Programmes Manager

Organization
SolarAid
Location
Malawi
Job Type
Full-time
Deadline for Applications
08/20/2025
Where to Apply
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bo4mF6d77nYlrUnlrk-lwi4rZkp5pjk2KxFeWW7bKGo/edit?tab=t.0
Tags
Full-time

Job Summary
SolarAid is a charity organisation fully registered in Malawi, utilising innovative business models in delivering sustainable social projects and programmes, with the goal of a sustained universal access to clean, renewable, affordable and reliable energy. Over the years, SolarAid has been working in Malawi selling solar lights, while piloting different business models which have now evolved into business units incubated for nationwide scale, which are being transitioned into stand-alone social enterprises. The long-term goal is to scale the business units into bankable business entities, attracting investment from local public and private investors, creating local jobs while driving sustainable energy access.

As one way of accelerating sustainable transitioning of the innovative business units into independent social enterprises, SolarAid is implementing a wide range of short-term strategic projects which are designed to; (i) catalyse the market, (ii) develop a sustainable distribution and retail network, (iii) access to affordable and flexible financing, (iv) consumer financing to achieve affordability of clean and renewable energy technologies and (v) deep market penetration.
Reporting to the General Manager, the Programmes Manager is the overseer of all the projects implemented by SolarAid in Malawi. The position is also responsible for development of a motivated, quality and result oriented team that is capable of delivering project activities successfully and efficiently through on the job mentorship and training.
The position will require proven skills in project management with a fair knowledge in business development, financial modeling, business performance monitoring, and analysis and reporting for high level executive decision making. The individual will also work closely with development partners, Government departments such as the Ministry of Energy, District Councils, and other strategic sector players.

Job Purpose
To support the Malawi General Manager in leading and organising SolarAid’s work in Malawi through strategic oversight, cross-departmental coordination, and a focus on delivering high-impact programmes. This includes working closely with the finance and fundraising teams to develop strong, fundable grant applications, ensure the effective implementation of programmes, and lead robust reporting processes. The role is central to ensuring operational excellence and programme success across SolarAid Malawi
Specific Objectives:
Project and programmes management
Business development, performance analysis and reporting
Strategic Partnership Management
Human Resource development and Team Building – Team mentorship and on the job training
Leadership
Duties and responsibilities
Project and programmes management
Planning

Consolidate business activity plans of the business units supported by SolarAid and identify the gaps that are identified to be hindering profitability and long-term sustainability of the business operations and consolidate them into project and programme activity plans for the programmes team,
In collaboration with the Finance team, develop programmes and project budgets
Collaborate with the fundraising team to co-create fundraising plan to raise investment capital –either grants, equity or debt.

Development of the human resource plan based on the skills needed to deliver quality project/programme

Development of the Government and other stakeholder engagement and partnership plan to guide collaboration with Government Ministries and Agencies in the delivery of the projects to ensure total alignment in priorities and support in delivery of Government development goals

Finance and Fundraising Collaboration
Work proactively with the finance team to ensure financial oversight, accountability, and sustainability of all programmes.
Collaborate closely with the fundraising team to design and submit high-quality, fundable grant applications; contribute to donor relationship management and proposal development.

Project delivery
Lead in implementation of projects/ programmes plans within the budget and timeframe to the highest quality standards,
Collaborate with Malawi Government through the relevant ministries in the delivery of the projects/programmes to ensure alignment with the Government development objectives so that the projects are relevant and catalysts for delivering Government development goals
Capture learning at each stage of programme delivery process to inform best practices for either internal improvements or inform the sector for adoption or scale best practices,
Provide leadership and technical support to programme teams to enhance their skills development and competence in project management,
Coordinate with Senior Management Team in delivery of project/ programmes

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
Monitor global, regional and national development trends to inform changes in the delivery of the programme activities and strategy adjustments,
Ensure that programmes are designed and delivered at highest quality in line with international quality standards,
Work with the Monitoring Research and Learning teams in measuring the performance of each programme portfolio, capturing lessons and guiding the process of sharing the knowledge,
Ensure that all the data collected during the programme implementation is protected based on the best practices adopted by SolarAid,
Liaise with relevant organisation technical advisors and incorporate learning and global expertise in the programme cycle,
Ensure value for money and efficiency across the programme cycle,
Oversee the development and timely submission of high-quality donor technical and financial reports, in collaboration with projects and operations colleagues,

Control
Ensure that processes are in place to allow for systematic and inclusive feedback to communities and stakeholders on all programme reports and evaluations undertaken
Working with Project Portfolio Managers to ensure all projects develop annual, quarterly and monthly plans and that these are actioned and reported against
Deliver a consolidated risk assessment for the programme portfolio every month and ensure mitigation measures are actioned and followed
Ensure that internal audit is adequately budgeted across the portfolio
Ensure that internal audit findings and recommendations are followed up on and actioned as per agreed timelines
Ensure that every project in the portfolio has a grant opening and closing meeting and that these are filed

Ensure that every project has monthly review process
Ensure adequate oversight on all financial transactions and project activities to reduce the risk of non-compliance with policies and risk of fraud
Ensure annual procurement planning and that all project procurement is cost effective in line with donor and organisational policy

