Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager Job Vacancy in Mulanje, Malawi – Corporate Sustainability & Community Development

Job Description

Position: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager

Company: Unilever Malawi

Location: Mulanje, Malawi

Experience: Minimum 7-10 years in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, community development, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, Environmental Science, or a related field. Master’s degree in Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainable Development, or MBA is a strong advantage.

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Corporate Sustainability & Community Development

Department: Corporate Affairs & Sustainability

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Unilever is a leading global consumer goods company with a powerful purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace. Our products are used by 3.4 billion people every day, and our portfolio includes some of the world’s most loved brands, such as Dove, Knorr, Lipton, and Omo. In Malawi, Unilever has a long-standing commitment to driving positive social impact, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth. We believe that business must be a force for good, and our Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) guides our ambition to decouple our growth from our environmental footprint while increasing our positive social impact. This role is central to embedding this purpose in our Malawian operations, particularly focusing on the Mulanje region, where we have significant agricultural and community linkages. We are looking for a visionary leader to drive our CSR strategy, ensuring it creates shared value for both the business and the communities we serve.

Job Overview

We are seeking a strategic and passionate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager to lead and execute Unilever Malawi’s sustainability and community development agenda in Mulanje. This is a pivotal role that sits at the intersection of business strategy and social impact. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring CSR initiatives that align with Unilever’s global Compass strategy and local priorities in Malawi. Your work will focus on key areas such as improving health & wellbeing, enhancing livelihoods, reducing environmental impact, and fostering inclusive business practices within our value chain. You will act as the primary liaison between the company, local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of responsible business in Malawi and create lasting, measurable change. For more Jobs in Malawi and career resources, visit our partner site.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive CSR strategy for Unilever Malawi, with a specific focus on the Mulanje operational area, aligned with global Unilever goals and local socio-economic needs.
• Lead community engagement programs, including needs assessments, partnership development, and project design in areas such as water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH), nutrition, women’s economic empowerment, and sustainable agriculture.
• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of CSR projects, including budgeting, planning, execution, monitoring & evaluation (M&E), and reporting on social return on investment (SROI).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including community leaders, local government, NGOs (e.g., UNICEF, World Vision), and development partners.
• Integrate sustainability principles into the company’s core operations and supply chain, particularly focusing on smallholder farmers and local suppliers in the Mulanje tea-growing region.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on CSR performance for internal leadership, the Unilever global team, and external audiences.
• Lead employee volunteerism and engagement programs to foster a culture of sustainability and social responsibility within the organization.
• Stay abreast of local and international trends, regulations, and best practices in CSR, sustainability, and community development to ensure Unilever Malawi remains a leader in the field.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support sustainable development and inclusive business models within the Malawian context.

Required Skills

• Exceptional strategic thinking and program management skills, with a proven ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups from rural communities to senior executives.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in managing significant project budgets and grants.
• Expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks to measure social impact.
• Deep understanding of the Malawian social, economic, and environmental landscape, particularly in rural areas.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and data analysis skills.
• High level of integrity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Proficiency in relevant software (MS Office, project management tools) and data analysis platforms.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, Environmental Science, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree in Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainable Development, Public Administration, or an MBA with a sustainability focus will be a significant advantage. Professional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) or sustainability (e.g., CSR-P) are highly desirable.

Experience

A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in corporate social responsibility, sustainability management, community development, or international development is essential. Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience in a managerial role, leading teams and complex multi-stakeholder projects. Direct experience working in the private sector, preferably within Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), agriculture, or manufacturing in Malawi or the wider SADC region is crucial. A proven track record of designing and implementing successful, large-scale CSR or community development programs with measurable outcomes is non-negotiable. Experience in partnership development with NGOs, government, and UN agencies is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical insurance for employee and dependents.
• Provident fund and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities, including potential international exposure.
• Company vehicle or transport allowance.
• Opportunity to work for a global leader in sustainability and make a tangible difference in Malawian communities.
• Dynamic and purpose-driven work environment.

Training

• Induction into Unilever’s global sustainability framework and Compass strategy.
• Specialized training in Unilever’s specific CSR methodologies and reporting standards.
• Leadership and management development programs.
• Training on advanced monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment tools.
• Opportunities to attend regional and global sustainability conferences and workshops.

Working Environment

This role is based in Mulanje, Malawi, with frequent travel required to project sites in surrounding rural communities and occasional travel to the head office in Blantyre. You will work in a hybrid environment, splitting time between office settings, field visits, and community engagements. The role demands a high level of autonomy and initiative, coupled with close collaboration with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, and Communications. You will be part of a passionate regional Africa CSR network within Unilever, offering rich opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their updated CV and a compelling cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for this role through the Unilever Careers portal. The application deadline is [Insert Date – 3 weeks from posting]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. The selection process may include multiple interview rounds and a practical case study assessment. For other Career Opportunities in Malawi and the region, explore our network.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Unilever is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We strongly encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, and individuals from all backgrounds and communities in Malawi. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business need.