Background

Press Trust, Malawi’s foremost local charitable institution, seeks the services of an Operations Officer. The position is tenable in Lilongwe.

Press Trust is a Trust Fund which is governed by the Press Trust Reconstruction Act of 1995 and administered for the benefit of the people of Malawi. The Trust holds a diversified commercial investment portfolio in both listed and unlisted securities. The mission of Press Trust is to invest in the productive sectors of the economy and fund diverse socio-economic development programmes throughout the country.

JOB PURPOSE

The incumbent will report to the Operations Manager and will be responsible for assisting in formulating sound investment strategies; preparing investment plans; appraising commercial investment projects; implementing and monitoring viable investment projects; and evaluating investment activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research on the viable investment opportunities for the Trust in line with national priorities.
• Assist in the preparation of sound investment strategies and advising both management and the Board on viable investments.
• Assist in reviewing and preparing investment policies and medium-term investment plans and budgets for the Trust.
• Assist in the appraisal of investment proposals and examine technical, economic and financial aspects thereof and make appropriate recommendations to Management and the Board of Trustees.
• Assist in the recruitment of relevant investment advisors.
• Analyse investment reports and draw appropriate recommendations for management and the Board.
• Prepare flexible financial models capable of testing different investment scenarios.
• Assist in the implementation of approved commercial investment projects.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluation of commercial investments;
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports on investments to Management and the Board of Trustees.
• Assist in managing socio-development projects of the Trust at all levels.
• Perform any other duties assigned from time to time.

REQUIREMENTS AND KEY COMPETENCIES

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business from an accredited tertiary education institution. Those studying towards CFA certification or any related investment field will have an added advantage.

Experience: Not less than 3 years of hands-on experience in dealing with commercial investments, project and corporate financing.

Key Competencies/Attributes and Skills: Project management and strategic management skills; Good understanding of the various sectors of the Malawi economy; Thorough knowledge of international investment portfolios; Effective negotiation skills; Excellent communications and interpersonal skills; Excellent analytical and computer skills; and excellent team player.

• Research on the viable investment opportunities for the Trust in line with national priorities.
• Assist in the preparation of sound investment strategies and advising both management and the Board on viable investments.
• Assist in reviewing and preparing investment policies and medium-term investment plans and budgets for the Trust.
• Assist in the appraisal of investment proposals and examine technical, economic and financial aspects thereof and make appropriate recommendations to Management and the Board of Trustees.
• Assist in the recruitment of relevant investment advisors.
• Analyse investment reports and draw appropriate recommendations for management and the Board.
• Prepare flexible financial models capable of testing different investment scenarios.
• Assist in the implementation of approved commercial investment projects.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluation of commercial investments;
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports on investments to Management and the Board of Trustees.
• Assist in managing socio-development projects of the Trust at all levels.
• Perform any other duties assigned from time to time.

• Project management skills
• Strategic management skills
• Good understanding of the various sectors of the Malawi economy
• Thorough knowledge of international investment portfolios
• Effective negotiation skills
• Excellent communications skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent team player

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business from an accredited tertiary education institution.
• Studying towards CFA certification or any related investment field will have an added advantage.