PERI-URBAN LAND GOVERNANCE PILOT PROJECT – PROJECT MANAGER 

1. Project Background 

The Peri-Urban Land Governance project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to enhance land rights in peri-urban Malawi. The project is implemented by mHub with the Centre for Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development (CCESD) and the Creative Centre for Community Mobilization (CRECCOM). The project is implemented in two phases; Phase One is centred on conducting rigorous research to establish a baseline understanding of the local land governance system and identify key leverage points and actors for the most effective interventions. Research results and recommendations from phase one will establish interventions to be implemented in phase two to support Malawi’s land management efforts, promote sustainable economic development, and improve land rights of citizens in peri-urban Malawi. 

2. Position Overview 

The Project Manager with expertise in land governance leads and oversees the Peri-Urban Land Governance project. He/she will coordinate with project stakeholders including the Ministry of Lands, district and city councils, implementing partners within the project, and other stakeholders. The position is based in mHub and oversees a project team of four members, distributed across the three implementing partners. The ideal candidate will combine strong project management skills with in-depth knowledge of land tenure systems, policy frameworks, and sustainable land use practices. The Project Manager will oversee project planning, implementation, reporting and prepare regular updates with the project’s key stakeholders and USAID. 

3. Key Responsibilities 

Project Planning, Management, and Development: 

– Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive annual project work plans ensuring their alignment with project objectives and adapt to emerging needs. 

– Lead and manage the project team, providing guidance, support, and motivation ensuring project deliverables are met. 

– Manage project resources, including budget, project staff, and material resources, to ensure optimal use and efficiency. 

– Lead regular project review sessions to discuss progress, challenges, and solutions. 

– Lead project risk identification and mitigation strategies, ensuring minimal impact on project objectives. 

Technical Guidance and Oversight: 

– Provide strategic leadership and expert technical guidance on land governance, land rights, and peri-urban planning, ensuring successful implementation of project activities. 

Policy Advocacy and Reform Support: 

– Collaborate with civil society organisations and government entities to advocate for policy reforms that enhance land governance and improve land rights, particularly in peri-urban areas. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building: 

– Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between stakeholders of the project, including Government of Malawi to achieve project goals. 

– Support capacity strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders of the project. 

– Coordinate addressing of stakeholder concerns and ensure their needs are met throughout the project lifecycle. 

– Foster collaboration and communication within the team and with external stakeholders. 

Knowledge Sharing and Sensitization: 

– Coordinate the development and dissemination of training materials, guidelines, and best practices on land governance issues. 

– Manage sensitization efforts to improve public and stakeholder understanding of land governance processes. 

Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement: 

– Monitor the progress of project activities, manage regular project reporting, making adjustments as necessary to ensure successful completion. 

– Lead regular project evaluations and assessments to measure project impact and outcomes. 

– Manage the submission of timely reports to USAID, partners, and organisational leadership. 

– Manage project compliance to organisational policies and donor requirements. 

Collaboration and Partnership Management: 

– Support identification and engagement with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and partner organisations. 

– Foster collaboration with various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organisations, and private sector actors, to ensure the successful implementation of land governance initiatives. 

– Collaborate with relevant USAID counterparts to ensure the strong implementation of project activities. 

4. Qualifications 

i. A Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage. 

ii. A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, preferably in governance, urban development, or related fields. 

iii. Demonstrated understanding of socio-economic and political context of peri-urban areas including land governance structures, particularly in peri-urban settings. 

iv. Proven track record in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders. 

v. Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, or international organisations is highly desirable. 

vi. Strong leadership and team management skills. 

vii. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels 

viii. Knowledge of risk management and quality assurance processes in project management. 

ix. Proficiency in project management tools and software. 

x. Ability to manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively. 

xi. Problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a focus on delivering results. 

5. Application Submission 

Applications which include a cover letter, updated curriculum vitae and copies of relevant certificates should be submitted to recruitment@mhubmw.com not later than 20th December 2024