Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The Hunger Project Malawi (THP-Mw), is a branch of The Hunger Project Global, a non-profit, organization committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. Our vision is a world without hunger. Our mission is to facilitate individual and collective action to transform the systems of inequity that create hunger and cause it to persist. THP-Mw has been operating in Malawi since 1999 and is currently running programmes and projects in the following districts: Blantyre, Chikwawa, Neno, Nsanje, Machinga and Rumphi.

THP-Mw is looking for qualified, experienced and motivated personnel with strong work ethics to fill the following vacancies. All positions are tenable at the Head Office in Blantyre and are on a fixed period contract (Annual) renewable contingent to continued donor funding and individual employee performance.

Position Summary

The Senior Grants Officer plays a key role in ensuring the organization’s financial integrity and compliance with its grants. This position monitors grant budgets, reports donor financials, and complies with funding agreements. It requires a detail-oriented professional supporting financial oversight while working in a lean structure. The position reports to the Head of Finance.

Responsibilities or duties

Grant Budget & Financial Management

• Develop, track, analyze, and manage grant budgets to ensure funds are spent according to donor agreements.
• Support in budget forecasting, reallocation requests, and financial projections for grant funds.
• Provide monthly and quarterly financial grant updates to the Head of Finance (HoF).
• Monitor and report variances between actual expenses and grant budgets, ensuring corrective action if needed.

Donor Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for donors in liaison with project accountants and ensuring compliance with funding agreements.
• Ensure financial transactions comply with donor requirements.
• Track restricted and unrestricted funding sources, ensuring proper allocation.
• Prepare documentation and assist in external and internal grant audits.
• Support development and review of (sub) grant budgets; provide training and support to partner implementation organizations as needed.

Financial Oversight & Internal Controls

• Maintain proper documentation agreements, budget financial records, modifications, of grant and
• Ensure that grant expenses align with organizational policies and donor guidelines.
• Work with program teams to ensure eligible and allowable expenses are allocated to grants.
• Develop grant reconciliation reports to support month-end and year-end financial close.

Administrative & Finance Support

• Assist with payroll allocations related to donor-funded projects.
• Work with project managers to train and strengthen financial literacy regarding grants.
• Support the Head of Finance in funding proposal development and budget submissions.
• Maintain a grant compliance calendar, ensuring all deadlines for reporting and audits are met.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or its equivalent and a certified Accountant recognized by ICAM with excellent analytical skills and vast knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).
• Knowledge of donor compliance frameworks (USAID, European Union, UN agencies, private foundations).
• Strong proficiency in financial software such as Sage and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong understanding of Malawian tax and labor laws related to NGOs.
• English proficiency is required
• High level of accuracy and confidentiality.

Experience needed

• Minimum 3 years of experience in grant financial management, budget oversight, or nonprofit finance.
• Experience in preparing financial reports and variance analysis for donors.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in an NGO.
• Experience working in an international or regional NGO with multiple grants.
• Familiarity with procurement, due diligence, and financial risk management.
• Ability to train and support non-financial staff in financial literacy and compliance.
• Experience managing global country budgets between USD 2.5 million

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

The Hunger Project Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. THP-Mw does not tolerate any form of sexual misconduct and is committed to the protection of children from abuse, therefore, successful candidates will be subjected to rigorous background checks and control

• Develop, track, analyze, and manage grant budgets to ensure funds are spent according to donor agreements.
• Support in budget forecasting, reallocation requests, and financial projections for grant funds.
• Provide monthly and quarterly financial grant updates to the Head of Finance (HoF).
• Monitor and report variances between actual expenses and grant budgets, ensuring corrective action if needed.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for donors in liaison with project accountants and ensuring compliance with funding agreements.
• Ensure financial transactions comply with donor requirements.
• Track restricted and unrestricted funding sources, ensuring proper allocation.
• Prepare documentation and assist in external and internal grant audits.
• Support development and review of (sub) grant budgets; provide training and support to partner implementation organizations as needed.
• Maintain proper documentation agreements, budget financial records, modifications, of grant and
• Ensure that grant expenses align with organizational policies and donor guidelines.
• Work with program teams to ensure eligible and allowable expenses are allocated to grants.
• Develop grant reconciliation reports to support month-end and year-end financial close.
• Assist with payroll allocations related to donor-funded projects.
• Work with project managers to train and strengthen financial literacy regarding grants.
• Support the Head of Finance in funding proposal development and budget submissions.
• Maintain a grant compliance calendar, ensuring all deadlines for reporting and audits are met.

• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong proficiency in financial software such as Sage
• Advanced Excel skills
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Familiarity with procurement, due diligence, and financial risk management
• Ability to train and support non-financial staff in financial literacy and compliance
• High level of accuracy and confidentiality

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or its equivalent
• Certified Accountant recognized by ICAM
• Vast knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP)
• Knowledge of donor compliance frameworks (USAID, European Union, UN agencies, private foundations)
• Strong understanding of Malawian tax and labor laws related to NGOs
• English proficiency is required