GRANTS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST AT MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION PROGRAMME II)
Contract Type: Fixed Contract (Individual Consultant)
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi (based at PMU, with extensive travel to project districts)
Duration: 4 years (initial 12-month contract, renewable annually based on performance)
Closing Date: 20th April 2026
Reference No.: 019/SAPP 11/GMS/INDCO_1/2026/27
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES-INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)
Project Name: Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme II (SAPP II)
Assignment title: GRANTS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
1.0 BACKGROUND
The Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme Phase II (SAPP II) is a seven-year initiative (March 2024-2030) implemented by Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture with a total budget of USD 53.03 million. Financed primarily by IFAD with support from the EU and the Adaptation Fund, the programme operates in Balaka, Lilongwe, Dowa, and Mzimba. Its goal is to contribute to wealth creation and improve food and nutrition security, with the specific objective of commercializing agriculture and enhancing the resilience and productivity of smallholder farming systems for rural men, women, and youth by 2030.
The programme is structured around three components: (1) increasing smallholder productivity and climate resilience through market-oriented production and sustainable natural resource management; (2) promoting commercialization by strengthening farmer organizations and improving market linkages; and (3) strengthening institutional capacity and knowledge management systems at national and district levels. The Grants Management Specialist’s role will be situated within Component 2, supporting the Farmer Challenge Fund to deliver matching grants that catalyze commercialization and address constraints in targeted value chains.
2.0 BACKGROUND OF THE ASSIGNMENT
Under component 2 of promoting the commercialization of smallholder farming system, SAPP II will implement the Farmer Challenge Fund (FCF), which seeks to provide Matching Grants to implement upgraded agricultural production systems by local farmer groups, women, men and youths. The purpose of the FCF is to act as a rural financing instrument that catalyzes the Commercialization Agenda of SAPP II, with the immediate objective of providing sustainable financing to producer groups to address constraints that hinder competitiveness of the targeted value chains under SAPP II. The grants are categorized into two namely:
- Production Window, which seeks to prioritize financing to producer groups that are facing constraints related to improving production and productivity, with foreseen financing needs in accessing improved seed varieties, animal genetics, and breeds. The grants under this window will be provided to farmer groups in form of farm inputs through direct redemption using an electronic voucher management system by the agro-dealers.
- Agro-processing and Value Addition (Commercialization), which will prioritize financing towards the purchase of assets and equipment for agro-processing in the target value chains, as well as improve quality standards as part of market integration. The grants under this window will be provided to farmer organizations through a fund manager.
To ensure the effective, transparent, and compliant implementation of both grant windows, SAPP II seeks to recruit a Grants Management Specialist. This role will provide in-house technical leadership, coordination, and oversight for the entire FCF lifecycle, serving as the key liaison between the PMU, the external Fund Manager, District Councils, and grant recipients.
3.0 OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The Grants Management Specialist will lead the operationalization and management of the Farmer Challenge Fund. The objective is to establish and maintain robust, transparent, and efficient grant management systems that ensure all FCF grants are awarded and utilized in full compliance with the SAPP II FCF Guidelines, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act, and IFAD’s fiduciary requirements.
4.0 SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
4.1. Strategic Leadership and Coordination
- Provide technical leadership for the end-to-end implementation of the FCF, ensuring adherence to FCF Guidelines.
- Act as the primary liaison between the SAPP II PMU, the external Fund Manager, District Councils, and the Ministry of Agriculture’s technical departments (DAES, DCD, DAHLD, etc.) on all grant-related matters.
- Coordinate the development and dissemination of all FCF calls for proposals (Expression of Interest) on a bi-annual basis, ensuring they are inclusive and reach women, youth, and vulnerable groups as per the 50% women, 30% youth target.
4.2. Management of the Production Window (E-Voucher System)
- Oversee the entire process for the Production Window, from EoI screening to grant closure.
- Coordinate with the Department of Agriculture Extension Services (DAES) and District Councils to facilitate coaching and proposal development for applicant groups.
- Assist in the process of procurement and contracting process for reputable input suppliers (agro-dealers).
- Oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of the e-voucher redemption system, ensuring accountability, traceability, and timely delivery of inputs to farmer groups.
- Ensure that matching contributions (5% cash, 15% in-kind) from farmer groups are verified and documented before grant activation.
4.3. Oversight of the Agro-processing Window (Fund Manager)
- Serve as the primary point of contact and contract manager for the external Fund Manager responsible for the Agro-processing and Value Addition Window.
