VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Special Project Coordinator (CoLiLa)

Organization: Peace Parks Foundation / Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust

Contract Duration: Four-year contract

Reporting to: Regional Manager North

Location: Mzuzu / Rumphi, Malawi

Application Deadline: 22nd June 2026

Background

The Government of Malawi, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and Peace Parks Foundation have signed a 20-year Co-Management Agreement for the sustainable development and management of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, forming the Nyika-Vwaza Complex, which is an integral component of the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). These two protected areas collectively cover over 4,000 sq. km of land.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) is an agency of the Government of Malawi responsible for managing protected areas within and outside the protected areas, as mandated by the National Parks and Wildlife Act (CAP 66.07).

Peace Parks Foundation is a non-profit conservation organisation specialising in large-scale conservation through the development of Transfrontier Conservation Areas and the long-term management of key protected areas in partnership with government conservation agencies and local communities.

Under the agreement between DNPW and Peace Parks Foundation, a special non-profit and efficient legal entity, the Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust (Trust) was established in Malawi. The Trust is responsible for the management and development of the Nyika-Vwaza complex. It is overseen by a Board of Trustees (Board) appointed by DNPW and Peace Parks Foundation, in accordance with the Co-Management agreement provisions and the Trust's Constitution.

A Park Management Unit (PMU) is being formed within the Trust to implement the Strategic Business Plan and is led by a Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the Board.

As part of its PMU, the Trust is looking for a suitably qualified and experienced professional to fill this position.

Job Purpose

The Special Project Coordinator will be embedded within the Trust, where day-to-day Connecting Livelihoods and Landscapes (CoLiLa) activities are implemented through the PMU.

The position is designed to provide oversight, coordination, and assurance on behalf of Peace Parks Foundation, ensuring that all CoLiLa activities implemented by the PMU are delivered in line with the Grant Agreement, the Consortium Agreement, and applicable European Union (EU) requirements, while respecting the operational mandate of the Trust.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Oversight of CoLiLa Implementation by the PMU

Provide day-to-day oversight and coordination of CoLiLa activities implemented by the Nyika-Vwaza PMU

Ensure PMU-led implementation aligns with the approved Description of Action, timelines, budgets, and performance indicators

Support resolution of implementation bottlenecks without assuming direct operational responsibility

Act as the primary Peace Parks Foundation project focal point within the Trust for CoLiLa

Annual Work Planning, Budgeting, and Alignment

Coordinate preparation of annual CoLiLa work plans with the PMU

Support the preparation of annual CoLiLa budgets by the PMU aligned with the approved Grant budget

Review and validate work plans and budgets for compliance with EU contractual commitments

Ensure work plans are endorsed within Trust planning mechanisms and aligned with Peace Parks Foundation and CoLiLa Project requirements

Validate budgets and cash-flow submissions prior to consolidation by Peace Parks Foundation

Financial, Procurement, and Expenditure Control

Oversee CoLiLa-related expenditure to ensure eligibility and completeness of documentation

Provide guidance on compliant and ethical procurement processes

Monitor expenditure and flag risks of under- or mis-spending early

Monitoring Performance Against Plans and Budgets

Track progress against approved annual work plans and budgets

Identify and document variances in delivery, timelines, or expenditure

Work with the PMU to propose corrective actions or re-phasing

Reporting and Liaison with the Project Coordinator

Coordinate and consolidate inputs for financial, narrative, and final reports

Ensure reporting links planned activities, implementation, and expenditure

Serve as liaison between the Trust/PMU and the Project Coordinator

Safeguarding, Grievance, and Risk Oversight

Ensure grievance and redress mechanisms cover all CoLiLa activities

Oversee documentation of complaints, follow-up actions, and preventative measures

Ensure Serious Incident Reporting procedures are applied, and incidents are escalated appropriately

Audit Readiness and Assurance

Ensure all CoLiLa records are complete, accurate, and audit-ready

Facilitate audits and monitoring visits

Provide assurance to Peace Parks Foundation that Trust-implemented activities meet compliance standards

Minimum Requirements

Degree in Project Management, Business Management, Environmental Management, or Social Sciences

10 years of experience, with at least 5 years' experience in project management of similar scale projects or operations

Proven experience in project management within conservation, community development, or related fields

Experience in managing European Union funding will be advantageous

Experience with project reporting, budgeting, and procurements

Understanding of environmental and social safeguard requirements

Ability to motivate, reach consensus, set objectives, and manage performance

Strong administrative and multi-tasking skills

Fluent in English language skills, with Chichewa or Tumbuka as an advantage

Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

Willingness to live and work in remote conditions is highly advantageous

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number, and email address. These should be submitted by 22nd June 2026.

To apply for this job please visit peaceparks.mcidirecthire.com.

Important Notice

We appreciate the time and effort taken by all applicants in expressing their interest in this role. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to contact candidates who are selected for further consideration. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.