ABOUT PABWALO

Pabwalo, meaning “The Knowledge Square”, is a pioneering public space being established within the National Library Service of Malawi in Lilongwe. Opening in 2026, Pabwalo is envisioned as a vibrant, inclusive hub for knowledge, arts, culture and community exchange. It reflects a shared vision of NLS, MNCU, Music Crossroads Malawi and RFL, who have collaborated for over a decade on revitalising Malawi’s intangible cultural heritage.

Pabwalo is designed to serve as a welcoming environment where Malawians of all ages can explore creativity, learning and cultural expression. The space will host a wide range of programmes that reflect Malawi’s rich cultural traditions. These programmes include:

• Traditional storytelling sessions
• Arts, crafts and creative workshops
• Screenings of world cinema and digitised archival footage
• Folk dance presentations and cultural showcases
• Lectures, readings, discussions and knowledge-sharing forums
• Exhibitions and performances by artists and cultural practitioners

Its long-term vision it to:

• strengthen Malawi’s cultural ecosystem,
• nurture creativity among children, youth and lifelong learners,
• provide opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners, and
• develop sustainable models for a modern, participatory library environment where creation and engagement stand alongside reading and research.

Over its first three years, the Pabwalo Advisory Body (NLS, MNCU, Music Crossroads Malawi and RFL) will jointly guide and support the project while building local capacity for long-term sustainability.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Pabwalo Project Manager will lead the development, coordination and delivery of all Pabwalo programmes during its first year of operation. This includes programme planning, partner engagement, budgeting, implementation, documentation and sustainability planning. The Manager will also contribute to developing income-generating activities that will support Pabwalo’s long-term viability.

This role requires a versatile, highly organised manager with strong experience in the arts, culture, events and business sectors in Malawi.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Development and Delivery

• Prioritise and implement programmes aligned with the Pabwalo concept and the existing ideas list.
• Propose new programme concepts relevant to Pabwalo’s objectives.
• Manage full programme delivery: planning, resource allocation, coordination and execution.
• Ensure availability of technical equipment and relevant experts for each activity.
• Provide ongoing report on programme processes and outcomes.
• Support public relations (PR) and communications activities for Pabwalo events.
• Engage potential partners for financial, technical and in-kind support
• Develop sustainability strategies, including business models and long-term income-generating plans.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Administration and Operations

• Propose staffing requirements for programme delivery.
• Prepare and manage programme budgets.
• Record expenditures and ensure compliance with approved budgets.
• Work closely with NLS operational staff to coordinate programme requirements, equipment usage and space maintenance.
• Support equipment care, storage and maintenance within Pabwalo.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field.

Work Experience

• At least 5 years’ professional experience in Malawi’s arts and culture sector.
• At least 5 years’ experience in event management.
• At least 10 years’ experience in the business sector.
• Experience in establishing or managing your own business is an added advantage.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong understanding of Pabwalo’s mission and values.
• Deep knowledge of Malawi’s arts, culture and heritage ecosystem.
• Familiarity with how government ministries and parastatals (e.g., NLS) operate.
• Ability to anticipate, mitigate and resolve risks and operational issues.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of operational processes
• Capacity to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required

• Prioritise and implement programmes aligned with the Pabwalo concept and the existing ideas list.
• Propose new programme concepts relevant to Pabwalo’s objectives.
• Manage full programme delivery: planning, resource allocation, coordination and execution.
• Ensure availability of technical equipment and relevant experts for each activity.
• Provide ongoing report on programme processes and outcomes.
• Support public relations (PR) and communications activities for Pabwalo events.
• Engage potential partners for financial, technical and in-kind support
• Develop sustainability strategies, including business models and long-term income-generating plans.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Propose staffing requirements for programme delivery.
• Prepare and manage programme budgets.
• Record expenditures and ensure compliance with approved budgets.
• Work closely with NLS operational staff to coordinate programme requirements, equipment usage and space maintenance.
• Support equipment care, storage and maintenance within Pabwalo.

• Strong understanding of Pabwalo’s mission and values.
• Deep knowledge of Malawi’s arts, culture and heritage ecosystem.
• Familiarity with how government ministries and parastatals (e.g., NLS) operate.
• Ability to anticipate, mitigate and resolve risks and operational issues.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of operational processes
• Capacity to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
• At least 5 years’ professional experience in Malawi’s arts and culture sector.
• At least 5 years’ experience in event management.
• At least 10 years’ experience in the business sector.
• Experience in establishing or managing your own business is an added advantage.