP) – Formerly known as the Network for Youth Development (NfYD), is a local non-governmental organization (NGO) in Malawi. POP is committed to empowering youth, women, and children to actively participate in issues that affect their lives and play an active role in the development process. Our strategic plan, rooted in collaboration with stakeholders and guided by national and international policies, emphasizes the importance of addressing pressing challenges such as extreme poverty, environmental sustainability and gender equality.
About the Role:
We are seeking a visionary and dedicated individual to join our team as a Thematic Lead for Agriculture, Environment, and Climate Change. The Thematic Lead will play a creative role in shaping and implementing our strategic initiatives in these critical areas, driving positive change and sustainable development in Malawi.
Key Responsibilities
-
Provide strategic direction and leadership for POP’s initiatives in agriculture, environment, and climate change, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities;
-
Collaborate with government agencies, international organizations, local communities, and other partners to design, implement, and monitor innovative projects and programs that address key challenges and opportunities in the thematic area;
-
Lead the development of comprehensive project proposals, budgets, and work plans, leveraging expertise and insights from diverse stakeholders to maximize impact and sustainability;
-
Foster strategic partnerships and networks with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations, and private sector actors, to mobilize resources, share knowledge, and advocate for policy reforms and investments in sustainable development;
-
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to project staff, volunteers, interns and beneficiaries, promoting capacity-building and knowledge exchange in areas such as sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and climate change adaptation;
-
Drive efforts to mainstream gender equality and social inclusion considerations across all thematic interventions, ensuring the meaningful participation and empowerment of youth, women, and marginalized groups;
-
Monitor and evaluate project performance, outcomes, and impact, utilizing robust M&E frameworks and tools to assess effectiveness, identify lessons learned, and inform adaptive management and continuous improvement;
-
Represent Point of Progress in national and international forums, conferences, and events, championing youth, women, and children’s rights and contributions to sustainable development.
Requirements:
-
Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, environmental science, development studies or related fields, those with Master’s degree in similar fields will have an added advantage;
-
Minimum of at least 5 years of progressive experience in project management and leadership roles, preferably in the NGO sector and within the thematic area of agriculture, environment, and climate change;
-
Strong technical expertise and understanding of agricultural sustainability, environmental conservation, and climate change adaptation strategies, with a proven track record of designing and implementing impactful interventions;
-
Demonstratable experience working with vulnerable groups;
-
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build consensus, inspire action, and mobilize support from diverse audiences;
-
Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities, including experience leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture;
-
Proven track record of successful partnership development, resource mobilization, and donor engagement, with a strong network of contacts within relevant sectors and organization;
-
Proficiency in English; knowledge of local languages spoken in Malawi is an advantage;
-
Willingness and ability to travel frequently to project sites within Malawi.
POP recognizes the importance of representation and empowerment for women, people with disabilities, marginalized communities, and other underrepresented groups. We strongly encourage individuals from these backgrounds to apply for this position and contribute their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to our team. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates and ensuring a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.
Method Of Application
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to [email protected] by Friday, 24th May 2024. Please indicate “Thematic Lead – Agriculture, Environment, and Climate Change” in the subject line of your email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Promoting Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination:
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated at POP, and we actively seek to eliminate barriers and biases that may prevent individuals from fully participating in our organization and activities. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply, as we believe that a diverse team enhances creativity, innovation, and effectiveness.
Safeguarding Principles:
POP prioritizes the safety, well-being, and rights of all individuals, especially youth, women, children, and marginalized groups. We have robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place to prevent and address any form of harm, abuse, or exploitation within our organization and programs. We expect all staff, volunteers, and partners to adhere to these principles and contribute to creating a safe and respectful working environment for everyone