Technical Lead – Higher Education Access (USAID/Malawi)

About the role

Palladium is seeking a Technical Lead to drive higher‑education access for vulnerable youth in Malawi under a USAID‑funded agriculture pathway activity. The role focuses on increasing post‑secondary opportunities for rural youth, including those with disabilities, adolescent girls, and ultra‑poor households.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for Intermediate Result 1, which aims to expand access to agriculture‑related higher education.
• Design, develop, and implement sustainable initiatives with local partners to support vulnerable youth in enrolling in post‑secondary programs.
• Develop solutions for secondary school graduates who are not selected for university, linking them to short courses, TVET, or diploma programs.
• Support the modernization of the higher‑education application system to improve accessibility.
• Coordinate with stakeholders such as secondary schools, higher‑education institutions, the National Council for Higher Education, and the Higher Education Loans Board.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports on activities, milestones, and deliverables.

Required profile

• Proven experience working with rural and vulnerable youth in Malawi.
• Background in higher‑education access, agriculture training, or related development programs.
• Strong project management and reporting skills.
• Ability to collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and educational institutions.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a high‑impact USAID‑funded initiative.
• Collaboration with a global development firm and local partners.
• Potential for professional growth in the international development sector.