Program Officer, Wildlife Crime

About the role

The Wildlife Crime Program Officer delivers the goals of IFAW's Wildlife Crime Program and its Institutional Strategic Plan in Malawi, with a focus on the Kasungu-Lukusuzi MAZALA landscape. The role provides tactical law enforcement support to the ranger force in Kasungu National Park, including training, mentoring and oversight of equipment and logistics, and implements the IFAW CWC Strategy and the Kasungu Law Enforcement Strategy. Staff work a hybrid schedule with two days per week in the office.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical and managerial leadership to WCP activities in Kasungu National Park within set timeframes.
• Lead the development and implementation of annual budgets and workplans, updated regularly.
• Liaise with the WCP team, conservation partners and other NGOs active in the park on wildlife security.
• Support robust assessment and monitoring of activity effectiveness, and reassign resources where needed.
• Manage activity budgets and lead procurement of WCP-funded equipment in line with IFAW and funder requirements.
• Coordinate technical and financial progress reports and act as a spokesperson for the WCP with NGOs, government officials, businesses and the media.
• Support grant payments, proposal development and the implementation of restricted funding proposals.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Zambia on the MAZALA strategy and support the growth of the WCP portfolio in Malawi.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (biological sciences, environmental science, wildlife management, natural resources management) preferred; an advanced degree is an advantage.
• At least 5 years leading wildlife conservation or animal welfare projects in Malawi or Southern Africa.
• Experience managing projects funded by multiple partners and producing technical and financial reports.
• Demonstrable experience in conservation law enforcement and understanding of state agencies, communities and the criminal justice system.
• Proven budget management, mentoring dispersed colleagues and strong project management skills.
• Network with NGOs and willingness to travel regularly within Malawi and Zambia.

Required skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication and media communication.
• Problem-solving, organizational and team-building skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and maintain confidentiality.

Hiring range: MWK 23,074,000 - 28,000,000. Applications close on 18 November 2026.