Technical Project Manager – Agribusiness and Competitiveness (Lilongwe, Malawi)

Programme Background

Malawi Value Chains (MVC), implemented by Adam Smith International (ASI), is one of three components of the Malawi Trade and Investment Programme (MTIP), a five-year FCDO-funded initiative which aims to break Malawi’s cycle of low growth through driving exports. The overall objective for MVC is to design and implement the value chain component of MTIP with the goal to increase the productivity, quality and production performance of macadamia and mango producers leading to increased exports. Medium/large farms/enterprises with high growth potential will be targeted. Other complementary MTIP activities/components will focus on cutting the time and costs of trade and logistics (TradeMark Africa).

The MVC Approach

MVC facilitates engagement and dialogues between stakeholders in the selected value chains that define priorities and develop action plans to deliver commercially driven initiatives that stakeholders want to implement to improve firm-level and overall value chain performance, notably on volumes, productivity, quality, value-addition and export market penetration.

MVC uses systemic thinking to address supply, demand and eco-system weakness and opportunities. It seeks to improve rules, regulations and processes set and implemented by government and its agencies that constrain production and export growth. MVC also includes the effective use of research, learning and communication to support change.

Scope of Work

The Technical Project Manager (TPM) will support the Agribusiness & Competitiveness (AC) Lead to deliver the team’s workplan and strategy. The TPM will function as the AC Lead’s principal deputy in executing the AC team’s strategy and workplan, ensuring that AC activities are carried out effectively, on time, and in line with the AC strategy to ensure that the targets and deliverables are met and, wherever possible, exceeded. The TPM reports directly to the AC Lead.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Coordination

• Support the AC Lead and wider AC team in designing workplans and ensure that workplan implementation meets all targets and deliverables within established timeframes

• Monitor initiative progress and recommend adaptations based on performance observations and data

• Lead fieldwork scheduling, including for partner visits, trainings, and other outreach

• Coordinate administrative and logistical support for AC activities, including populating and submitting trip requests and coordinating management approval

• Identify keys risks to delivery of initiatives and develop mitigating actions

• Regularly update the MVC database and directory

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Support the AC Lead to effectively engage with partner businesses and other stakeholders to communicate MVC messages and plan activities such as field days, training sessions, and delivery of targeted support

• Develop and manage strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders across private sector, farmer organisations, and public sector to facilitate support and appropriate action for the target value chains

• Facilitate complex, multi-stakeholder dialogues and negotiations

Internal Team Coordination

• Facilitate smooth communications within the AC team so all team members are aware of information that could impact on their work areas

• Coordinate communications with other MVC output/functional teams to ensure that relevant information is communicated timely and effectively

• Lead meeting management including scheduling and ensuring availability of key participants, setting and circulating agendas, taking notes and circulating actions

• Lead on internal monthly forecasting cycling, collaborating closely with the Programme Manager and Finance & Operations team

Reporting & Learning

• Identify keys risks to delivery of initiatives and develop mitigating actions.

• Contribute to the AC team’s quarterly and annual work plans, milestones and reports, as required.

• Enable the MVC team to identify, capture and disseminate learning from their activities.

Timing and Duration

The position is intended to continue through MVC’s implementation period (until end March 2028), with an initial term beginning as soon as possible through to 31st March 2026. Contract extensions will be based on performance.

Requirements:

The essential requirements for the role are:

• Bachelor's degree in Project Managerment, Economics, Business, Agribusiness Management, or related field. A Masters Degree will be an added advantage;

• Successful experience of managing projects with timely and high quality delivery of workplans and reporting thereof;

• Good knowledge of agri-business, including productivity, quality, and production aspects;

• Good knowledge and skill in the design of agri-business initiatives, ideally that support improvements in productivity, quality, production, exports, and markets

• Skills to facilitate dialogues between stakeholders – private-private and private-public;

• A high degree of motivation, energy, ability to work in a team to deliver initiative workplans on time and to a high standard;

• Willingness to learn and adapt from results;

• High-quality written and oral communications skills with colleagues and external parties.; and

• Well-organised working practices and methods.

• Familiarity with preparing budgets and budget reporting/reconciliations.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your CV, covering letter including compensation expectations, and references by Friday, 3rd October 2025.