Pact seeks a Fisheries Governance & Decentralization Specialist for the anticipated USAID-funded Lake Malawi Fisheries Conservation Project, which seeks to build on over three decades of work focused on addressing threats to the biodiversity and natural resources of Lake Malawi that are important to the economic resilience and food security of Malawians as well as global conservation efforts. The new activity aims to strengthen economic, regulatory, and social governance mechanisms that effectively conserve the exceptional biodiversity of Lake Malawi and deliver sustainable, profitable, and equitable wild-caught fisheries in priority areas of the Lake.​ This is anticipated to be a five-year activity (2024-2029). This is a Malawi-based local position open to Malawian nationals and individuals with legal authorization to work in Malawi without employer sponsorship. This position is contingent upon award.

The Fisheries Governance & Decentralization Specialist will serve as a key advisor to the Chief of Party and will be responsible for managing and directing governance activities.

The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are:

• Provide expertise in natural resource governance, including identifying strengths and gaps and developing and implementing program strategies to strengthen institutional capacities.
• Provide direct technical assistance to government, partners and community structures in areas including legal frameworks, policy analysis, advocacy, participatory governance, transparency and accountability.
• Conduct needs assessments and organizational analyses for governance and community structures.
• Supervise/oversee relevant program staff and partners.
• Contribute to preparation of annual work plans and other aspects of the program strategy.
• Assist in managing effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting and learning.

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management and/or biodiversity conservation, environmental or climate change-related studies, agriculture, and governance, local development, public administration. (A Master’s degree and 5 years of experience may be considered in lieu of Bachelor’s plus 7 years of technical expertise.)
• At least 7 years of demonstrated technical expertise, with substantial developing country experience in development and implementation of innovative strategies within their subject areas and experience and expertise to effectively provide technical assistance and oversee the design and implementation of national and community-level activities.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated excellence in a management position, preferably including direct supervision of professional and support staff, quality, evaluation of staff performance and deliverables, and contract/grant management.
• Ability to organize and conduct trainings and technical workshops related to the subject matter.
• Experience and skills necessary for facilitating collaborative approaches to management of shared natural resources such as trans-boundary watercourses and bodies.
• Proven track record of working on design of capacity development programs in local governance.
• Proven track record contribution to knowledge management and policy development.
• Excellent track record as a local government trainer.
• A thorough understanding of issues relating to climate change adaption and fisheries management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
• Ability to work in Malawi without employment sponsorship.