Program officer – wildlife crime

OVERVIEWThe International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global organisation working to improve the lives of animals and people. Through its conservation programmes, IFAW supports wildlife protection, habitat conservation, animal welfare, and efforts to combat wildlife crime.IFAW invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Program Officer – Wildlife Crime, based in Lilongwe, Malawi.The successful candidate will lead the delivery 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 wildlife law enforcement capacity, support ranger operations, coordinate conservation partners, and contribute to efforts to combat wildlife crime.JOB TYPE: Full TimeDate Posted: Monday, 26th October 2026Application Deadline: Wednesday, 18th November 2026Hiring Range: MWK 23,074,000 – MWK 28,000,000Reports to: Country DirectorWork Arrangement: Hybrid, with two (2) days per week in the officePOSITION: PROGRAM OFFICER – WILDLIFE CRIMEJOB SUMMARYThe Program Officer – Wildlife Crime will provide technical and managerial leadership in implementing IFAW's Wildlife Crime Program in Malawi, particularly within the Kasungu National Park and the wider MAZALA landscape.The role will support ranger training and mentoring, provide technical and operational resources, strengthen law enforcement systems, and coordinate with government agencies and conservation partners. The successful candidate will also manage project budgets, work plans, monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder engagement while supporting the development of funding proposals.KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES1. Programme Leadership and ImplementationProvide technical and managerial leadership for Wildlife Crime Program activities in Kasungu National Park, ensuring that objectives are achieved within agreed timelines.Lead the implementation of IFAW's Combating Wildlife Crime (CWC) Strategy in the landscape.Support the operationalisation of the Kasungu Law Enforcement Strategy as part of the Kasungu National Park General Management Plan.Ensure effective delivery of programme activities in line with IFAW's Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP).Coordinate activities with the Park Manager, Law Enforcement Officer, Investigation and Intelligence Unit Team Leader, and other relevant personnel.2. Wildlife Law Enforcement and Ranger SupportProvide tactical law enforcement support to the ranger force in Kasungu National Park.Support ranger training, mentoring, and capacity development.Oversee the delivery and effective use of financial and technical resources, including equipment, logistics, and operational support.Work with relevant law enforcement partners to strengthen the capacity to tackle wildlife crime across the landscape.Support improvements in wildlife security and protected-area management.3. Planning, Budgeting and Financial ManagementLead 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 allocated, monitored, and reported.Coordinate the payment of grants, invoices, and other approved programme expenses.Support accurate budgeting and forecasting in collaboration with colleagues.4. Monitoring, Evaluation and ReportingWork with IFAW's Impact, Evaluation and Learning Team to ensure robust assessment and monitoring of programme effectiveness.Review activity performance and recommend resource adjustments to maximise programme results.Coordinate the preparation of technical and financial progress reports for IFAW and potential funding partners.Work with partner organisations to obtain timely information for reporting.Ensure compliance with IFAW project management systems, procedures, and relevant standards.5. Stakeholder Engagement and PartnershipsLead coordination with the core Wildlife Crime Program team and other conservation partners in the MAZALA landscape.Engage with other NGOs working in Kasungu National Park on wildlife security matters.Build and maintain positive relationships with government officials, politicians, businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders.Represent IFAW's Wildlife Crime Program in Malawi, as agreed with line management.Collaborate with the Country Director, Program Director – Wildlife Crime, Field Operations Manager, and Community Engagement colleagues.Occasionally support colleagues in Zambia in implementing the MAZALA Room to Roam Strategy.6. Procurement and Resource ManagementLead the procurement of equipment funded through the Wildlife Crime Program, with support from relevant colleagues.Ensure procurement activities comply with IFAW and funder requirements.Oversee the effective use of equipment and operational resources.Ensure compliance with relevant organisational systems and standards.7. Resource Mo