Project Officer – (COCOA)

Job Vacancy: Project Officer – Combating Corruption in Agricultural Input Program (COCOA)

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi

Contract Duration: 1 Year

The Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) is a grouping of civil society organizations established in 2001 to facilitate the engagement of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in the agriculture sector with the Government over policy issues affecting agriculture. CISANET’s membership comprises local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), farmer organizations and interested individuals. Our mission is to promote agricultural development and sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor by influencing desired change in policies, practices and attitudes of Government, donors, civil society and other stakeholders through effective and results-focused advocacy, research and Networking.

Project Overview

The Combating Corruption in Agricultural Inputs Program (COCOA) is a key intervention under the Malawi Anti-Corruption Civil Society Support Program (MACCSS). The MACCSS initiative aims to support and enhance civil society’s role in combating corruption and promoting accountability in Malawi. COCOA specifically targets the long-standing corruption issues within the Affordable Input Program (AIP), which provides subsidized agricultural inputs to Malawian farmers. Despite its importance, the AIP has been riddled with corruption related to procurement, beneficiary identification, distribution, and input utilization.

The COCOA project’s main goal is to combat corruption in the AIP through increased transparency and enhanced program integrity. It will focus on four critical areas: procurement, beneficiary identification, distribution, and the utilization of agricultural inputs. Based on the findings, the project will also inform reforms in other agricultural programs, including input loan schemes. Again, it will advocate for improved governance, and better compliance with the principles of transparency and accountability

Therefore, CISANET is seeking a highly qualified and dynamic Project Officer to manage and coordinate the COCOA project under the MACCSS program. The Project Officer will play a pivotal role in overseeing project activities, conducting research, advocating for reforms, and ensuring effective stakeholder engagement. This role requires a candidate with a strong background in anti-corruption, agricultural governance, research, and project management. The Project Officer will also contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the project and ensure that the advocacy goals are successfully achieved.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Management and Coordination:
   • Lead and coordinate all aspects of the COCOA project, ensuring alignment with project objectives and expected outcomes.
   • Develop and implement work plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring efficient and timely project delivery.
   • Provide regular updates on project progress, challenges, and achievements to senior management.
2. Research and Data Analysis:
   • Conduct comprehensive research on the AIP cycles focusing on corruption in procurement, beneficiary identification, distribution, and utilization of inputs.
   • Utilize both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze data and identify key issues related to corruption within the program.
   • Prepare research reports and evidence-based recommendations for addressing corruption and improving transparency in the AIP.
3. Advocacy and Policy Engagement:
   • Use research findings to drive advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policy changes, improving accountability, and ensuring transparency within the AIP and other related agricultural input programs.
   • Engage with government ministries, civil society organizations, donors, and other key stakeholders to push for reform and greater compliance with anticorruption initiatives.
   • Organize advocacy events, workshops, and policy dialogue forums to raise awareness and promote collaboration for reform.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
   • Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess project progress, measure impact, and identify areas for improvement.
   • Track key performance indicators and milestones to ensure that the project stays on course.
   • Prepare detailed reports on project progress, outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for future action.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building:
   • Foster relationships with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, local communities, and civil society organizations to facilitate project implementation and ensure buy-in for reform initiatives.
   • Lead capacity-building efforts aimed at enhancing stakeholders’ understanding of anti-corruption principles, transparency, and governance within the agricultural sector.
6. Communication and Public Outreach:
   • Contribute to the development of communication strategies, including policy briefs, press releases, and other publications to disseminate the project’s findings.
   • Assist in managing the project’s visibility and public relations through social media, websites, and public forums.
   • Support the communication team in organizing outreach campaigns aimed at educating the public on corruption in the agricultural inputs sector and advocating for change.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Political Sciences or a related field. A Master’s degree is a strong advantage.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in project management, research, anti-corruption, governance, or related fields.
• Deep understanding of Malawi’s agricultural policies, specifically the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) and its challenges related to corruption in procurement, beneficiary selection, and distribution.
• Proven experience in research, data analysis, and report writing, with the ability to synthesize complex findings into actionable recommendations.
• Experience in advocacy and policy engagement, particularly in the context of anti-corruption and governance reforms.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality reports and presentations.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a focus on identifying and addressing corruption issues.
• Deep understanding of the political and economic landscape of Malawi’s agricultural sector and public procurement systems.Ability to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the success of the project.
• Proficient in stakeholder engagement, with the ability to collaborate across sectors and facilitate dialogue among diverse groups.
• A commitment to transparency, accountability, and the promotion of good governance.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, and contact information for three professional references to [email protected] and cc [email protected] by Wednesday, 12^th March 2025.

Addressed to: The Acting National Director

Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET)

P.O. Box 203

Lilongwe

CISANET is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.