Sunday 11 November 2012

Internal Audit Advisor for Microfinance Institution Volunteer Job Vacancy in Malawi

Our partner is a microfinance institution which provides small, low interest rate loans in order to enable individuals in Africa to start their own businesses and create sustainable livelihoods.
A volunteer internal audit advisor is required for 3+ months to improve the organisation’s audit procedures. Accommodation with other staff will be provided by the organisation, along with breakfast and dinner.


Job Description

To familiarise with, assess and advise on improvements to the existing internal audit planning, processes, procedures and reporting standards for the organisation in Malawi in order to improve relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of internal auditing, transparency and usability of reports.


Expected activities:


  • Working closely with internal audit manager to construct SWOT analysis of the department, processes, procedures and reports.
  • Extended field trips with internal audit manager and loan officers to visits branches and client groups
  • Review of current procedures and coverage of internal audit; identification of gaps, inefficiencies, wasted time and resources, objectivity, transparency etc
  • Identify key risks; design and implement appropriate audit test to mitigate and monitor those highlighted
  • Review of current reporting format and procedures
Person Specification
Essential


  • ACA or equivalent qualified
  • Extensive experience of internal/external audit
  • Experience and an eye for improving process and procedural change
  • Demonstrable attention to detail
  • Demonstrable ability to adapt to change and difficult working environments; must be flexible
  • Ability to develop strong working relationships quickly and across cultural boundaries; a people person
Desirable
  • Experience working in Malawi (or other African countries)
  • Strong understanding of microfinance processes and procedures and internationally recognised standards
Other Information
The project requires a commitment to spending 3 months in Kasungu, Malawi (with travel to other branches); a quiet rural town with limited amenities (though less than 2hrs from the lake in one direction and the capital in another).

The organisation will provide transport to and from the airport, work related travel costs when in country and accommodation in a comfortable guesthouse, regularly frequented by the organisation’s staff, breakfast and dinner each evening.

Please bear in mind that if you feel this role is not quite right for you, we have hundreds more opportunities across Africa, Asia and South America.

Assignments can last from 2 weeks to 12+ months.

Accounting for International Development (AfID) arranges tailored voluntary placements for accountants in overseas charities such as orphanages, microfinance institutions, health centres, rural schools and International NGOs.


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For more information please visit our website
www.afid.org.uk,  contact us on +44 (0) 207 559 1422 or email info@afid.org.uk

Community Mobilization Specialist Job Vacancy in Malawi

Background:
Creative Associates International (Creative) is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, D.C., the firm has field presence in 20 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Description:
Creative seeks a qualified Community Mobilization Specialist for an anticipated education project in Malawi. The U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) aims to assist the Government of Malawi (GoM) to improve the reading abilities of Malawian learners in Standards 1-3. The overall objective of the program is to support the Government of Malawi to improve quality and relevance of education and thus reduce dropout and repetition and promote effective learning. Activities are designed to: (i) provide quality reading instruction for early grades students; (ii) institutionalize provision of teaching and learning materials on reading; (iii) increase parental and community engagement to support student reading; and (iv) improve policy environment to support early grade reading.

Project Duration:
3 years

Reporting & Supervision:
The Community Mobilization Specialist reports to the Chief of Party.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Assumes responsibility for managing community support for learners reading, and parent support for reading and social accountability on reading;
  • Works collaboratively with local partner organization to build capacity; and
  • Works closely with community stakeholders to develop and execute mobilization activities
Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in communication, social work, and/or any other related area;
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in social mobilization and social marketing campaigns;
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in documenting and outreach;
  • Familiarity with USAID policies and procedures; and
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Chichewa
Creative Associates International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. AA/V/D .

Closing Date: Wednesday, 30 January 2013

Saturday 3 November 2012

PROGRAMME SPECIALIST, DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT (DEAP)

Location : Lilongwe, MALAWI
Application Deadline : 13-Nov-12
Additional Category: Millennium Development Goals
Type of Contract : FTA International
Post Level : P-4
Languages Required : English  
Starting Date :(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 02-Jan-2013
Duration of Initial Contract : One year renewable  

