OVERVIEW

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for 11 vacancies within its Estate Support Services at Nchalo Estate.

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is the country's leading producer of raw, refined, and specialty sugars, employing more than 9,000 people. The company is part of Illovo Sugar Africa Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF).

Through its Tiwale initiative, Illovo aims to grow together with communities and positively impact people's lives.

JOB TYPE: Fixed-Term Contract

Application Deadline: Tuesday, 17th November, 2026

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

The vacancies cover the following 11 artisan and handyman positions:

Artisan Plumber
Artisan Welder
Artisan Refrigeration
Artisan Electrician
Artisan Fitter
Handyman Plumber
Handyman Refrigeration
Handyman Carpenter
Handyman Builder
Handyman Painter
Section Planner

1. ARTISAN PLUMBER

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Services

Reports to: Mechanical Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
Malawi TEVET Certificate Level 3 or National Trade Test Grade 1, together with an Advanced Craft Certificate in Plumbing.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Read and interpret utility designs and drawings.
Install water supply pipes, drainage systems, sanitary fittings, water heaters, pumps, and plumbing fixtures in residential properties.
Inspect plumbing systems to identify defects, wear, corrosion, and potential failures, and recommend corrective action.
Interpret plumbing layouts, building plans, and specifications to ensure installations meet design and regulatory requirements.
Install and maintain domestic hot- and cold-water systems.
Clear blocked drains, sinks, toilets, and sewer lines.
Fit and replace valves, pumps, pressure regulators, and water tanks.
Test plumbing systems for leaks and proper performance.
Estimate and requisition plumbing materials and spare parts.
Maintain plumbing tools and equipment in good working condition.
Respond to emergency plumbing breakdowns and water leaks.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including those relating to Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality (SHERQ), Competition Law, and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).

2. ARTISAN WELDER

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Service

Reports to: Mechanical Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
TEVET Certificate Level 3 or National Trade Test Grade 1 Certificate, together with an Advanced Craft Certificate in Welding and Fabrication.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Measure, mark, cut, shape, and assemble metal plates, pipes, and structural steel according to engineering drawings and specifications.
Perform MIG, TIG, Arc, SMAW, Flux-Cored, or gas welding on various materials while ensuring strong, defect-free welds.
Install, maintain, and repair tanks, chutes, hoppers, pressure vessels, piping systems, conveyors, and structural steelwork.
Read and interpret fabrication drawings, welding procedures, blueprints, and work instructions.
Carry out dimensional checks and weld inspections.
Inspect completed work, follow welding procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and comply with occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Operate fabrication equipment, including grinders, cutting torches, rollers, presses, and welding machines.
Report equipment defects and recommend corrective action.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

3. ARTISAN REFRIGERATION

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Service

Reports to: Electrical Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
Malawi TEVET Certificate Level 3 or National Trade Test Grade 1, together with an Advanced Craft Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Install refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Perform preventive maintenance through routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, filter replacement, and equipment servicing.
Diagnose and repair refrigeration and air-conditioning faults using appropriate testing instruments.
Repair or replace defective components.
Check operating pressures, temperatures, and energy consumption to ensure systems operate efficiently and within design parameters.
Repair or replace compressors, motors, thermostats, valves, and control devices.
Maintain service records and prepare maintenance reports.
Respond to emergency breakdowns and carry out corrective maintenance.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

4. ARTISAN ELECTRICIAN

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Service

Reports to: Electrical Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
Malawi TEVET Certificate Level 3 or National Trade Test Grade 1, together with an Advanced Craft Certificate in Electrical Installation.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assess faults in motors and control panels at water treatment plants and sewage facilities using appropriate measuring instruments and testing equipment.
Rectify faults in motors and control panels and replace equipment where necessary to maintain proper operating conditions.
Attend to breakdowns in domestic houses and office installations by inspecting faulty equipment, diagnosing problems, and repairing or replacing components.
Perform preventive maintenance on motors, control panels, and infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable operation of estate support electrical systems.
Report daily work programmes, progress, and unresolved issues to the Foreman.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

5. ARTISAN FITTER

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Services

Reports to: Mechanical Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
TEVET Certificate Level 3 or National Trade Test Grade 1 Certificate, together with an Advanced Craft Certificate in General Fitting.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Carry out general fitting work involving the installation, repair, and maintenance of mechanical machinery, particularly pumps.
Perform routine and preventive maintenance on pumps, motors, and compressors.
Conduct general pump maintenance and installation work.
Operate diagnostic instruments and a variety of hand, electric, and air-driven tools.
Machine and repair pump parts using lathes, drilling machines, and pressing machines where necessary.
Ensure proper utilisation of materials and spare parts by the team.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

