FLORESTA

Position: National director

Location: Mzuzu

About us

Floresta in Malawi is a local Christian organization and a member of the Global Plant With Purpose Alliance (PWP) that works in partnership with communities to restore the environment, strengthen livelihoods, promote spiritual renewal, to address poverty and inequality. The organization is currently focusing on selected watersheds in Nkhata Bay, addressing deforestation, poverty and environmental degradation, We treat community members as partners rather than beneficiaries, seeking to restore relationships with the land, each other and God Floresta in Malawi is now inviting applications from eligible candidates for positions within the organization.

NATIONAL DIRECTOR

Are you an accomplished strategic leader passionate about sustainable development, environmental restoration and improving community livelihoods in Malawi? Floresta is seeking a dynamic, strategic and mission-aligned National Director to lead the organization’s strategic direction, programme delivery and organizational growth.

Location: Mzuzu, Malawi

Reports to: Chairperson, Board of Trustees

Travel: Regular travel to programme sites, with occasional international travel

Key Responsibilities

The National Director will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Floresta in Malawi, with responsibility for:

Strategic Leadership and Programme Management:

1. Lead the development and implementation of the organisation’s strategy. programmes and growth priorities, ensuring effective delivery, quality, impact and accountability, Establish and maintain effective programme management systems, tools and procedures to guide planning, implementation, performance monitoring and coordination across programme sites.

Resource Mobiliation and Strategic Partnershipe:

1. Drive resource mobilisation, donor engagement and strategic partnership development to strengthen programme impact and organisational sustainability. Identify funding opportunities, lead the development of competitive funding proposals and maintain a pipeline of programme concepts and proposals aligned with Floresta’s strategic priorities.

People Leadership and Team Development:

1. Build, lead and mentor a high-performing, inclusive and values-driven team, fostering staff development, collaboration and accountability.

Financial Management, Risk and Compliance:

1. Oversee financial management, budget utilisation, organisational risks, regulatory compliance and internal controls. Ensure adherence to funding agreements, approved budgets, implementation plans, contractual obligations and donor reporting requirements, safeguarding organisational resources and promoting institutional sustainability.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Programme Quality:

1. Strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), quality assurance and evidence-based decision-making. Monitor organisational and programme performance against agreed objectives. indicators, targets and timelines; lead periodic programme reviews; and ensure that lessons learned, emerging challenges and evaluation findings inform corrective action and continuous improvement.

Organisational Effectiveness and Operational Management:

1. Strengthen organisational effectiveness through clear work plans, performance targets, management systems and accountability mechanisms. Ensure efficient use of financial, human and operational resources, promote cross-functional coordination and lead organisational improvement initiatives in line with Floresta’s strategic priorities.

Board Governance and Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Support effective Board governance, ensure timely reporting and maintain strategic relationships with goverment, donors, development partners, NGOs, civil society organisations, research institutions and other stakeholders, including through relevant policy engagement.

Strategic Communications, Visibility and Representation:

1. Promote Floresta’s visibility and communicate programme achievements, evidence and impact to donors, partners, communities and other stakeholders. Represent the organisation at relevant strategic meetings, policy forums and sector engagements.

Organisational Values, Safeguarding and Reputation:

1. Uphold Foresta’s values, safeguarding standards, inclusion and integrity, while protecting the organisation s reputation.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

1. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, such as Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Climate Change or Development Studies. Candidates with qualifications in related disciplines and substantial relevant senior leadership experience will also be considered
2. At least seven years of progressive senior leadership experience, with a proven track record in strategic planning, organisational management and performance delivery.
3. Demonstrated experience managing development programmes, preferably in natural resource management, climate change. environmental sustainability, agriculture or rural livelihoods.
4. Proven competence in financial management, people management programme oversight, risk management and organisational accountability.
5. A strong track record in resource mobilisation, donor engagement, partnership development and maintaining effective relationships with government and other stakeholders.
6. Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and motivate teams, with strong interpersonal, coaching and performance-management skills.
7. Demonstrated experience in developing funding proposals, mobilising resources and managing donor-funded programmes, including compliance with funding agreements and reporting requirements.
8. Experience in establishing or strengthening programme management systems, performance frameworks and organisational accountability mechanisms.
9. Demonstrated ability to lead organisational improvement initiatives and promote efficient use of financial, human and operational resources.
10. Sound knowledge of Malawi’s natural resource management, environmental and climate priorities, as well as relevant national policies, institutional frameworks, key stakeholders and emerging issues affecting sustainable development and rural communities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit their applications to hr@frorestamw.org by 12 November 2026.

We encourage both women and men to apply. Candidates should indicate the position they are applying for and include the following:

1. An application letter
2. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Copies of academic and professional certificates
4. Names and contact details of three traceable referees

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Floresta in Malawi is committed to safeguarding and to creating an inclusive, respectful and accountable working environment. Candidates should align with Floresta’s Christian mission and values.