Cultural Heritage Conservation Architect Job Vacancy in Mzuzu, Malawi – Heritage Preservation & Architecture

Architect Assistant
Mzuzu
July 21, 2026
Full Time
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Job Description

Position:Cultural Heritage Conservation Architect

Company:Aga Khan Trust for Culture

Location:Mzuzu, Malawi

Experience:5-8 years

Education:Master’s degree in Architecture, Heritage Conservation, or related field

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Heritage Preservation & Architecture

Department:Cultural Heritage & Conservation

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) is a leading international organization dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of cultural heritage in the developing world. With a distinguished history spanning decades, AKTC works to safeguard historic cities, restore significant monuments, and create parks and gardens that improve the quality of life in communities across Africa and Asia. In Malawi, AKTC is embarking on a landmark initiative to document, conserve, and revitalize the unique architectural heritage of the Northern Region, focusing on historically significant structures and urban fabrics that tell the story of Malawi’s rich cultural tapestry. Our approach integrates technical conservation with community engagement, sustainable development, and skills training, ensuring that heritage preservation contributes to social and economic progress. This position represents a unique opportunity to join a globally respected team working at the intersection of culture, architecture, and sustainable development in one of Africa’s most culturally diverse nations.

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Cultural Heritage Conservation Architect to lead our conservation projects in Northern Malawi. This senior role involves the architectural documentation, condition assessment, conservation planning, and hands-on supervision of restoration works for historic buildings and sites. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise in conservation architecture with a deep understanding of Malawian building traditions, materials, and climate-responsive design. You will work closely with local craftspeople, engineers, archaeologists, and community stakeholders to develop and implement conservation strategies that respect authenticity while ensuring structural integrity and sustainable use. This position offers the chance to shape the future of Malawi’s built heritage, contributing to cultural identity, tourism development, and community pride. For more career opportunities in Malawi, visit https://malawijobsearch.com.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct detailed architectural surveys, measured drawings, and photographic documentation of historic buildings and sites using both traditional and digital techniques (including photogrammetry and 3D scanning).
  • Prepare comprehensive condition assessment reports, identifying pathologies, structural issues, and material decay, and propose appropriate conservation methodologies.
  • Develop conservation design proposals, detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities for restoration and adaptive reuse projects.
  • Supervise and provide technical guidance to on-site conservation teams, local artisans, and contractors, ensuring adherence to international conservation charters (Venice Charter, Burra Charter) and best practices.
  • Research and analyze traditional building techniques, materials (such as sun-dried brick, lime mortar, thatch), and craft skills specific to Malawi’s Northern Region.
  • Liaise with government authorities, including the Department of Museums and Monuments, local councils, and traditional authorities, to secure necessary permits and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Design and deliver training workshops for local masons, carpenters, and apprentices in traditional building skills and conservation techniques.
  • Prepare project progress reports, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and documentation for donor reporting.
  • Integrate principles of environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and accessibility into all conservation designs.
  • Contribute to the development of management plans for conserved heritage sites, including maintenance schedules and guidelines for future interventions.

Required Skills

  • Expert proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite for architectural drawing and presentation.
  • Strong knowledge of historic construction methods, structural behavior of traditional buildings, and conservation materials science.
  • Excellent project management abilities, with experience managing budgets, timelines, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, from community elders to government officials.
  • Proven research and analytical skills, with experience in archival research and building archaeology.
  • Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of Chichewa or Tumbuka is a significant advantage.
  • Adaptability and problem-solving skills to work in resource-constrained environments with limited access to specialized materials.
  • A deep commitment to ethical conservation practice, community participation, and cultural sensitivity.

Education

A Master’s degree in Architecture with a specialization in Architectural Conservation, Heritage Management, or a closely related field is required. Professional registration with a recognized architectural body (or eligibility for such) is preferred. Additional certification in heritage conservation (e.g., from ICCROM, Getty, or similar institutions) will be highly regarded.

Experience

A minimum of 5-8 years of progressive professional experience in architectural conservation, with at least 3 years spent working on heritage projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Candidates must demonstrate a hands-on portfolio of completed conservation projects, showing experience from documentation through to site supervision. Experience working with international development agencies, NGOs, or multilateral organizations on cultural heritage projects is highly desirable.

Benefits

  • Competitive international salary package with hardship allowance.
  • Comprehensive health, medical evacuation, and life insurance coverage.
  • Annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus public holidays.
  • Housing allowance or provision of suitable accommodation.
  • Professional development fund for conferences and further training.
  • Mobilization and demobilization travel support.
  • Opportunity to work on projects of global cultural significance.
  • Exposure to a network of international conservation experts and institutions.

Training

  • Induction program on AKTC’s conservation philosophy and project management systems.
  • Specialized training in documentation techniques for earthen architecture and timber structures.
  • Opportunities for short courses with partner institutions like the University of Cape Town or the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation.
  • Leadership and community engagement training.
  • Regular technical workshops on specific conservation challenges relevant to the Malawian context.

Working Environment

You will be based in Mzuzu, the vibrant capital of Malawi’s Northern Region, with frequent travel to project sites in rural and urban areas. The role involves a combination of office-based design work and extensive field work, often in remote locations with basic amenities. You will lead a small, dedicated team of conservation professionals and work in close collaboration with Malawian counterparts. The position requires resilience, cultural adaptability, and a passion for hands-on, collaborative work that makes a tangible difference to Malawi’s cultural landscape.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, a cover letter specifically addressing their experience in African heritage conservation, and a digital portfolio (max 10MB) showcasing relevant project work. Applications must be submitted through the AKTC online recruitment portal. The deadline for applications is 21 August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, which may be conducted virtually. For other job vacancies in the region, explore https://botswanajobsearch.com/job-vacancy-in-botswana/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from qualified Malawian nationals and from women, who are underrepresented in the field of conservation architecture. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We provide a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Discover more employment in Malawi and neighboring countries at https://rwandajobsearch.com/.