Executive Director – WESNET

Recruitment Advert:
Executive Director – WESNET

Position:
Executive Director

Location:
Lilongwe, Malawi

Reports to:
WESNET Board of Trustees

Application Deadline:
12th September 2025

The Water and Environmental Sanitation Network (WESNET) – a dynamic network of over 100 organizations including international and local NGOs, universities, private sector actors, and individuals – is seeking an Executive Director to lead its Secretariat and drive transformative impact in Malawi’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector.

This is a unique opportunity to shape national WASH policy, strengthen partnerships, mobilize resources, and champion the voice of civil society in Malawi and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversee the implementation of WESNET’s Strategic Plan.

• Manage and grow partnerships with government, NGOs, donors, academia, and private sector actors.

• Lead fundraising, proposal development, and resource mobilization.

• Drive sector advocacy, including the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) agenda.

• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and documentation of learning.

• Ensure sound financial management and compliance with controls.

• Promote gender equality, inclusivity, and diversity in all WESNET programmes.

Competency Framework

1. Education & Qualifications

• Master’s degree (minimum) in Development Studies, Environmental Sciences, Public Health, Water Resources Management, Social Sciences, or a related field.

• Additional training in leadership, project management, or financial management is an advantage.

2. Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set vision, mobilize stakeholders, and translate strategy into results.

• Networking & Diplomacy: Strong relationship-building skills with government, donors, NGOs, and international partners.

• Resource Mobilization: Proven ability to secure funding through proposals, partnerships, and donor engagement.

• Advocacy & Policy Influence: Strong knowledge of WASH policies and experience in high-level advocacy.

• Research & Knowledge Management: Capacity to document learning, promote evidence-based programming, and support innovation.

• Financial Acumen: Strong budgeting, financial planning, and accountability skills.

• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Commitment to gender sensitivity, equity, and inclusion.

3. Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, at least 5 years in senior management within the WASH, development, or related sector.

• Proven experience in managing networks, coalitions, or multi-stakeholder platforms.

• Demonstrated track record in fundraising and resource mobilization.

• Experience representing organizations at national, regional, and international forums.

• Strong background in advocacy, policy engagement, and sector coordination.

• Prior experience in financial oversight and compliance with donor requirements.

4. Personal Attributes

• Visionary and results-oriented leader.

• High integrity and accountability.

• Strong interpersonal and team management skills.

• Adaptability and resilience in complex environments.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to recruitment@wesnetwork.org by 12th September 2025:

• A one-page cover letter detailing suitability for the role.

• A detailed CV (maximum 5 pages) with at least three traceable referees.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.