Field Operations and Partnering Manager

About the role

World Vision Malawi is looking for a Field Operations and Partnering Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversight of its field operations, programme implementation and partnership portfolio. The role ensures high-quality, impactful, locally led, gender-responsive and climate-resilient programmes that support the National Strategy, the Tsogolo Strategic Framework and organizational priorities. It reports to the Director of Programmes and sits on the Programme Management Team.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic leadership: lead implementation of the National Strategy and Tsogolo IPF, ensure area programmes and grants meet targets, oversee operational planning, monitoring and performance management, and promote integrated, adaptive programming.
• Partnerships and localization: build and maintain partnerships with government, local NGOs, faith actors, community structures, the private sector and development partners; strengthen local partner capacity; represent the organization in coordination, policy and technical forums.
• Programme quality, impact and accountability: apply quality standards across design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting; strengthen safeguarding, gender equality, disability inclusion and climate resilience; promote evidence-based decision-making and organizational learning.
• Sustainability and risk management: strengthen government, community and partner systems, lead transition planning, and ensure risk management, safeguarding, compliance and resource stewardship.
• People leadership: lead, mentor and develop Area Programme Managers and field teams, support talent development, succession planning and staff well-being.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Development Studies, Project Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, International Development, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in senior programme management, field operations, partnership management or development programming.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing large multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multi-sector development programmes in a complex NGO environment, and working with government, local organizations, faith-based partners and development stakeholders.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed programme teams; knowledge of Malawi's development context and NGO environment.
• Experience in World Vision or a similar international development organization is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of localization, systems strengthening, community development and resilience programming.
• Relevant professional certification in programme management or leadership is an added advantage.