The Country Director is responsible for overseeing The Sparkle Foundation’s operations in Malawi and serving as the key link between the Malawi team and the Global office. The role focuses on refining and scaling the foundation’s operating model to ensure it is effective, data-driven, financially sustainable, and aligned with the organisation’s strategy. The Country Director works to ensure the foundation’s impact is measurable and its operations meet international standards while

building capacity within the team to achieve long-term scalability and sustainability.

The Country Director will provide leadership across all foundation sites in Malawi, driving

organisational growth, fostering partnerships, and ensuring programmes are scalable and impactful.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Provide high-level leadership to align The Sparkle Foundation’s operations in Malawi with its mission, vision, and goals.

• Collaborate with the Malawi Board of Directors to ensure governance policies are

implemented effectively and adhered to.

• Focus on strategic oversight, delegating daily operational responsibilities to the Operations and Programme Director.

• Develop strategies to raise the foundation’s profile, working closely with the Marketing

Department and Sparkle Ambassador and Africa Lead to enhance visibility and recognition at local and national levels.

• Build a strong organisational culture that fosters accountability, collaboration, and

leadership development.

• Support initiatives to generate funding for the organisation by identifying opportunities and fostering partnerships.

Scaling Operations and Programme Oversight

• Oversee the refinement and scaling of the foundation’s operating model to meet

international standards and support its expansion across Malawi.

• Work with the Operations and Programme Director to ensure programmes meet required

standards and align with organisational objectives.

• Recruit, train and support the Operations and Programme Director, Management Team and future officers to build capacity and maintain consistency across all sites.

• Ensure strategy implementation is aligned with measurable impact and supports the

foundation’s long-term goals.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Measurement

• Ensure that M&E frameworks developed by the M&E Officer and Operations and

Programme Director align with the foundation’s strategy and measure impact effectively.

• Provide high-level oversight to ensure reporting systems are in place and insights are used to guide organisational improvements.

• Use data and impact reports to strengthen the foundation’s reputation and demonstrate

programme success to stakeholders.

Legal Compliance and Financial Accountability

• Ensure full compliance with all Malawi legal and regulatory requirements, including

adherence to CONGOMA, the NGO Board, and other relevant laws.

• Oversee adherence to international compliance standards, including those of the UK Charity Commission, UAE Dubai Humanitarian City, and 501(c)(3) in the US.

• Work closely with the Finance Manager to ensure financial sustainability, accountability, and alignment with approved budgets.

• Ensure timely completion of all necessary filings, registrations, and reports for local and

international authorities.

Leadership Development and Team Training

• Train and mentor senior staff to become future leaders, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

• Build capacity within the organisation by equipping teams with the skills and knowledge

needed to sustain operations and achieve long-term goals.

• Support the professional development of the Operations and Programme Director and

other key staff members to align with international standards.

• Lead the senior management team in implementing organisational change initiatives to

enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence across the organisation.

• Provide mentorship and support to management teams to align them with the foundation’s mission and values.

Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with the Sparkle Ambassador and Africa Lead to strengthen partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sector organisations in Malawi.

• Maintain strong relationships with donors and partners, ensuring they are informed and

engaged in the foundation’s progress and successes.

• Represent The Sparkle Foundation at local and national forums, advocating for its mission and promoting its work.

Required Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, non-profit management, social sciences, or a related field.

• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in the NGO sector, including experience working with international organisations and in cross-cultural contexts.

• Proven expertise in scaling operational models, leadership development, change

management and strategy implementation.

• Strong track record in legal compliance, financial accountability, and fostering organisational visibility.

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic thinker with the ability to refine and optimise operating models for greater impact

and recognition.

• Exceptional leadership and mentorship skills, with a focus on empowering teams and

fostering accountability.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience liaising between

offices in different regions.

• Strong understanding of Malawi’s legal and regulatory environment, with experience

ensuring compliance.

• Proficiency in leveraging data and impact reports to guide strategy and demonstrate

success.

• Exceptional IT skills and use of Microsoft 365 package, CRM systems and project management tools.

Cultural Adaptability

• Willingness to work in a rural environment and engage actively with local communities.

The International Volunteer Coordinator Intern will play a crucial role in supporting and managing international volunteers during their time in Malawi. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in volunteer management, cross-cultural communication, and non-profit operations while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.

Benefits include gaining valuable experience in volunteer coordination and non-profit management, an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable communities, cultural immersion and the chance to work in a diverse and dynamic environment and professional development and networking opportunities.

Key Responsibilities 

• Operational Leadership: Lead, manage, and optimise all aspects of Sparkle Foundation's daily operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. Coordinate volunteer schedules and activities, ensuring alignment with project needs.

• Provide support and guidance to volunteers throughout their visit to Malawi including managing itinerary changes as required and ensure these are communicated on time.

• Facilitate orientation sessions with support from key staff and cultural training for new volunteers.

• Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation and feedback.

• Assist in the development and implementation of volunteer engagement strategies.

• Collaborate with local staff and the UAE program coordinator to ensure effective integration of volunteers into projects.

• Support the planning and execution of volunteer appreciation events and activities.

• Assist with administrative tasks related to volunteer management

• Ensure that all volunteer logistics including airport pick-ups, drop offs, sim cards are sorted timely.

• Ensure all visits including safari trips are booked as might be required, the volunteer coordinator will also be required to have a data base of key tourist sites that can easily be accessed for bookings.

• Ensure all dietary requirements (as may be applicable) are communicated to the Chef and if there are no local alternatives this information should be communicated to the program coordinator on time.

• Liaise with immigration for Visa renewals for visitors as may be required.

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources management, social work or related field.

• Good knowledge of the country 

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Experience in customer service or hospitality

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends as might be required.

• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Previous volunteer experience or experience working in a non-profit setting is a plus.