Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Duty Station: Lilongwe
About Export Development Fund
The Export Development Fund (EDF) is a Development Finance Institution (DFI) mandated to promote the growth and diversification of Malawi’s exports. EDF plays a central role in supporting industrialisation, facilitating trade and accelerating economic transformation through innovative financing solutions and strategic investments.
EDF contributes directly to national development priorities, including Malawi 2063 and the National Export Strategy (NES), by financing high-impact projects across key productive sectors, promoting value addition and enhancing export competitiveness.
The Export Development Fund (EDF) is seeking a visionary and results-oriented leader to drive its strategic growth and developmental impact. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified and experienced professional to join EDF as Managing Director.
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director is responsible for providing strategic direction, executive leadership and institutional stewardship of EDF. The role requires a leader capable of positioning EDF as a leading and credible Development Finance Institution, mobilising domestic and international capital, and driving interventions that support industrialisation, export diversification, job creation, economic resilience and structural transformation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Institutional Development
- Provide visionary leadership aligned with EDF’s mandate and national development priorities.
- Lead the development and execution of EDF’s Strategic Plan and Corporate Scorecards.
- Position EDF as a financially sustainable, high-impact and regionally relevant Development Finance Institution.
- Champion development impact measurement frameworks linking financial performance to economic outcomes.
- Drive EDF’s participation in regional and cross-border financing initiatives.
Organisational Management and Performance
- Provide overall leadership of the institution and oversight of day-to-day operations.
- Build and sustain a high-performance culture anchored on accountability, innovation and results.
- Lead and develop the Executive Management team.
- Ensure effective execution of organisational programmes and operational plans.
Financial Stewardship and Investment Leadership
- Oversee financial performance, including profitability, liquidity and capital adequacy.
- Ensure sound balance sheet management and resource optimisation.
- Lead the structuring and execution of complex financing solutions, including blended finance, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), syndications, guarantees and equity investments.
- Drive portfolio quality, diversification and sustainability.
Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships
- Lead mobilisation of funding through domestic and international capital markets, lines of credit, syndicated financing, development partners and institutional investors.
- Position EDF to attract regional and global capital flows.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with Government, policymakers, regulators, development finance partners, investors and private sector stakeholders.
Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Strengthen governance frameworks and ensure adherence to best-practice DFI standards.
- Promote a strong risk management culture and robust internal control environment.
- Provide timely, transparent and high-quality reporting to the Board.
- Navigate complex public sector and policy environments with professionalism and independence.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Leadership
- Integrate ESG principles into EDF’s strategy, operations and investment decisions.
- Promote climate-resilient and green financing initiatives.
- Ensure alignment with international standards on sustainability and development impact reporting.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the principal liaison between the Board, Shareholder and Executive Management.
- Enhance EDF’s visibility, credibility and brand positioning.
- Ensure effective internal and external communication systems.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s Degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Banking, Public Policy or a related field from a recognised institution.
- Relevant Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised institution.
- Evidence of executive leadership training and continuous professional development will be an added advantage.
- Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience, with at least 5 years at senior executive level.
- Experience within Development Finance Institutions, banking or financial services, investment institutions, or other large and complex organisations.
- Demonstrated success in institutional transformation, growth or turnaround initiatives.
- Proven ability in strategy formulation and execution with measurable outcomes.
- Strong experience in capital mobilisation, financial management, balance sheet management and stakeholder engagement at senior levels.
- Exposure to cross-border operations, development partnerships or macroeconomic policy environments will be an added advantage.
- Strong understanding of corporate governance, risk management and development finance principles.
- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams and drive organisational transformation.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Transform EDF into a financially strong and self-sustaining Development Finance Institution.
- Expand EDF’s developmental impact footprint across priority sectors.
- Mobilise significant domestic and international capital.
- Maintain a high-quality and diversified investment portfolio.
- Strengthen EDF’s reputation as a credible and well-governed institution.
- Deliver consistently on Corporate Scorecard targets.
Terms of Appointment
The successful candidate will be offered a performance-based contract of three (3) years, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and organisational requirements. An attractive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority of the role will be offered.
Mode of Application
Interested candidates should submit:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications; and
- Names and contact details of three (3) traceable referees.
Applications should be clearly marked “Application for the Post of Managing Director” and sent via email to: mdrecruitment@edf.mw
Addressed to:
The Board Chairperson
Export Development Fund Limited
First Floor, Public Service Pension Fund House
Presidential Way Drive
P.O. Box 30063
Lilongwe 3
Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
EDF is an equal opportunity employer. Women and all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
