District Coordinator (Various Locations)

Location: CARVE is hiring three District Coordinators, for positions in Chikwawa, Dedza, and Mchinji. Note that applicants must be very familiar with the district for which they are applying. No relocation allowance is provided.

Start Date: May 12, 2025

Organization description

CARVE Africa (Creating Accessibility for Reproductive Values and Education) is a women-led Malawian NGO dedicated to advancing access to accurate, evidence-based knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH). Our holistic, community-powered approach is inclusive of all genders and age groups and rooted in local leadership and trust.

CARVE envisions a future where menstrual health is universally prioritized, misinformation is eradicated, and every individual, regardless of background, has access to high-quality products, comprehensive education, and the autonomy to manage their health with dignity and confidence. Our impact has been driven by staying intentionally small and focused, prioritizing quality, respect, and deep community relationships in everything we do.

Job summary

The District Coordinator will be responsible for the effective implementation and coordination of CARVE Africa’s programs within a given district. This includes building strong relationships with district and community stakeholders, coordinating and supervising project activities, managing field-based staff and volunteers, ensuring adherence to project plans and timelines, and contributing to monitoring and reporting efforts. The successful candidate will be a proactive and organized individual with strong community mobilization and project management skills, a passion for SRHR and MHH, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The District Coordinator will report to the Program Manager at the Head Office in Lilongwe.

Key responsibilities:

1. Program planning

• Collaborate with the Program Manager and other relevant Head Office staff in the development of detailed annual, quarterly, and monthly district-level work plans and activity schedules for all MHH and SRHR programs.
• Contribute actively to the identification and selection of target communities and beneficiaries within the district, utilizing project targeting criteria and comprehensive needs assessments.
• Assist in the adaptation and contextualization of SRHR and MHH program materials and training curricula to ensure cultural relevance and effectiveness within the local context

2. Program implementation

• Lead the implementation of CARVE Africa’s MHH and SRHR projects in the district, ensuring they align with project objectives.
• Coordinate and supervise field staff and volunteers, guiding the team to ensure effective program delivery.
• Organize and lead district and community meetings, workshops, and other events with relevant stakeholders.
• Manage and oversee all capacity-building initiatives targeting women and girls in the communities on MHH and SRHR
• Ensure project activities are completed on time and to a high standard at the district level.
• Identify and address any challenges or delays in program implementation, informing the Program Manager of significant issues.
• Make sure all necessary project resources, such as training materials, MHH products, and data collection tools, are available and used effectively

3. Community engagement and stakeholder management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community leaders, health workers, mother groups, youth clubs, and other relevant stakeholders in the district.
• Serve as a key representative of CARVE Africa at relevant district-level meetings, forums, and coordination bodies related to MHH and SRHR initiatives.
• Represent CARVE Africa at district-level meetings and forums relevant to MHH and SRHR.
• Work closely with community structures and existing networks to facilitate program activities.

4. Monitoring and reporting:

• Support the implementation of the project-specific MEAL framework at the district level, including data collection and reporting as required.
• Ensure accurate and timely collection of program data from field activities and entry into the project database.
• Contribute to the preparation of weekly/monthly progress reports for the Program Manager.
• Oversee the execution of all planned M&E activities, including baseline and follow-up surveys, focus group discussions, and other data collection methods in collaboration with the MEAL coordinator
• Participate actively in regular program check-in meetings with the Program Manager to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies.
• Identify and develop compelling human-interest stories and case studies that effectively highlight the positive impact of the program on beneficiaries’ lives.

5. Logistics and Resource Management:

• Manage all project resources at the district level, including program materials, supplies, equipment, and financial resources
• Support the logistical arrangements for all program activities within the district, including transportation, venue arrangements, and material distribution.
• Strictly adhere to CARVE Africa’s established financial and administrative procedures, ensuring compliance and accountability in all resource management activities.
• Manage all activity-level budgets with accountability and good stewardship of resources
• Prepare and submit all required financial documentation accurately and promptly in line with CARVE Africa’s policies
• Coordinate the safe and efficient distribution of MHH products (menstrual cups and reusable pads) to adolescent girls and young women, maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all distributed items and ensure completion of distribution and consent forms.

6. Safeguarding:

• Ensure adherence to CARVE Africa’s safeguarding policies and procedures in all program activities.
• Promote a safe and respectful environment for beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers.
• Report any safeguarding concerns following organizational guidelines.

Qualifications:

• Must be based in and very familiar with either Chikwawa, Dedza, or Mchinji district.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science, Public Health, Social Work, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program coordination, preferably in MHH and SRHR.
• Experience with project cycle management principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong community mobilization, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, with problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English and the dominant local language of the district.
• A positive attitude and ability to engage effectively with diverse teams.
• Our office maintains a fun but hard-working vibe; a sense of humor is a must.

If you are interested and you meet the above requirements, please send your cover letter and curriculum vitae including names and contact details of at least three traceable referees to recruitment@carveafrica.org.

CARVE Africa has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse, discrimination and harassment in all forms. All applicants will, therefore, be subject to a comprehensive verification process, which includes background and reference checks, as well as verification of qualifications.

Application deadline:

Please submit your application by 5pm on Thursday 01^st May 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.