Country Programme Representative

Save the Children US (SCUS) seeks a Country Programme Manager/Representative for its operations in Malawi. This senior leadership position will provide leadership and coordination to SCUS branch operations and programs in Malawi and represent SCUS in the country. The successful candidate will be based in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Position Objective

Reporting to the SCUS International Programme Management Unit Lead at SCUS HQ, the Country Programme Representative will oversee SCUS direct program implementation in Malawi, maintain and build relationships with relevant stakeholders in the country, and coordinate and collaborate with other Save the Children entities and partners. Additionally, this role will manage vendor relationships, ensuring services are aligned with SCUS’s objectives and program requirements.

This role will oversee critical functional support areas in the country, liaise with headquarters management, technical, and support units, prepare reports and operating plans, and ensure SCUS operations and programs comply with donors, local regulations, and organizational policies and procedures. Finally, this role is expected to increase the branch’s funding portfolio in line with SCUS’s strategic objectives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and oversees all aspects of the strategic and organizational objectives of the SCUS program in Malawi, including SCUS-directly implemented programs.
• Manage, coordinate, and support in-country staff from technical, operational, and administrative areas to ensure effective operations and quality programs.
• Collaborate with technical leads, operations staff, and the leadership team at SCUS HQ to achieve organizational objectives for all ongoing activities in Malawi.
• Represent SCUS to local government representatives, donors, international and local partners, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure strong communication and coordination with Save the Children International in Malawi.
• Manage the relationship between SCUS and vendors at the country level, ensuring services are delivered per contractual arrangements and SCUS objectives.
• Coordinate with Headquarters and country program staff to ensure that programs start, progress, and close out in accordance with award agreements, are completed within time and budget, and achieve program objectives.
• Responsible for effective risk management and compliance for the country Programme, driving key mitigations forward in coordination with key functional leads.
• Responsible for the effective financial management and transactions of the Country Programme, driving continued supervision of the finance staff.
• Provide expert leadership and management, ensuring SCUS operations and programs comply with donors, local regulations, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Produce detailed management reports for SCUS HQ.
• Proactively identify and support new business opportunities for growth and expansion. Support pre-positioning activities and liaise with donors when required.
• Train, develop, coach, lead, and supervise staff, clearly communicating organization, country, and department priorities and how their work contributes to SC’s mission. Ensure that the working environment continually fosters diversity, inclusion, and belonging, supporting SC values.
• Create and promote a collaborative and positive work environment of mutual respect, excellence, and high integrity.
• Ensure proper adherence to staff wellness and safety procedures.

Required Competencies

• Master’s degree in a relevant area of expertise such as Public Health, Development Administration, International Development, Humanitarian Aid, Non-for-Profit Management, or similar.
• A Project Management Professional Certification is considered a plus.
• Experience in global health/primary health care or related programs.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in senior program roles managing program operations in large and complex international development and humanitarian organizations; equivalent length of experience reviewing and approving USAID or other donor financial reports.
• Thorough understanding of USAID approaches and regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership capability in the entire life cycle of donor funding, from representation and positioning through close out.
• Relevant knowledge of managing vendor relationships in the context of humanitarian and international development programs.
• Substantial experience living and working in developing countries, including in complex, high-risk environments.
• Familiarity with Malawi’s social, political, economic, and cultural landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals and teams at all internal and external levels.
• Creative problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.