Background
As part of the measures to operationalize Outcome 4.2 of the 2012-2016 UNDAF, namely: Public institutions will better manage, allocate and utilize resources for effective development and service delivery, the UN system in collaboration the Government of Malawi has developed a project document on Strengthening of Institutional Capacity for Development Effectiveness and Accountability. The Project has been conceived to address gaps in capacities in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, development assistance management and results-based management (RBM) while recognizing the synergies and inter-relationships between them.
The Project seeks to achieve the following outputs:
i)                    National institutions utilize Results Based-Management (RBM) systems for planning, monitoring and evaluation to enhance ownership and leadership for achievement of development results;
ii)                   Government has sufficient capacity to effectively negotiate, manage and account for development assistance; and
iii)                 National institutions have the capacity to align policies, programmes and budgets with national development strategies and MDGs for efficient achievement of development results.
It is the UN's response to the 2011-2015 Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) Theme 5: Improved Governance - Sub-theme 1: Economic Governance and to the Public Financial and Economic Management (PFEM) Report Programme. The latter is the main vehicle through which Development Partners are going to support the economic governance agenda in the MGDS.
The Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Development Effectiveness and Accountability Programme (DEAP) and the PFEM Reform Programme entail a wide scope of technical areas and large number of stakeholders at the national, sectoral and local levels. The nature of interventions will demand high levels of coordination capabilities, strong analytical and organizational skills as well as experience in development cooperation management. It is against this background that a DEAP Specialist is being sought to assist in the management and coordination of the programme.
The DEAP Program Specialist will be located in OPC in Lilongwe Malawi. He/she will operate under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), and under day to day supervision by OPC. He/she will work closely with other Specialists and Assistant Resident Representative of the Capacity Development Cluster of the UNDP country office in Malawi. The Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of the development effectiveness and accountability project and ensure an efficient attainment of project outputs and results. Specifically, the Specialist will provide expert advice to support the coordination and management of DEAP; RBM practices in M & E; development assistance management and MGDS-based planning and provide technical assistance to the national project managers in the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economic Planning and Development. 

Duties and Responsibilities
Provides top-notch expertise and advice to UNDPMOF and MEPD with regard to development of policies, strategies, innovations and best practices in RBM, development cooperation and national development goals and MDGs achievement:
  • Conducts research and analysis of developments in the areas development cooperation, RBM and national strategy planning and management;
  • Keeps abreast of developments and trends in the areas international development cooperation, managing for development results, national planning and MDGs achievement;
  • Technically contributes to the institutionalization of RBM, Human Rights-Based Approaches and MDGs/MGDS-Based planning and budgeting in Ministries, Departments and Agencies and district councils;
  • Recommends and initiates policy formulation and reviews impact assessments in the areas pertaining to development effectiveness;
  • Guides the MGDS and MDGs annual review processes to ensure high quality of reports and cost-effectiveness;
  • Provides regional and international best practices in programming and management for effective development cooperation, RBM and national goals and MDGs achievement; and
  • Contributes to the processes for acceleration on lagging MDGs and priority goals in the MGDS;
Strengthens the capacity of OPC/MoF / MEPD/District Councils for the implementation, management, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of DEAP:
  • Provides technical assistance to MoF and MEPD for these Ministries to assume leadership and strategic oversight of the planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the DEAP components, in line with output and outcome indicators;
  • Conducts a thorough analysis of the policy, managerial and technical aspects and advise MoF, MEPD and UNDP on arrangements to ensure effective management and implementation of DEAP;
  • Provides technical expertise to ensure effective application of the Results-Based Management (RBM) tools, establishment of management targets and monitoring and achievement of results;
  • Works closely with and provides technical assistance to the DEAP National Component Managers to promote effective coordination of activities in relation to the PFEM Reform;
  • Ensures effective monitoring and evaluation of the DEAP Project and introduces adjustments to programme design and implementation strategies as/when necessary in consultation with key stakeholders;
  • Provide technical assistance for the the development of reporting systems and the elaboration of consolidated annual progress reports for the programme;
  • Provides technical expertise to the formulation of TORs and recruitment of short-term consultants needed to undertake knowledge products or other works related to the programme;
  • Undertakes effective liaison and coordination with participating UN agencies, PFEM focal point and other National Programme Partners (actual and potential) to ensure a coordinated, harmonised and integrated approach which guarantees ongoing financial and technical support for its development and consolidation;
  • Transfers skills and developscapacity in RBM, Aid Management and coordination and strategic planning, HRBA to programming, MGDS-based planning and costing through trainings, on-the-job coaching, briefings and study sessions, etc.
Ensures effective management of the DEAP Project focusing on quality control of the full cycle of programming from formulation, monitoring, implementation, and reviews:
  • Provides leadership and guidance in the implementation of the DEAP Project other related projects within PFEM Reform Programme;
  • Assists in effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets and monitoring and achievement of results;
  • Assists in strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the DEAP Project, tracking use of resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations, as well as policies and procedures;
  • Undertakes effective monitoring, measuring the impacts of the DEAP on a regular basis;
  • Ensures team work with the government colleagues, as well as with colleagues in the UNDP country office and the UN system;
  • Contributes to the learning initiative in the government as well as in the UNDP CO, and to the knowledge management initiatives, particularly for government and UNDP.
Facilitates and maintains strategic partnerships and resource mobilization:
  • Develops partnerships for achieving effective resource mobilization to achieve programme outcomes;
  • Establishes and promotes partnerships with UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral donors, government institutions, organized private sector, CSOs and other stakeholders;
  • Contributes to the Economic Governance Sector Working Group (SWG) to help bridge the potential gap between the government and development partners;
  • Prepares briefings on possible areas of cooperation and identification of opportunities for cost-sharing;
  • Contributes to the establishment of cooperation and inter-change between national and sub-national institutions and key national and international stakeholders;
  • Provides technical support and expert advice in the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and reviews of the UNDAF, UNDP country programme, and the UN Joint Programmes and Programming for UNDAF outcome 4. 2 and
  • Identifies strategic and innovative areas of cooperation with interested development partners in supporting development effectiveness.
  • Provides technical contribution to the UN M & E group’s work
  • Ensures strategic linkages between DEAP Project and PFEM – RP.
Undertakes advocacy and information, education and communication (IEC) and contributes and knowledge management, focusing on:
  • Facilitates a process of creating and raising the level of awareness on issues emerging in the fields of development cooperation, RBM and national goals and MDGs achievement;
  • Contributes to the development and implementation of the MGDS, MDG and National Human Development Report communication strategy and action plan;
  • Generates best practices and communicates them with the aim of informing the national-level policy and political dialogue in the fields;
  • Provides specialist advice on a timely basis to UNDP and the UN System on significant policy measures being considered or implemented by the Government in the area of development effectiveness;
  • Creates high-level advocacy on relevant development policies and programmes in relation to development effectiveness across the representatives of top echelon of the country’s stakeholders;
  • Actively participates in UNDP’s corporate knowledge networks (i.e. team works) and share international level knowledge in the portfolio with national partners
  • Determines appropriate media for reaching out to the public and design strategies for reaching target groups; and
  • Promotes South-South collaboration in support for exchange of information and experience with other countries.
Impact of Results:
The key results have impacts on the overall success of the Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Development Effectiveness and Accountability. In particular, the key results have impact on the definition, planning, budgeting and implementation of programming activities, programme monitoring and knowledge management and the creation of strategic partnerships with actual and potential programme partners. In specific terms, it has impacts on the following results areas: 
  • Capacity development of OPC, MoF, MEPD and other national and sub-national government agencies involved in the area of decentralised and participative planning through the provision of specialist technical advice and expertise, training, and knowledge and information management.
  • Management, coordination, implementation and monitoring of the National Programme for DEAP.
  • The development and management of strategic partnership with key national and international stakeholders in the field of development effectiveness.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
  • Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP.
  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional Competencies
Technical knowledge:
  • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issues and challenges related to development effectiveness and accountability as stipulated in the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and Busan global partnership agreement
  • Exhibits a good knowledge of institutional development and capacity development issues.
  • Displays process, transparency and accountability in the country.
  • Expertise in RBM and M & E tools and practices
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
  • Ability to lead and contribute to strategic planning, change processes, results-based management, work planning, and reporting.
  • Ability to formulate and manage budgets, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
  • Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations.
  • Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies.
  • Ability to mobilise resources and undertake cost-recovery.
  • Ability to implement new systems and effect behavioural and attitudinal change.
Knowledge and Information Management and Learning:
  • Facilitates knowledge and information sharing and learning culture.
  • Has good knowledge on UNDP programme and operational issues.
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
  • Has knowledge of UNDP/UN policies and programme.
Management and Leadership:
  • Builds strong relationships with stakeholders and clients, focuses on impact and results for clients, and respond positively to feedback.
  • Ability to establish effective working relations and team working in a multicultural team environment, and sensitivities to cultural differences.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrates capacity to communicate effectively; resource management; capacity to plan and organize programmes effectively.
  • Demonstrates resourcefulness, initiative and mature judgment.
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
  • Patience to work under pressure and maintains positive outlook and humour.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • At least a  Masters degree in Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies or in any related social sciences.
Experience:
  • At least 7 years practical experience in development cooperation and development programming at international and national levels.
  • Extensive experience at the national or international level in providing policy advisory services in support of the coordination and management of DEAP; RBM practices in M & E; development assistance management and MGDS-based planning.
  • Relevant work experience in developing countries, preferably in the Africa region would be an asset.
  • Thorough knowledge of development policies, aid and debt policies, RBM practices, aid and development effectiveness and strategic planning and budgeting.
  • Hands-on experience in design, monitoring and overseeing implementation of support to building national capacity for development programming and establishing inter-relationships.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English required.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Closing Date: Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Thursday 1 November 2012

