IFAW - Country Director, Malawi

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Country Leadership – Malawi
• Develop and execute IFAW Malawi’s country strategy in alignment with the Institutional Strategic Plan and flagship initiatives such as Room to Roam and Program Strategic Plans.
• Manage and oversee the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of country-specific conservation and rescue programs.
• Ensure operational excellence across financial, administrative, and compliance systems; anticipate and manage risks to safeguard IFAW’s reputation.
• Supervise and support Malawi-based staff and consultants, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and accountability.
• Represent IFAW in Malawi to, government, traditional leaders, civil society, media, and donor audiences, promoting IFAW’s profile and priorities.
• Lead the development of IFAW Malawi-specific strategies and annual work plans, ensuring integration with regional and global objectives.
Program Development & Innovation
• Oversee design and delivery of high-impact programs in Kasungu NP and adjacent corridors, including:
• Habitat protection and restoration for elephant movement and connectivity.
• Wildlife crime prevention strategies, including law enforcement partnerships and intelligence sharing.
• Community coexistence programs that reduce human-wildlife conflict and enhance livelihoods.
• Support to national and international Policies that impact IFAW’s institutional priorities.
• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management to demonstrate measurable impact.
• Work hand-in-hand with Senior Director of Conservation, Country Director, Zambia and other relevant Program staff to deliver integrated strategies across the MAZALA landscape.
• Proactively engage with the diplomatic community and other bi- and multilateral organizations in Malawi, with a view to raising awareness of IFAW’s work, cultivating strategic partnerships, and securing financial and technical support for programmatic priorities
Wildlife Crime & Community Engagement
• Oversee implementation of anti-poaching and anti-trafficking initiatives in Kasungu (including the Kasungu IIU) and cross-border zones, ensuring intelligence sharing with Zambia counterparts and other relevant partners in the region.
• Strengthen community engagement and governance structures, promoting conservation-compatible livelihoods as a foundation for coexistence in the buffer communities around Kasungu NP.
• Ensure strict adherence to IFAW’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF), FPIC, and human rights-based approaches.
Communications & Representation
• Serve as IFAW’s primary spokesperson in Malawi, working closely with the regional communications team to manage media engagement, respond to press inquiries, and promote IFAW’s work in alignment with organizational messaging.
• Support the creation of compelling content, including success stories, case studies, and impact narratives for use in advocacy, media, and donor reporting.
• Represent IFAW at key national forums, conferences, and stakeholder meetings to enhance visibility and influence conservation agendas.
Resource Mobilization & Donor Engagement
• Collaborate with IFAW’s Development teams to identify funding opportunities, cultivate donor relationships, and position IFAW as a trusted conservation partner.
• Contribute to concept note and proposal development, providing technical input, local context, and data to ensure competitiveness and strategic alignment.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to donors and partners, showcasing program achievements and impact.
Operations & Team Leadership
• Provide executive oversight of Malawi operations, including finance, HR, security, and compliance.
• Build and mentor a strong, high-performing team committed to IFAW’s mission and values.
• Ensure safety, security, and well-being of staff operating in remote landscapes.