WILDLIFE CRIME PROGRAM OFFICER

OVERVIEW

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global organisation dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people. Through conservation, animal welfare, and community engagement initiatives, IFAW works with governments, partners, and communities to protect wildlife and promote sustainable coexistence between people and animals.

IFAW invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Wildlife Crime Program Officer, based in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The successful candidate will lead the implementation of IFAW's Wildlife Crime Program (WCP) in Malawi, with a primary focus on the Kasungu-Lukusuzi MAZALA Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) landscape. The role will strengthen the capacity of key partner agencies to tackle wildlife crime, particularly within Kasungu National Park.

The position forms part of IFAW's broader conservation approach, which includes protected-area investment, landscape conservation, research, infrastructure development, ranger welfare, community engagement, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

JOB TYPE: Full Time

Date Posted: Thursday, 22nd October 2026

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 18th November 2026

Duty Station: Lilongwe, Malawi

Work Arrangement: Hybrid – two (2) days per week in the office

Reports to: Country Director, with close collaboration with the Program Director, Wildlife Crime

Hiring Range: MWK 23,074,000 – MWK 28,000,000

POSITION: WILDLIFE CRIME PROGRAM OFFICER

JOB SUMMARY

The Wildlife Crime Program Officer will provide tactical law enforcement support to the ranger force in Kasungu National Park through training, mentoring, and the delivery and oversight of financial and technical resources, including equipment, logistics, and operational support.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Park Manager, Law Enforcement Officer, and Investigation and Intelligence Unit Team Leader to strengthen the park's law enforcement operations.

The role will also be responsible for implementing IFAW's Combating Wildlife Crime (CWC) Strategy in the landscape and operationalising the Kasungu Law Enforcement Strategy as part of the Kasungu National Park General Management Plan.

In addition, the officer will coordinate budgets, work plans, monitoring, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilisation activities to support effective programme delivery.

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Programme Leadership and Implementation

• Provide technical and managerial leadership for Wildlife Crime Program activities in Kasungu National Park.
• Ensure programme activities achieve their intended objectives within agreed timelines.
• Lead the implementation of IFAW's Wildlife Crime Program priorities in the MAZALA landscape.
• Support the operationalisation of the Kasungu Law Enforcement Strategy as part of the park's General Management Plan.
• Provide tactical law enforcement support to the ranger force through training, mentoring, and operational guidance.

2. Planning, Budgeting and Resource Management

• Lead the development and implementation of annual work plans and budgets.
• Routinely review and update work plans and budgets to respond to changing operational needs.
• Manage programme activity budgets, ensuring resources are appropriately planned, monitored, and reported.
• Ensure financial resources are allocated effectively to achieve programme objectives.
• Coordinate the delivery and oversight of technical and financial resources, including equipment, logistics, and operational support.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Coordinate and maintain strong working relationships with the core Wildlife Crime Program team and conservation partners in the MAZALA landscape.
• Work closely with other NGOs operating in Kasungu National Park on wildlife security matters.
• Build positive relationships with government officials, politicians, business representatives, media platforms, and other stakeholders.
• Represent IFAW's Wildlife Crime Program in Malawi when agreed with line management.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with colleagues across IFAW and external partners.
• Support collaboration with colleagues in Zambia on the implementation of the MAZALA Room to Roam Strategy when required.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Programme Effectiveness

• Work with the Impact, Evaluation and Learning team to ensure robust assessments and monitoring of programme effectiveness.
• Review programme performance and recommend adjustments to maximise contributions to IFAW's strategic objectives.
• Monitor the implementation of activities and ensure that resources are used effectively.
• Support adaptive management and continuous improvement of programme activities.

5. Financial Management and Reporting

• Ensure accurate budgeting and forecasting of programme activities.
• Coordinate payments relating to grants and other invoices as required.
• Lead the development of technical and financial progress reports.
• Work with partner organisations to obtain information required for timely reporting.
• Produce regular reports and updates for the Country Director, Field Operations Manager, and Director of Wildlife Crime.
• Ensure compliance with IFAW's project management systems, funder requirements, and relevant standards.

6. Procurement and Operational Support

• Lead the procurement of equipment funded through the Wildlife Crime Program, with support from relevant colleagues.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with IFAW and funding partner requirements.
• Oversee the effective use and management of equipment and other operational resources.
• Support the delivery of logistical and operational assistance to partner agencies.

7. Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Development

• Actively contribute to growing the Wildlife Crime Program portfolio in Malawi.
• Support the development of funding proposals and other submissions to potential funding partners.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and additional support for wildlife conservation and law enforcement activities.
• Maintain effective relationships with existing and prospective funding partners.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Academic Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, or a related discipline.
• An advanced degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.

Professional Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• At least five (5) years of experience leading wildlife conservation or animal welfare projects in Malawi or the Southern African region.
• Experience managing and successfully implementing projects supported by different funding partners.
• Experience developing technical and financial reports.
• Demonstrable experience in conservation law enforcement.
• Detailed understanding of the roles and responsibilities of state agencies, community members, and the wider criminal justice system.
• Proven competence in managing complex budgets.
• Experience mentoring and supporting geographically dispersed colleagues and project partners.
• A professional network or evidence of collaborative working relationships with NGOs involved in wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage a large workload and prioritise competing responsibilities.
• Strong budgeting, financial management, and reporting skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to influence activities without direct management authority.
• Strong team-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to develop practical solutions in challenging and high-pressure environments.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to animal welfare and IFAW's mission.
• High levels of professionalism, dependability, initiative, and sound judgement.
• Ability to adapt to changing and demanding working environments.
• Resilience and ability to manage high-pressure or stressful situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact harmoniously with people from different educational, social, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public through media and other platforms.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision while making effective use of available team skills.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Willingness and ability to undertake regular travel within Malawi and Zambia when required.

WORK ARRANGEMENT

• Duty Station: Lilongwe, Malawi.
• Work Schedule: Hybrid arrangement, with two (2) days per week in the office.
• Travel: Regular travel within Malawi and occasional travel to Zambia may be required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The advertised hiring range is:

MWK 23,074,000 – MWK 28,000,000

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications through IFAW's official recruitment portal.

Application Link: Apply for Wildlife Crime Program Officer – IFAW

Closing Date: Wednesday, 18th November 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline through the official recruitment portal.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

IFAW is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects and contributes to the global communities in which it operates. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.