WASTE Advisers
Terms of Reference (ToR)
Job Title: Project Officer
Location: Blantyre
Fixed Term: 8 Months (November 2025 – June 2026)
Report To: Project Manager
Background
WASTE /GEMS, in partnership with the Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA), is implementing the “Promoting Organic Systems of Soil Improvement to Build a Lasting Economy” (POSSIBLE) project, funded by the European Union. The overall objective of the Action is to enhance sustainable agriculture and food systems in Malawi. The project is being implemented across eight Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in Blantyre and Lilongwe Districts, targeting 1,000 smallholder farmers (60% women and 40% men) from vulnerable communities, with particular emphasis on women-headed households. Through demonstrative research on waste-to-compost systems, the project aims to assess their impact on soil quality and crop productivity.
Job Summary
The Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating the engagement and training of field officers, smallholder farmers and compost suppliers in Blantyre. Serving as the primary liaison between WASTE/GEMS, project partner CEPA, government agricultural officers, and compost producers, the Project Officer will ensure effective collaboration and communication among all stakeholders. Additionally, the role will involve overseeing field data management processes to promote transparency, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring that project objectives are effectively achieved.
Duties & Responsibilities
Facilitate the engagement, training, and monitoring of field officers/monitors and beneficiaries under the EU POSSIBLE Project.
Design, implement, and analyze seasonal monitoring and yield assessment data using appropriate statistical tools and software to generate evidence-based insights for project decision-making.
Oversee compost production and quality assurance processes, ensuring that producers meet Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) certification requirements and supporting the management of take-off agreements and MOUs in collaboration with the Project Manager.
Coordinate and maintain active liaison with external stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and other partner organizations.
Support the Project Manager in developing implementation plans, monitoring frameworks, and feedback mechanisms to track progress toward project outcomes.
Assist in the delivery of field activities and stakeholder engagement for other WASTE/GEMS projects assigned by the Project Manager.
Represent WASTE/GEMS at external meetings and events to promote the organization’s work and visibility, as directed by the Director of Programmes.
Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to the Project Manager.
Document and share project impact stories and lessons learned to inform decision-making and promote learning across the project team.
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Natural Resource Management, Community Development, or a related field.
At least three (3) years of practical experience in agricultural extension, community development, or direct engagement with smallholder farmers.
Demonstrated hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture practices such as organic farming, permaculture, or agroecology is highly desirable.
Proficiency in data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation using statistical software packages.
Strong ability to work independently and effectively in remote field settings with minimal supervision.
Ability to ride a motorcycle and possession of a valid motorcycle license will be an added advantage.
If you are qualified and interested, please send your application clearly marked “Project Officer: POSSIBLE” to the address below, not later than Monday, 29th October 2025.
WASTE Advisers
P.O. Box 2504
Blantyre.
E-mail: hr@wasteadvisersmw.org
Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.