Introduction

The Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) is a world-class health research institution committed to improving health through research, capacity building, and strong partnerships.

The Malawi–Liverpool–Wellcome Programme (MLW) is seeking to hire a Resource Mobilization Manager who shall be based within the Finance department and reporting to the Head of Finance.

POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE)

The Resource Mobilisation Manager will lead the design and execution of MLW’s institutional fundraising and sustainability strategy, aimed at diversifying and expanding funding sources beyond traditional Wellcome support. The role focuses on cultivating partnerships with corporates, foundations, philanthropies, and international donors; developing an unrestricted income stream; and establishing an endowment fund to enhance MLW’s long-term financial resilience.

This position is central to delivering MLW’s seven-year (2025–2032) strategic funding plan and advancing institutional sustainability.

Responsibilities

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Resource Mobilisation

• Develop and implement MLW’s Resource Mobilisation Strategy, aligned with the institutional financial sustainability framework.
• Identify, assess, and pursue new funding opportunities from bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, corporates, and philanthropists.
• Maintain an active pipeline of funding prospects, aligned with MLW’s research priorities, infrastructure, and training agenda.
• Lead the preparation of concept notes, proposals, and partnership pitches in collaboration with Research, Training, and Operations teams.
• Coordinate fundraising priorities with the Head of Finance, COO, and Director to ensure strategic alignment and impact.

Corporate and Local Partnership Development

• Engage with Malawian corporates, financial institutions, and CSR programmes to identify partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
• Develop a structured framework for corporate giving, sponsorships, and joint initiatives, ensuring adherence to MLW’s ethical and governance standards.
• Design innovative private-sector engagement strategies, including events, donor recognition schemes, and stewardship programmes.

Unrestricted and Endowment Fund Development

• Lead the establishment and operationalisation of MLW’s Unrestricted Fund, including governance frameworks, fundraising campaigns, and policies.
• Design and execute a multi-year endowment fund strategy, targeting contributions from international and local philanthropic sources.
• Work with Finance to ensure robust investment management, transparent reporting, and donor accountability for both endowment and unrestricted funds.
• Develop strategic communication campaigns that position MLW as a trusted African-led research institution for sustainable philanthropic investment.

Stakeholder Engagement and Visibility

• Strengthen and expand relationships with key stakeholders, including Wellcome, the University of Liverpool, LSTM, KUHeS, and development partners.
• Collaborate with the Communications Unit to create impact narratives, case studies, and donor engagement materials.
• Represent MLW at fundraising, networking, and partnership events, locally and internationally.

Internal Capacity Building and Coordination

• Establish and chair a cross-departmental fundraising working group to coordinate funding efforts across research, training, and operations.
• Build internal capacity in proposal development, donor relationship management, and funding opportunity tracking.
• Maintain an accurate and dynamic partner and donor database to support institutional decision-making.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Growth in total external (non-Wellcome) income relative to baseline (annual targets to be defined).
• Establishment and operationalisation of Unrestricted and Endowment Funds within 12–18 months.
• Number and cumulative value of new funding partnerships (corporate, foundation, or bilateral).
• Volume and quality of funding opportunities identified and pursued.
• Strength of internal systems and reporting mechanisms for fundraising performance.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• Master’s degree in finance, Business Development, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Professional certification in fundraising, business development, or investment management will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in resource mobilisation, fundraising, donor relations, or investment-related roles.
• Proven ability to design and implement fundraising strategies in research, higher education, or non-profit settings.
• Demonstrated success in engaging corporates, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals for funding or partnerships.
• Familiarity with African philanthropy ecosystems, CSR trends, and donor compliance requirements.
• Experience establishing or managing endowment or unrestricted funds will be a strong asset.

Core Competencies

• Strong strategic and analytical thinking with business development acumen.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, including proposal and pitch writing.
• Strong relationship management and networking skills across diverse stakeholders.
• High financial literacy with understanding of investment principles and donor reporting.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial, and able to work independently while leading teams.
• Unwavering integrity and alignment with MLW’s values of excellence, transparency, and accountability.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

MLW offers an attractive remuneration package which includes a competitive salary package commensurate with the position, a medical aid scheme, 24-hour insurance cover, pension scheme, gratuity benefits redeemable at the end of each contract cycle, among others.

MLW also offers opportunities such as scholarships, upgrading and training opportunities to employees. These are based on successful job performance and other set criteria.

Further details of the organization and the role can be found by visiting our website: www.mlw.mw

Applications must be received no later than 31 December 2025.

Interested candidates should submit their application, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and supporting documents, together with the names and contact details of three traceable referees (including at least two professional referees), to vacancies@mlw.mw. All application documents must be combined into a single PDF file. The subject line should clearly state the position being applied for, for example: Resource Mobilization Manager.

MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.

ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.

• Develop and implement MLW’s Resource Mobilisation Strategy, aligned with the institutional financial sustainability framework.
• Identify, assess, and pursue new funding opportunities from bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, corporates, and philanthropists.
• Maintain an active pipeline of funding prospects, aligned with MLW’s research priorities, infrastructure, and training agenda.
• Lead the preparation of concept notes, proposals, and partnership pitches in collaboration with Research, Training, and Operations teams.
• Coordinate fundraising priorities with the Head of Finance, COO, and Director to ensure strategic alignment and impact.
• Engage with Malawian corporates, financial institutions, and CSR programmes to identify partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
• Develop a structured framework for corporate giving, sponsorships, and joint initiatives, ensuring adherence to MLW’s ethical and governance standards.
• Design innovative private-sector engagement strategies, including events, donor recognition schemes, and stewardship programmes.
• Lead the establishment and operationalisation of MLW’s Unrestricted Fund, including governance frameworks, fundraising campaigns, and policies.
• Design and execute a multi-year endowment fund strategy, targeting contributions from international and local philanthropic sources.
• Work with Finance to ensure robust investment management, transparent reporting, and donor accountability for both endowment and unrestricted funds.
• Develop strategic communication campaigns that position MLW as a trusted African-led research institution for sustainable philanthropic investment.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with key stakeholders, including Wellcome, the University of Liverpool, LSTM, KUHeS, and development partners.
• Collaborate with the Communications Unit to create impact narratives, case studies, and donor engagement materials.
• Represent MLW at fundraising, networking, and partnership events, locally and internationally.
• Establish and chair a cross-departmental fundraising working group to coordinate funding efforts across research, training, and operations.
• Build internal capacity in proposal development, donor relationship management, and funding opportunity tracking.
• Maintain an accurate and dynamic partner and donor database to support institutional decision-making.

• Strong strategic and analytical thinking with business development acumen.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, including proposal and pitch writing.
• Strong relationship management and networking skills across diverse stakeholders.
• High financial literacy with understanding of investment principles and donor reporting.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial, and able to work independently while leading teams.
• Unwavering integrity and alignment with MLW’s values of excellence, transparency, and accountability.

• Master’s degree in finance, Business Development, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Professional certification in fundraising, business development, or investment management will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in resource mobilisation, fundraising, donor relations, or investment-related roles.
• Proven ability to design and implement fundraising strategies in research, higher education, or non-profit settings.
• Demonstrated success in engaging corporates, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals for funding or partnerships.
• Familiarity with African philanthropy ecosystems, CSR trends, and donor compliance requirements.
• Experience establishing or managing endowment or unrestricted funds will be a strong asset.