BACKGROUND

Mzuzu University (MZUNI) was modelled on the principle of self-sustenance and less dependence on Government budgets. Accordingly, the Mzuzu University Act (1997) entrenched the establishment of the Mzuzu University Trust Fund and the creation of a Board of Trustees in Section 13 of the Act.

The Trust was endorsed by the Government of Malawi through a Trust Deed of May 5, 1998. It is a tool and legal mechanism through which the University can enter into business and commercial dealings and transactions with both the public and private sectors.

A rare opportunity has arisen to engage the services of qualified persons to fill the positions of Business Development Officer and Trust Fund Accountant, tenable at the University’s Trust Fund Secretariat in Mzuzu.

1.0 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Summary of the Job

Reporting to the Trust Fund Manager, the Business Development Officer will be responsible for proactively developing and building a pipeline of investment project opportunities that provide for new business investments, new customer relationships and assist in managing existing business investments and customers for long-term business growth and success of the Trust Fund.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Writing bankable business investment proposals – investigating and compiling investment project proposals in line with business appraisal requirements of the Mzuzu University Trust Fund.
• Implementing approved investment project proposals.
• Producing quarterly progress reports on business investments made by the Trust Fund and submitting these to Management.
• Maintaining and developing a business investment and customer/stakeholder database and ensuring that these are regularly contacted and visited.
• Carrying out market, competitor and customer surveys to ensure that business opportunities and other viable income streams are exploited.
• Analyzing current and past financial data to inform strategies for cutting costs and increasing revenue as well as determining viable approaches to pursuing new business opportunities.
• Identifying and developing new markets for the Trust Fund and its business investments.
• Drawing up agreements and MOUs on approved business investment proposals and ensuring that these are duly executed by all parties involved.
• Managing and retaining relationships with existing business partners and donors.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum first degree in Economics, Finance, Business or Marketing from a reputable and accredited institution recognized by Mzuzu University Trust Fund.
• Proficiency in computer application packages including Stata, Eviews, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Drive.
• Strong business acumen and ability to successfully develop and pitch ideas to potential investors.
• At least 5 years post-qualification relevant experience in business and economic analysis.
• Experience in institutions of higher learning will be an added advantage.

Competencies and Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate must:

• Have business management skills with a bias in managerial economics, project management, fundraising, marketing and business development.
• Have excellent quantitative, analytical, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Have good interpersonal skills and ability to deal with a diverse workforce.
• Be able to work independently and meet established deadlines.

2.0 TRUST FUND ACCOUNTANT

Summary of the Job

Reporting to the Trust Fund Manager, the accountant will be responsible for managing all financial transactions, ensuring that the Trust Fund’s financial records are accurate and up-to-date, and providing financial analysis and reporting to management.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Overseeing the financial operations of the Trust Fund and its business units, including budgeting, forecasting, and accounting.
• Working closely with the management team to ensure that financial goals are met.
• Preparing budgets and financial reports for management.
• Reviewing and analyzing financial statements.
• Ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• Reviewing and approving financial statements.
• Ensuring the accuracy of all financial transactions.
• Overseeing the preparation of annual budgets.
• Monitoring actual results against budgeted amounts.
• Providing financial analysis and advice to hotel management.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Over 3 years’ experience working in a busy accounting/finance field will be an added advantage.

Competencies and Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate must:

• Have excellent quantitative, analytical, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Have good interpersonal skills and ability to work with a diverse workforce.
• Be able to work independently and meet established deadlines.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Writing bankable business investment proposals – investigating and compiling investment project proposals in line with business appraisal requirements of the Mzuzu University Trust Fund.
• Implementing approved investment project proposals.
• Producing quarterly progress reports on business investments made by the Trust Fund and submitting these to Management.
• Maintaining and developing a business investment and customer/stakeholder database and ensuring that these are regularly contacted and visited.
• Carrying out market, competitor and customer surveys to ensure that business opportunities and other viable income streams are exploited.
• Analyzing current and past financial data to inform strategies for cutting costs and increasing revenue as well as determining viable approaches to pursuing new business opportunities.
• Identifying and developing new markets for the Trust Fund and its business investments.
• Drawing up agreements and MOUs on approved business investment proposals and ensuring that these are duly executed by all parties involved.
• Managing and retaining relationships with existing business partners and donors.
• Overseeing the financial operations of the Trust Fund and its business units, including budgeting, forecasting, and accounting.
• Working closely with the management team to ensure that financial goals are met.
• Preparing budgets and financial reports for management.
• Reviewing and analyzing financial statements.
• Ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• Reviewing and approving financial statements.
• Ensuring the accuracy of all financial transactions.
• Overseeing the preparation of annual budgets.
• Monitoring actual results against budgeted amounts.
• Providing financial analysis and advice to hotel management.

• Proficiency in computer application packages including Stata, Eviews, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Drive.
• Strong business acumen and ability to successfully develop and pitch ideas to potential investors.
• Business management skills with a bias in managerial economics, project management, fundraising, marketing and business development.
• Excellent quantitative, analytical, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to deal with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to work independently and meet established deadlines.
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Minimum first degree in Economics, Finance, Business or Marketing from a reputable and accredited institution recognized by Mzuzu University Trust Fund.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.