Job Description

Short-Term Operations Consultant – Palladium Malawi

Job Overview

Palladium International is inviting applications for the position of Short-Term Operations Consultant to support the Ireland-funded Growth Poles Project (GPP) in Lilongwe, Malawi. This is an exciting opportunity for professionals seeking careers in operations management, administration, procurement support, logistics coordination, project operations, office administration, and NGO operations consulting.

The consultant will provide operational and administrative support during a maternity leave cover period, ensuring smooth implementation of daily project activities related to sub-awards, contracts, procurement, travel logistics, office operations, inventory management, and event coordination.

This opportunity is ideal for professionals searching for operations consultant jobs in Malawi, NGO administration jobs, project operations roles, procurement support vacancies, office management careers, international development jobs, and logistics coordination positions.

To explore more employment trends and career opportunities in Malawi, visit operations jobs in Malawi

Position Details

Job Title: Short-Term Operations Consultant
Company: Palladium International
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Job Type: Fixed Contract / Consultancy
Department: Operations (Sub-Awards, Contracts & Procurement)
Reporting To: Senior Manager – Sub-Awards, Contracts & Procurement
Working Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
Contract Duration: 4 Months (Maternity Leave Cover)
Estimated Start Date: 15 May 2026
Project: Ireland-funded Growth Poles Project (GPP)
Salary: Not specified (Competitive remuneration based on qualifications and experience)

About Palladium International

Palladium is a globally recognized organization specializing in the design, development, and delivery of positive social and economic impact projects. The organization works closely with:

• Governments
• Development agencies
• Private sector organizations
• Investors and communities

Palladium delivers innovative solutions aimed at improving economic development, livelihoods, climate resilience, governance systems, and social wellbeing worldwide.

The organization strongly promotes:

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
• Equal employment opportunities
• Innovation and collaborative work cultures
• Professional development and safeguarding standards

Professionals interested in international NGO careers, development sector jobs, and operations support consultancy opportunities are encouraged to apply.

For broader NGO and administration career opportunities in East Africa, you may also visit operations jobs in Uganda

About the Growth Poles Project (GPP)

The Growth Poles Project (GPP) is a five-year programme funded by Ireland and implemented by Palladium International to support sustainable economic growth in Malawi.

Project Objectives

The project aims to:

• Accelerate socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable wealth creation
• Mobilize private sector investment
• Strengthen partnerships with businesses and local communities
• Promote climate-smart technologies
• Improve resilience and productivity of smallholder farmers

The selected consultant will support the operational efficiency of this high-impact development initiative.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to ensure uninterrupted operational support during maternity leave coverage.

The consultant will contribute to:

• Efficient operational processes
• Administrative coordination
• Logistics and procurement support
• Inventory and transport management
• Event and travel coordination
• Documentation and compliance tracking

Success in this assignment will be measured through:

• Timely operational support delivery
• Accurate inventory and petty cash records
• Efficient travel and event logistics coordination
• Proper documentation and reporting systems
• Submission of monthly work reports and timesheets

Candidates with experience in operations coordination, project administration, logistics support, or office management will find this opportunity highly suitable.

For more regional career opportunities in administration and development programmes, visit operations jobs in Tanzania

Key Job Responsibilities

1. Office Administration & Inventory Management

The selected consultant will support daily office operations and inventory systems.

Responsibilities Include:

• Maintain and replenish office supplies and stationery
• Keep accurate inventory and stock records
• Coordinate office maintenance requirements
• Monitor office operational needs and ensure continuity of services
• Support administrative functions across project teams

Professionals with experience in office administration, inventory management, or facility coordination are encouraged to apply.

Event & Travel Logistics Coordination

The consultant will support project logistics for events and field activities.

Key Duties:

• Coordinate travel arrangements and logistics
• Organize:
  • Venue bookings
  • Accommodation arrangements
  • Transport schedules
• Prepare logistics for:
  • Workshops
  • Training sessions
  • Internal meetings
  • Field tours
• Manage invitations and attendance tracking for events
• Provide on-site support during meetings and workshops

Applicants with experience in event coordination, travel management, project logistics, or conference support will have an advantage.

Procurement & Vendor Support

The consultant will assist with procurement-related operational activities.

Responsibilities Include:

• Support micro-purchases and quotation processes
• Assist in procurement documentation and delivery tracking
• Receive and document procured items
• Ensure proper storage and inventory management of supplies
• Prepare vendor payment documentation for review and submission
• Assist with procurement compliance and supporting paperwork

Candidates with knowledge of procurement systems, vendor management, purchasing administration, or contract support are highly preferred.

Transport & Fleet Coordination

The role involves maintaining transport schedules and monitoring fleet records.

Key Responsibilities:

• Update weekly transport schedules
• Verify vehicle logbooks for accuracy
• Report transport irregularities and anomalies to senior management
• Coordinate transport logistics for staff and project activities

Experience in fleet coordination, transport administration, or vehicle logistics management is beneficial.

Office Support Staff Supervision

The consultant will support coordination of office support teams.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assist in supervising office support staff including:
  • Cleaners
  • Security guards
• Monitor assigned duties and performance standards
• Support smooth office functioning through effective coordination

Applicants with people coordination skills and team supervision experience are encouraged to apply.

Reporting & Documentation

The consultant will maintain proper project documentation and reporting systems.

Duties Include:

• Maintain operational and logistics records
• Track procurement and support activities
• Produce monthly operational reports
• Maintain accurate timesheet logs
• Ensure clear documentation for accountability and compliance purposes

Professionals experienced in report writing, project administration, or documentation management will have an advantage.

Education Requirements

Required Qualification

Applicants must possess:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field

Relevant areas may include:

• Business Administration
• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Procurement & Logistics
• Public Administration
• Project Management or related disciplines

Additional certifications in operations, logistics, procurement, or administration are considered an advantage.

Experience Requirements

Candidates should possess:

• 1–3 years of relevant experience in:
  • Administrative support
  • Operations coordination
  • Logistics management
  • Office administration
  • Procurement support roles

Preferred Experience

Experience in:

• NGOs or donor-funded projects
• International development organizations
• Project administration environments
• Operations and logistics support functions

is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

Technical Skills

• Strong Microsoft Excel and Word proficiency
• Record keeping and documentation skills
• Procurement and logistics coordination abilities
• Data tracking and operational reporting experience

Communication Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams and stakeholders

Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to identify operational challenges and propose practical solutions
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Fluency in English
• Fluency in Chichewa

Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail
• Highly organized and dependable
• Self-motivated and adaptable
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Not specified by Palladium. A competitive package is expected based on qualifications and relevant experience.

Potential benefits may include:

• Professional exposure within an international NGO environment
• Experience working on donor-funded development programmes
• Skills development in operations and procurement systems
• Networking opportunities in international development

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunity Commitment

Palladium is committed to:

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Equal employment opportunities
• Safeguarding vulnerable individuals and communities

Successful candidates will undergo:

• Safeguarding-focused interviews
• Enhanced due diligence checks
• Background verification processes

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter
• Copies of Academic Certificates

Applicants must clearly indicate:

“Short-Term Operations Consultant” in the email subject line when submitting applications.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.