Country Program Manager

Lilongwe, Malawi

About Pure Earth:

Pure Earth is a growing international nonprofit addressing one of the most urgent yet solvable global health crises: toxic pollution and its profound impacts on human health. We specialize in preventing exposure to lead and other toxins in low- and middle-income countries, embedding solutions into government systems that outlast any single project or grant.

With substantial multi-year funding through the Audacious Project, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Coefficient Giving, and other partners, secured through 2033, Pure Earth is leading one of the largest concentrated efforts ever undertaken to end childhood lead poisoning. We are scaling proven interventions across dozens of countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, working in partnership with governments, multilateral organizations, leading philanthropies, and frontline organizations to identify exposure sources, mitigate contamination, and improve policies and regulation.

Pure Earth holds top ratings from Charity Navigator and Candid, and our work has been featured on the TED mainstage and across major news and global health outlets. At Pure Earth, you'll join an agile, mission-driven team that translates science and innovation into measurable impact, with the resources, partnerships, and ambition to deliver change at scale.

Position Overview:

Pure Earth seeks a Program Manager to support the strategic direction and supervise the successful implementation of Pure Earth’s projects in Malawi. The Program Manager will ensure that program objectives are met, and all activities are responsive to the needs of the host country and donors. The Program Manager will manage activities in Malawi and collaborate with the Technical Manager and local partners to develop program work plans, provide oversight of budgets based on expected program outputs and results, and directly implement the program activities working with local and national government, partner organizations, and local communities.

The Program Manager will also provide leadership and oversight of Pure Earth staff and/or consultants under their direct responsibility, manage and mentor teams, liaise with donors, government, and local and international partners, and oversee programmatic activities and reporting.

The Program Manager reports to the Program Manager, Africa and has working relationships with the HQ team including the Regional Program staff, Director of MEL, Technical Director, and Communications and Finance staff to ensure successful management, implementation, and monitoring of programs, and representing Pure Earth and its work to local partners, communities, and donors.

Reporting and Team Structure:

Reports to: Program Manager, Africa

Direct reports: Technical Manager, Finance and Admin Officer

Key internal partners: Finance Department, Finance and Admin Officers, Grants & Awards Manager, Operations Department

Work Location:

Lilongwe, Malawi.

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Scope of Work:

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Program Management

• Support the strategic direction and execution of initiatives related to Pure Earth programs.
• Develop and oversee work plans and timelines to meet project milestones, including budget oversight, resource allocation, partner engagement, and staff management.
• Engage with government agencies to promote regulatory solutions and support the development of local and national policies focused on toxic metal management, especially lead.
• Work with partners to review existing and develop new policies and regulations to address toxic pollution.
• Work with technical experts to implement source analysis studies, response plans, and exposure mitigation activities.

Program Planning

• Work closely with the Africa Program Manager, Technical Manager, and partners to prepare and develop a high-quality country program and work plan appropriate for the local context, complementary to government & donor development plans and in line with the organization’s overall vision and mission.
• Ensure that the organization continues to develop and strengthen programs based on analysis of the local context.
• Work closely with the technical partners and staff locally and at Headquarters to coordinate the implementation of project activities in the field.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

• Lead the implementation of M&E frameworks to monitor and respond to program effectiveness and progress, adjusting activities based on data analysis to improve project outcomes.
• Lead data collection efforts on lead exposure and sources, ensuring findings inform project implementation and stakeholder education.
• Promote a culture of learning and adaptation within the team through data-driven insights.
• Collaborate with teams for accurate and timely reporting to donors and stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partner Relationship Management

• Cultivate and build strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, and local/national/regional organizations.
• Engage with industry representatives, community organizations, and the public to align efforts and share insights on lead exposure assessment, pollution mitigation, monitoring, and prevention.
• Collaborate with academic institutions for knowledge-sharing, research, and evidence-based program design and implementation.
• Advocate for policy reforms and enhancements to regulatory frameworks concerning lead exposure monitoring, response, and prevention.
• Facilitate workshops to engage and educate communities and other stakeholders.

Required Qualifications and Experiences:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Public Health, or related field; master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in managing Environmental/Health programs, particularly in lead (Pb) pollution and poisoning management or handling.
• Strong understanding of regulatory issues related to environmental health and toxic substance management.
• Solid program management and budgeting skills, with experience in field work.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in team building, management, and capacity building.
• Capable of developing evidence-based solutions to complex environmental health challenges.
• Professional fluency in English; working knowledge of country languages is an advantage.
• Prior work in an international NGO or large-scale, multi-state program environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel nationally, as needed.
• Authorization to work in Malawi.

Work Environment:

The Program Manager will be expected to work in Lilongwe, Malawi in a Pure Earth or local partner office. Travel within Malawi to project sites is expected.

Salary:

$35,000 – $45,000 USD annually

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your application through Pure Earth’s online career portal. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Tentative Date of Joining:

October 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Pure Earth to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. This job description may be revised and updated as required to meet organizational objectives.