6. HANDYMAN PLUMBER

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Services

Reports to: Mechanical Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
Malawi TEVET Certificate Level 2 or National Trade Test Grade 1, together with a Malawi Craft Certificate in Plumbing.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Install water supply pipes, drainage systems, sanitary fittings, water heaters, pumps, and plumbing fixtures in residential properties.
Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair leaks, blocked drains, burst pipes, faulty taps, toilets, showers, and other plumbing components.
Inspect plumbing systems to identify defects, wear, corrosion, and potential failures, and recommend corrective action.
Interpret plumbing layouts, building plans, and specifications to ensure installations meet design and regulatory requirements.
Install and maintain domestic hot- and cold-water systems.
Clear blocked drains, sinks, toilets, and sewer lines.
Fit and replace valves, pumps, pressure regulators, and water tanks.
Test plumbing systems for leaks and proper performance.
Estimate and requisition plumbing materials and spare parts.
Maintain plumbing tools and equipment in good working condition.
Respond to emergency plumbing breakdowns and water leaks.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

7. HANDYMAN REFRIGERATION

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Service

Reports to: Electrical Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
Malawi TEVET Certificate Level 2 or National Trade Test Grade 1, together with a Malawi Craft Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Install refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Perform preventive maintenance through routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, filter replacement, and equipment servicing.
Diagnose and repair refrigeration and air-conditioning faults using appropriate testing instruments.
Repair or replace defective components.
Check operating pressures, temperatures, and energy consumption to ensure systems operate efficiently and within design parameters.
Repair or replace compressors, motors, thermostats, valves, and control devices.
Maintain service records and prepare maintenance reports.
Respond to emergency breakdowns and carry out corrective maintenance.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

8. HANDYMAN CARPENTER

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Service

Reports to: Civil/Quantity Surveyor Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
Malawi TEVET Certificate Level 2 or National Trade Test Grade 1 Certificate, together with a Malawi Craft Certificate in Carpentry.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Carry out carpentry and woodwork for installations, repairs, and general maintenance of estate facilities and houses.
Ensure that planned carpentry tasks are completed on time.
Ensure that carpentry materials are stored properly.
Ensure that carpentry work is carried out efficiently and smoothly.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

9. HANDYMAN BUILDER

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Service

Reports to: Civil/Quantity Surveyor Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
TEVET Certificate Level 2 or National Trade Test Grade 1, together with a Malawi Craft Certificate in Bricklaying.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Build, renovate, and repair walls, foundations, floors, roofs, drainage systems, and other building elements according to approved drawings and specifications.
Lay bricks, concrete blocks, and stones; prepare and place concrete; and perform plastering, screeding, and rendering.
Interpret architectural and structural drawings, measurements, and specifications to ensure accurate construction.
Measure, mix, and handle materials such as cement, sand, aggregates, mortar, bricks, and reinforcement steel while maintaining quality standards.
Install formwork and reinforcement for concrete structures and perform minor demolition and site preparation.
Inspect completed work for quality compliance.
Operate and maintain basic construction tools and equipment.
Work collaboratively with electricians, plumbers, welders, and other trades personnel.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

10. HANDYMAN PAINTER

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Service

Reports to: Civil/Quantity Surveyor Foreman

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
Malawi TEVET Certificate Level 2 or National Trade Test Grade 1 Certificate, together with a Malawi Craft Certificate in Painting and Decoration.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Carry out painting and decoration work for installations, repairs, and general maintenance of estate facilities and houses.
Ensure that planned painting tasks assigned by the Workstation Charge Hand are completed on time and signed off upon completion.
Ensure that painting materials are stored correctly.
Prevent paint spillages while carrying out assigned tasks.
Clear scrap from work areas and dispose of it at designated scrap yards.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

11. SECTION PLANNER

Organisational Unit: Estate Support Service

Reports to: Estate Maintenance Coordinator

Location: ESS – Nchalo Estate

Key Requirements

Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
Malawi TEVET Level 3 Certificate or National Trade Test Grade 1 Certificate, together with an Advanced Craft Certificate in any technical field.
Applicants with a Diploma in any Engineering field will have an added advantage.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the planning and scheduling of all reactive and/or preventative maintenance work for housing and estate support facilities, ensuring all maintenance initiatives align with organisational standards and best practices.
Oversee maintenance requests and the allocation of resources, ensuring effective use of the budget to enhance asset reliability, longevity, and overall performance.
Organise stakeholder interfaces by promoting open communication and collaboration across departments, addressing maintenance-related concerns, and encouraging continuous improvement.
Ensure the proper maintenance and organisation of civil works records, safeguarding documentation related to maintenance history and compliance while processing online purchase requisitions for non-stock materials for approved jobs.
Develop and manage both short-term and long-term maintenance schedules, ensuring optimal planning and execution of maintenance tasks to minimise operational disruptions.
Comply with Illovo's policies and procedures, including SHERQ, Competition Law, and ABC requirements.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit an application letter accompanied by the following documents:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates.
Contact details of traceable referees.
A copy of the National Identity Card (National ID).

Applications should be addressed to:

The Human Resource Mill Head

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc

Private Bag 50

Blantyre, Malawi

Email: nchalohr@illovo.co.za

Closing Date: Tuesday, 17th November, 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is an equal opportunity employer, and women are encouraged to apply.

“SUGAR IS OUR BUSINESS BUT PEOPLE ARE OUR SWEETEST ASSETS.”

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