Business development, performance analysis and reporting

This role will involve working with business modeling and analyst experts, therefore, the programmes manager will need to have knowledge of business finance

Business model development
Develop financial model of new business innovations to determine the investment requirement financial performance to achieve long-term sustainability
Document business model assumptions and orient implementation teams
Develop standardised business operating tools

Business performance analysis
Conduct evaluation of the business models to determine their performance and viability
Conduct business data analysis to inform internal and external stakeholders
Develop standardised tools for measuring business model performance

Business model performance reporting
Consolidation of monthly business performance reports for internal usage
Lead in sharing and engaging with sector players about the new and innovative business model performance
Ensure that new and viable business model innovations are promoted to sector players for adoption for scale

Strategic Partnership Management
Be the focal point of contact and collaboration with Malawi Government through the relevant Ministries, Departments, local Government leadership and community leaders in implementing programme activities
Identify, collaborate and nature a long- term strategic partnership with key sector players to enhance sector collaboration in delivering development programmes
Be the main contact person for internal teams in accessing project information and support that might be needed from time to time
Maintain, strengthen and build partnerships with companies and entrepreneurs to augment the programme’s reach and sustainability of impacts through market-based approaches.
Act as the primary focal point for all donors that fund the programme portfolio
Be the representative of SolarAid in sector meetings at regional, national and community level.
Facilitate regular sharing of knowledge with internal and external stakeholders

Human Resource development and Team Building – Team mentorship and on the job training
Manage the entire programmes team
Prioritise staff support to enhance skills development of staff members across the programmes, encouraging on the job learning and development, identifying opportunities for external professional development and create opportunities for promotion through, either vertical or horizontal movement within the organisation
Ensure all staff members are properly trained, the new staff have completed an induction, have passed probation and that annual performance appraisals are conducted
Ensure that the Organisation has the right staff members with the right attitude and skills needed for them to succeed in their respective positions.
Develop the right culture of work life balance, ensuring that staff members take their annual leave and that they maintain top level of freshness and motivation to deliver their tasks
Cultivate a culture of accountability, adherence to group policies, and prioritisation of staff welfare and securit.

Organisational Leadership and Coordination
Work under the leadership of the Malawi General Manager to coordinate all SolarAid operations in Malawi, ensuring alignment across programmes, finance, and fundraising.
Contribute to strategic planning and ensure cross-functional collaboration to meet operational and impact targets.

Act as a key liaison between project teams and senior management to facilitate smooth implementation and continuous improvement of programme activities.
Deep learning of the outcomes of the delivery models and document all the new knowledge for both internal and external sharing
Development of the training materials to be used for providing technical support to other sector players who might be interested in adopting new models that have been tested and accepted by the sector

Facilitate training of the internal team members on the standardised process and systems of implementing new models
Be the key contact person for the sector players for enquiring technical support in designing and implementation of the new models

Working with sector players in designing relevant technical Assistant functions that can help in accelerating knowledge sharing and adaptation in delivery of new models

Grant Management and Reporting
Lead the grant lifecycle from application through implementation and final reporting.
Ensure timely and high-quality narrative and financial reports are prepared for all grants, in coordination with relevant internal teams.
Develop internal systems to track grant performance, compliance, and impact.
Required Skills
Essential Key Skills and Competencies
Bachelor’s Degree in relevant fields (Sustainable Energy, Environment Science, Economics, Business Management,Entrepreneurship or other relevant discipline) and a minimum of 5 years work experience in a similar position in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on rural energy access (Leave No One Behind).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint and project management tools).
Strong knowledge of renewable energy technologies, policies, and industry trends.
Demonstrated understanding of the business principles, utilisation of the principle in development of business models with potential for commercial sustainability
Exceptional organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated strategic judgement, planning, co-ordination of the implementation of the strategic priorities
Proficiency in leveraging technology and digital tools to enhance organizational efficiency and communication.
Demonstrated partnership skills with the Government and a wide range of other sector stakeholders.
Strong advocacy and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence policy development and engage with stakeholders at various levels.
Demonstrated understanding of energy in the Global South focusing on off-grid energy access.
Strong leadership capabilities, professional conduct, with demonstrated ability to work independently with integrity without close supervision.
Self-starter, capable of innovatively developing the programme and mobilising resources for effective delivery.
Proven ability in human resource development, nurturing staff growth through mentorship, leading into building a strong, motivated, ambitious and productive team that is capable of achieving sustainable results/success.
Demonstrated cross cultural communication skills and ability to build institutional capacity and provide mentorship to staff
Valid clean driving licence, work permit and valid passport (internationals), national ID ( Malawians).
Desirable Experience
Experience in programme strategy design and implementation,
Demonstrated ability and skills in a blended approach of managing social programmes utiising business principles,
Knowledge in managing startups in the energy sector,
Demonstrated ability to pilot and scale-up new innovations, through an entrepreneurial mindset to set,
Experience of living and working in the energy sector in Malawi and/or Sub-Saharan Africa.
How to apply
Please email your CV together with a covering letter and copies of your certificates which explains how you meet the criteria in this job description not later than 20th August 2025 to:
E–mail: recruitment.malawi@sunnymoney.org
Important
Please entitle your email subject line with your name, position title and save the letter together with CV in one attached file.
SolarAid is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged.