Research Director

The MwAPATA Institute seeks to recruit a highly motivated, proactive, service-oriented, and energetic individual to serve as Research Director, based in Lilongwe. The successful candidate will play a leading role in planning, coordinating, and implementing research programs in accordance with the Institute’s strategy, policies, and procedures. He/she will coordinate the creation of research teams and collaborations that understand the Institute’s research direction, and he/she will communicate the direction of research to inspire team members to reach goals.

The Research Director will closely work with the Institute’s leadership in strengthening collaboration, visibility, and uptake of evidence across government, private sector, civil development partners. In addition, the Research Director will support the continued establishment of Institute’s capacity to conduct research that meets the highest international standards and ensure MwAPATA is a valued partner to Government, the nongovernmental organization community, and the private sector in agriculture.

Key tasks shall include:

1. Coordinating the preparation of the research component of the Institute’s agenda, work plan and budgets.
2. Organizing teams of research supervisors, rescarch fellows and research analysts to carry out specific tasks on the research agenda.
3. Providing regular reports to the Executive Director on the status of research activities.
4. Providing leadership to teams conducting research and policy analysis on agricultural, natural resources management, and rural development policy issues.
5. Ensuring research activities are implemented as planned and within budget.
6. Ensuring that MwAPATA’s research products meet the highest international standards of quality and rigor.
7. Reviewing and provide final approval for research concept notes, working papers, policy briefs, and policy perspectives.
8. Supporting research staff in the preparation of manuscripts for submissions to peer-reviewed journals.
9. Identifying capacity building needs of the research staff and organizing capacity building seminars.
10. Supporting translation of research into concrete policy guidance and implementation.
11. Coordinating with the Communications Team in organizing and participating in brown bags, workshops, seminars, and conferences for dissemination of research outputs and outcomes.
12. Performing other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director.

Click this link for the detailed terms of reference and application procedure.

Please email detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter to recruitment@mwapata.mw stating the position being applied for in the subject line. The closing date for submission of applications is 25th March 2026.