Operations Director Jobs in Malawi

About the Organization

The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) is a government-owned entity established in 2010 and operational since 2012. It is mandated to ensure national fuel security through petroleum importation, storage, and management of Strategic Fuel Reserves (SFRs) across Malawi, including depots in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Chilumba, Chipoka, and Mchinji.

With its fuel importation share growing to over 77% in the 2025/2026 financial year, NOCMA plays a critical role in Malawi’s energy security and requires strong operational leadership to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply and efficient logistics management.

Position Overview

Job Title: Director of Operations
Grade: NOC03
Location: Malawi
Job Type: Full-Time
Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer

This is a senior executive role responsible for overseeing national fuel operations, strategic reserves, logistics systems, depot management, and operational risk control.

Role Purpose

The Director of Operations ensures continuous, safe, and efficient petroleum supply across Malawi by managing fuel reserves, logistics systems, operational planning, and emergency response frameworks while maintaining compliance and national energy security.

Key Responsibilities

A. National Energy Security & Fuel Operations

• Maintain strategic fuel stock levels (30/60/90-day coverage as required by policy)
• Oversee storage, distribution, and quality assurance of petroleum products
• Ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across national depots and SFR facilities
• Develop contingency plans for fuel shortages and supply disruptions

B. Operational Leadership

• Lead all operational units and promote high-performance culture
• Translate corporate strategy into operational KPIs and execution plans
• Provide strategic advice to CEO and Board on operational risks and investments
• Mentor senior operations managers and ensure succession planning

C. Logistics & Supply Chain Management

• Manage fuel transportation, depot operations, and supply chain optimization
• Improve efficiency in fuel movement, storage, and distribution systems
• Oversee digital transformation of inventory and logistics systems
• Ensure accurate stock monitoring and reduction of losses/variance

D. Risk, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with petroleum laws, environmental regulations, and HSE standards
• Implement operational safety and loss prevention systems
• Lead emergency response planning for fuel crises or depot incidents
• Conduct operational audits and implement corrective actions

E. Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as key liaison with government ministries (Energy, Finance, Transport)
• Coordinate with regulators, logistics partners, and fuel off-takers
• Engage regional petroleum organizations for best practice adoption

F. Planning, Budgeting & Performance

• Prepare annual operational plans and budgets
• Monitor KPIs such as throughput, service delivery, and efficiency
• Manage capital projects and operational expenditures
• Ensure alignment with national energy strategy

Educational Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Management, Leadership, Administration, or related field
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Energy Studies, Logistics, or related discipline
• Professional certifications in petroleum operations, logistics, or fuel supply chain management are an added advantage

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of operational experience
• At least 6 years in senior operations or executive-level roles
• Proven experience in petroleum supply chains, fuel reserves, or logistics operations
• Experience managing high-risk operational environments with public accountability

Candidates exploring similar regional operational leadership roles may find additional opportunities through Jobs in Malawi

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive executive remuneration package
• Three-year performance-based contract (renewable upon performance)
• Benefits may include housing allowance, transport allowance, medical cover, and performance bonuses aligned with state-owned enterprise structures

Training & Development

The role may provide exposure to:

• Advanced petroleum logistics and fuel reserve management systems
• Executive leadership in national energy security operations
• Crisis and emergency fuel supply management training
• Supply chain digitization and ERP-based inventory systems
• Regional energy sector collaboration and benchmarking programs

Professionals seeking cross-country operational experience in Africa may also explore Jobs in Uganda for similar energy and logistics leadership roles.

Core Competencies

Strategic & Leadership

• Executive decision-making ability
• Strong understanding of national energy security systems
• Crisis and emergency management capability
• Stakeholder engagement at government level

Technical Competencies

• Petroleum logistics and fuel storage management
• Supply chain optimization and operational planning
• HSE compliance and risk management
• Budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring

Personal Attributes

• High integrity and transparency
• Strong communication and leadership presence
• Analytical and solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to perform under pressure

Work Environment

This is a high-pressure national strategic role requiring coordination with government institutions, regulatory agencies, and international partners to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across Malawi.

For broader regional executive and energy sector opportunities, candidates may also refer to Jobs in Egypt

Contract Terms

• Three-year performance-based contract
• Renewable based on satisfactory performance
• Attractive executive remuneration aligned with public sector leadership roles

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter specifying “Director of Operations”
• Detailed CV with 3 traceable referees
• Proof of relevant professional certifications (if applicable)

Send applications to:
The Comptroller of Statutory Corporations
Department of Statutory Corporations
P.O. Box 30061
Lilongwe 3, Malawi

Closing Date: 25 Dec 2026

Additional Information

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply under the Malawi Gender Equality Act, 2013
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• No recruitment fees are charged at any stage