- Monitor the performance of the Fund Manager to ensure compliance with the service-level agreement, including timely review of business plans, due diligence, and disbursements.
- Review and consolidate reports from the Fund Manager for submission to the PMU and IFAD.
- Facilitate technical backstopping from Ministry of Agriculture departments to the Fund Manager and grantees.
4.4. Grant Cycle Management, Compliance, and Oversight
- Oversee the work of the District Council Independent Grant Review Committees (IGRCs) to ensure objective and transparent evaluation of EoIs and proposals.
- Maintain a comprehensive FCF grants database and tracking system for all applications, approved grants, disbursements, and reporting.
- Ensure that all grant agreements are prepared, signed, and filed in accordance with the FCF Guidelines.
- Critically analyze financial and technical reports submitted by grantees (Production Window) and the Fund Manager (Agro-processing Window), identifying shortcomings and recommending corrective actions.
- Conduct regular field monitoring and support visits to verify implementation progress, financial compliance with grant agreements, management, and ensure that all grant-funded investments adhere to the approved Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and promote climate-smart agriculture practices.
4.5. Capacity Building and Technical Support
- In coordination with DAES and District Councils, design and facilitate training for frontline staff and farmer groups on proposal development, financial management, procurement procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Work with District Councils to strengthen coaching and mentoring systems.
- Ensure grant recipients understand and comply with grant conditions.
- Build the capacity of District Council staff to effectively support grantees in implementation, monitoring, and grievance handling.
4.6. Risk Management, Audit, and Reporting
- Proactively identify and mitigate fiduciary and implementation risks within the FCF portfolio.
- Coordinate with internal and external audit teams, facilitating their access to records and supporting the implementation of audit recommendations.
- Prepare and submit regular progress reports on the FCF to Programme Coordinator, IFAD, and other stakeholders.
- Manage the FCF Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) in accordance with the SAPP II GRM Handbook, ensuring complaints are logged, investigated, and resolved in a timely and transparent manner.
- Alert the Programme Coordinator and IFAD immediately of any signs of fraud, corruption, or mismanagement by any actor in the grant process.
5.0 QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
Advanced Degrees and Certifications:
- Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration.
- Professional certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant).
Specialized Training:
- Training in grants management, financial compliance, and auditing.
- Training in risk management and internal controls.
Experience with Development Partners:
- 7 years extensive experience working with international development organizations beyond IFAD, such as the World Bank, USAID or the UN.
- 5 years experience in managing grants in multi-donor environments.
Project Management Skills:
- Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).
- Experience in managing large-scale agricultural or rural development projects.
Technical Proficiency:
- Advanced proficiency in financial management software and systems.
- Familiarity with electronic grant management systems.
- Demonstrated experience in managing e-voucher or input redemption systems for agricultural inputs.
- Experience in managing or overseeing the work of an external fund manager or financial intermediary.
- Experience in building the capacity of farmer organizations, cooperatives, and local government structures.
- In-depth knowledge of agricultural value chains (crops and livestock) in Malawi.
- Strong understanding of public financial management and procurement procedures (Malawi Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act).
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and operational reports.
- Proficiency in the use of database management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Familiarity with environmental and social safeguards, particularly in an agricultural context.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:
- Strong analytical skills to assess financial reports and identify discrepancies.
- Proactive problem-solving abilities to address and resolve grant management issues effectively.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
- Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with various stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and local communities.
- Strong negotiation skills to manage grant agreements and resolve conflicts.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
- Experience in designing and implementing M&E frameworks.
- Skills in using M&E tools to track progress and impact of grant activities.
Leadership and Team Management:
- Proven leadership experience in managing teams and coordinating with multiple departments.
- Ability to mentor and build capacity among grant recipients and staff.
6.0 Location of Employment
The Grants Management Specialist will be based at the Project Management Unit (PMU) for Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme II (SAPP II) in Lilongwe, and will be required to travel regularly and extensively to the project implementation areas and work closely with the district staff and communities to ensure that progress follows project plans, and that appropriate support is provided for project implementation.
7.0 Duration of Employment
The assignment is for a period of four (4) years with an initial contract period of 12 months. The appointment will be subject to annual renewal based on satisfactory performance.
8.0 Method of application
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates should send their Expression of Interest enclosing a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), academic certificates plus names of three (3) traceable referees, must be delivered in written form to the address below (in person) or by email or by mail NOT later than 20th April 2026.
The Chairperson
Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee
The Ministry of Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme II
Amina House
Along Chilambula Road
P.O. Box 30217
LILONGWE 3
Email: procurement@sapp.mw