POSITION OVERVIEW

The Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle, in partnership with Mary’s Meals International, seeks an experienced Operations Director to oversee our comprehensive school feeding programme serving 86 schools across Nkhotakota, Salima, and Ntchisi districts in Malawi.

This critical leadership role will ensure effective implementation of the School Feeding Programme and Community Based School Feeding Programme, supporting our mission of providing food in the place of education. The Operations Director will report directly to the Programme Coordinator while managing a diverse team of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children through nutrition and education.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Programme Management

• Direct the overall operations and day-to-day activities of both school feeding programmes across all 86 schools
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the mission and vision of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle and Mary’s Meals International
• Establish programme goals, objectives, and key performance indicators to measure success
• Monitor programme implementation and adjust as needed to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency
• Prepare comprehensive operational reports for the Programme Coordinator and partner organizations
• Identify opportunities for programme improvement, impact, good practices and expansion

Team Leadership & Management

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to the School Feeding Manager, Financial and Procurement Office and Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Officer
• Build and maintain a high-performing team through effective recruitment, training, motivation, and performance management
• Foster a collaborative work environment that promotes accountability, innovation, and professional growth
• Conduct regular staff meetings and performance evaluations
• Identify staff development needs and facilitate appropriate training opportunities
• Will be key focal point for communications with MMI, sticking to deadlines, sharing updates, representing the MCSPA SFP in all matters pertaining to the School Feeding Programme

Operations Oversight

• Ensure smooth coordination between the School Feeding Programme
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all aspects of the feeding programme
• Oversee the food supply chain, including procurement, storage, distribution, and quality control
• Implement systems to minimize waste and optimize resource utilization
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and nutritional guidelines
• Monitor kitchen facilities and feeding centre operations across all participating schools

Financial Management

• Work with the Finance and Procurement Office to develop and manage programme budgets
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability throughout all programme operations
• Monitor expenditures and maintain cost-effectiveness
• Support fundraising efforts through data collection and outcome reporting
• Maintain accurate financial records and prepare regular financial reports

Quality Assurance & Impact Measurement

• Collaborate with the Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Officer to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems
• Ensure the collection of accurate and timely data on programme performance
• Analyse programme metrics to measure impact and identify areas for improvement
• Implement quality control procedures across all programme operations
• Document and share best practices and lessons learned

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with school administrators, community leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders
• Coordinate with local communities to ensure successful implementation SFP
• Represent the programme at relevant meetings, conferences, and public events
• Collaborate with other NGOs and government agencies working in education and nutrition
• Ensure effective communication with all stakeholders about programme activities and outcomes

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate operational risks that could impact programme effectiveness
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness and response protocols
• Safeguard programme assets and resources
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all programme operations

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required but master’s degree preferred in business administration, International Development, Public Health, Nutrition, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience, with at least 3 years in senior leadership positions
• Proven experience managing large-scale food distribution, school feeding, or similar programmes in developing countries
• Experience working with international NGOs and faith-based organizations
• Prior experience in Malawi or similar contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa highly desirable

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of programme management principles and practices
• Knowledge of nutrition, food security, and education in development contexts
• Proficiency in budget management and financial oversight
• Excellent organizational and logistics management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in data analysis and impact measurement
• Adherence to Safeguarding Policies and with a current Certificate of Good Conduct
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in English required, knowledge of Chichewa or other local languages highly desirable
• Advanced computer skills including MS Office suite and programme management software
• Holder of a valid Malawian motor vehicle driving license

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to the mission and values of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle and Mary’s Meals International
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse settings
• Adaptability and resilience in challenging environments
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail
• Results-oriented with a strong work ethic
• Highest level of personal and professional integrity

WORKING CONDITIONS

Full-time position based in Benga with regular travel to schools across Nkhotakota, Salima, and Ntchisi districts (approximately 20% travel)

Work schedule may include some weekends and evenings to accommodate programme needs

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to the Programme Coordinator
• Directly supervises the School Feeding Manager, Financial and Procurement Office and Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Officer
• Through the School Feeding Manager, indirectly oversees School Feeding Officers and other programme staff

• Direct the overall operations and day-to-day activities of both school feeding programmes across all 86 schools
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the mission and vision of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle and Mary’s Meals International
• Establish programme goals, objectives, and key performance indicators to measure success
• Monitor programme implementation and adjust as needed to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency
• Prepare comprehensive operational reports for the Programme Coordinator and partner organizations
• Identify opportunities for programme improvement, impact, good practices and expansion
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to the School Feeding Manager, Financial and Procurement Office and Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Officer
• Build and maintain a high-performing team through effective recruitment, training, motivation, and performance management
• Foster a collaborative work environment that promotes accountability, innovation, and professional growth
• Conduct regular staff meetings and performance evaluations
• Identify staff development needs and facilitate appropriate training opportunities
• Will be key focal point for communications with MMI, sticking to deadlines, sharing updates, representing the MCSPA SFP in all matters pertaining to the School Feeding Programme
• Ensure smooth coordination between the School Feeding Programme
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all aspects of the feeding programme
• Oversee the food supply chain, including procurement, storage, distribution, and quality control
• Implement systems to minimize waste and optimize resource utilization
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and nutritional guidelines
• Monitor kitchen facilities and feeding centre operations across all participating schools
• Work with the Finance and Procurement Office to develop and manage programme budgets
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability throughout all programme operations
• Monitor expenditures and maintain cost-effectiveness
• Support fundraising efforts through data collection and outcome reporting
• Maintain accurate financial records and prepare regular financial reports
• Collaborate with the Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Officer to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems
• Ensure the collection of accurate and timely data on programme performance
• Analyse programme metrics to measure impact and identify areas for improvement
• Implement quality control procedures across all programme operations
• Document and share best practices and lessons learned
• Build and maintain strong relationships with school administrators, community leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders
• Coordinate with local communities to ensure successful implementation SFP
• Represent the programme at relevant meetings, conferences, and public events
• Collaborate with other NGOs and government agencies working in education and nutrition
• Ensure effective communication with all stakeholders about programme activities and outcomes
• Identify and mitigate operational risks that could impact programme effectiveness
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness and response protocols
• Safeguard programme assets and resources
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all programme operations

• Strong understanding of programme management principles and practices
• Knowledge of nutrition, food security, and education in development contexts
• Proficiency in budget management and financial oversight
• Excellent organizational and logistics management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in data analysis and impact measurement
• Adherence to Safeguarding Policies and with a current Certificate of Good Conduct
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in English required, knowledge of Chichewa or other local languages highly desirable
• Advanced computer skills including MS Office suite and programme management software
• Holder of a valid Malawian motor vehicle driving license

• Bachelor’s degree required but master’s degree preferred in business administration, International Development, Public Health, Nutrition, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience, with at least 3 years in senior leadership positions
• Proven experience managing large-scale food distribution, school feeding, or similar programmes in developing countries
• Experience working with international NGOs and faith-based organizations
• Prior experience in Malawi or similar contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa highly desirable
• Adherence to Safeguarding Policies and with a current Certificate of Good Conduct
• Holder of a valid Malawian motor vehicle driving license