Value Chain Competitiveness Specialist, Lilongwe, Malawi

DAI is an employee-owned global development company. For 40 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governments, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 60 countries. Our integrated development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines?crisis mitigation and stability operations, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, HIV/AIDS and disease control, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.

Background

In Malawi, DAI is leading a three-year, USAID Supporting Food Security in East and Southern Africa task order to advance food security and nutrition and reduce rural poverty through an agriculture-led, integrated economic growth, nutrition and natural resource management strategy. Entitled Integrating Nutrition in Value Chains (INVC), this new project is expected to:
  • Invest in the competitiveness of soybean, peanut, and dairy value chains in which large numbers of smallholders ? participate. The range of value chains may increase in Year 2 of the project, but will not include maize;
  • Link increased market-oriented production, processing, and distribution of staple food crops and milk to household consumption and improved nutritional status; and
  • Strengthen Malawian agriculture-related organizations so that indigenous institutions (public, private and non- governmental) have the capacity to implement one or more components of INVC.
DAI is seeking a long-term, resident Value Chain Competitiveness Specialist to play a lead role on the INVC project. The Specialist will design and lead activities with INVC partners to build the competitiveness of staple food value chains to increase household production of nutritious crops and milk and improve the nutritional status of mothers and children under five years of age. The position is available immediately, and runs through April 2014.

Responsibilities:
  • Manage INVC's development and implementation of upgrading plans in soybean, peanut and dairy value chains with a focus on improving smallholder crop and livestock productivity and net revenues using market-led approaches;
  • Supervise the work of three (3) value chain specialists and associated staff;
  • Facilitate market driven linkages between smallholder farmers, input/output dealers, wholesalers, processors, and marketers within Malawi;
  • Oversee INVC's agricultural production activities, focused on 'best bet' agricultural technologies with national-level working groups to spur sector-wide innovation with project partners;
  • Lead value chain training and ensure the diffusion of value chain diagnostics, mapping, action planning, and business-to-business matching capacities;
  • Facilitate implementation of INVC approved workplan activities through implementing partners to improve the competitiveness of staple food value chains;
  • Provide technical guidance and capacity building services to INVC grantees/implementing partners;
  • Provide technical input to initial environmental assessments and relevant environmental risk management and mitigation plans for project-supplied grants;
  • Monitor and report progress towards achievement of established targets and objectives utilizing indicators agreed in the INVC Monitoring &Evaluation plan.

  • Qualifications:
  • At least ten (10) years of professional work experience in value chain development, with a minimum of 5 years in the private sector. This experience should include capacity building with community-based organizations (e.g. outgrower operations, co-ops, producer associations, marketing associations), improving market linkages with value chain actors, and improving value chain actors' access to financial and business development services;
  • Experience working in Malawi and in Eastern or Southern Africa is required;
  • Past experience leading and building the capacity of agricultural value chain teams to meet program deliverables and due dates;
  • Good knowledge of financial analysis for farm management, non-farm rural enterprise, agribusiness and/or food marketing companies;
  • Demonstrated experience with gender mainstreaming in agriculture projects;
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills (writing samples are required), and strong facilitation skills;
  • Must be a team player ;
  • Previous experience on USAID-, DFID-, GIZ-, or EC-funded agricultural/agribusiness development programs, including contributing to M&E, quarterly and annual reporting, and designing and leading program activities; and
  • Master's degree in agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural economics, or other related field is required.
  • This is an immediate opening. The ideal candidate will be able to mobilize in November/December 2012, or January 2013 at the latest.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should apply to DAI directly at: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH13/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=DAINC&cws=1&rid=593

Closing Date: Thursday, 01 November 2012