The posting
Job Summary The Operations Director translates the approved Malawi country strategy and annual business plan into coordinated operational plans and leads day-to-day program delivery. The role, based in Lilongwe, Malawi, is responsible for assigned operational teams, quality, schedules, budgets, operational controls, and timely reporting, while the Country Director retains overall country accountability. The position reports to the Country Director. The dotted-line relationship with the Africa regional staff provides regional guidance, alignment with Water Mission standards, and oversight of operational performance. Regional guidance and follow-up actions are coordinated with the Country Director, who retains overall accountability for the Malawi country program. Applications will be accepted until 6 November 2026.
Our Culture As a key leader in Water Mission Malawi, the Operations Director helps staff develop a biblical worldview culture that leads to God-honoring excellence. This includes providing accurate data, equipping staff to acknowledge mistakes and problems as opportunities to find appropriate solutions, and reinforcing Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and standards.
Duties and Responsibilities 1. Mission and Servant Leadership
Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership to colleagues, partners, communities, and the public.
Lead and participate in biblically based staff devotions and prayer before and after team meetings.
Demonstrate and encourage Water Mission’s core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity in all operational decisions and staff relationships.
2. Operational Planning and Program Delivery
Work with the Country Director and functional leaders to develop the annual operations plan, operational budgets, project schedules, and measurable performance targets.
Lead implementation of approved WASH projects and operational plans, coordinating staff, equipment, materials, and other resources across project locations.
Monitor progress against agreed scope, schedules, budgets, and quality standards; address delivery constraints and escalate significant risks or changes to the Country Director.
Coordinate professionalized services, technical staff, construction, community engagement, Evangelism & Discipleship, and MEL activities to ensure effective delivery, commissioning, handover, and sustainable management of safe water solutions and program goals.
Conduct regular field visits and operational reviews to verify O&M and implementation quality, resolve challenges, and support field teams.
Coordinate with Regional and Headquarters departments/staff to achieve organizational objectives.
3. Financial Stewardship and Operational Support
Work with the Project Manager, Finance Manager, and budget holders to prepare project budgets, forecasts, cost estimates, and expenditure reviews, explaining variances, and implementing agreed corrective actions.
Oversee assigned procurement, logistics, inventory, fleet, equipment, facilities, and administrative activities in line with approved policies and delegated authority.
Ensure project management and enterprise accounting systems accurately reflect operational activities, working with the Project Manager, Finance, and other functional teams to maintain timely, complete records.
Maintain effective operational controls and support audits, risk reviews, and timely completion of corrective actions.
Implement applicable safety, safeguarding, security, and operational procedures; report incidents and significant concerns through established channels.
4. Staff Leadership and Development
Supervise and mentor assigned staff, clarify responsibilities, allocate workloads, review and approve performance goals, and conduct regular coaching and performance reviews.
Identify skills gaps and coordinate training, mentoring, recruitment, and succession planning with the Country Director, Human Resources, and other organizational departments/staff as required.
Promote staff care, well-being, accountability, and constructive, collaborative resolution of workplace concerns.
Collaborate with finance, human resources, and technical staff in accordance with their established direct and matrix reporting relationships
5. Performance Reporting and Partnerships
Monitor operational performance against the business plan and agreed indicators, using MEL findings and lessons learned to improve program quality and effectiveness.
Provide regular operational reports to the Country Director and agreed updates to the Africa regional dotted-line of staff connections, highlighting progress, budget performance, risks, and decisions needed.
Support grant applications, implementation, donor reporting, and fulfilment of project commitments by providing accurate operational plans, budgets, and results.
Lead to accomplish project, grant, partnership, etc. goals and collaborate with other country programs to exchange ideas, status, and alignment.
Support the Country Director in relationships with government, churches, communities, NGOs, and other partners; represent Water Mission in operational meetings as delegated.
Coordinate operational support for Water Mission’s Living Water Strategy in Malawi, working with ministry and program teams.
Perform other duties assigned by the Country Director within the scope of the role.
6. Other Duties as Assigned
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Relationship and Alignment
A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith, core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity, and principles of servant leadership.
Qualifications and Experience
A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Management, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Health, or a related discipline. A relevant master’s degree is an added advantage.
At least eight years of relevant leadership or management experience, including managing multidisciplinary teams and training, mentoring, and developing leaders.
Proven experience managing programs or operational budgets exceeding USD 1 million, with responsibility for planning, expenditure control, and performance reporting.
Experience or technical knowledge of the WASH sector; construction, engineering project management, or WASH program design experience is preferred.
Experience working in Malawi or comparable African development contexts, including field operations and partnerships with government, communities, Christian ministries, NGOs, or development agencies.
Leadership experience in Christian ministry, evangelism, or discipleship.
Fluency in English required. Strong skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft 365, and SharePoint.
Skills, Abilities and Working Conditions
Strong planning, problem-solving, financial management, and cross-cultural communication skills, with a commitment to ending the global water crisis.
Willingness to establish full-time residence in Lilongwe, work flexible hours when necessary, and travel regularly to field locations in Malawi, including stays of up to one week and occasionally longer.
Willingness to undertake international travel and travel to other regional country programs, as may be occasionally required.
