Citizen Engagement Specialist

The Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) has embarked on the implementation of its new Strategic Plan (2025–2030). In response to the organisation’s evolving needs and growing demands, CSAT is inviting applications from suitably qualified and passionate individuals to fill newly created positions aimed at strengthening the delivery of its mission and strategic objectives.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the advertised positions in accordance with the requirements outlined for each role.

Position: Citizen Engagement Specialist (Grade GS3)

Reports to: Executive Director
Duty Station: CSAT Head Office, Lilongwe

Purpose

To strengthen citizen participation, community organizing, and grassroots accountability initiatives by promoting inclusive civic engagement, social accountability, and community-driven development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement citizen engagement strategies to enhance public participation.
• Facilitate community mobilization and civic education activities.
• Strengthen community structures and citizen oversight committees.
• Promote citizen participation in public decision-making processes.
• Coordinate social accountability forums and public dialogues.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community-based organizations, local leaders, civil society organizations, government institutions, and development partners.
• Facilitate citizen feedback, complaints, and grievance redress mechanisms.
• Support the design and implementation of community-driven advocacy campaigns.
• Document citizen voices, community concerns, and local accountability issues.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on citizen engagement activities, outcomes, and impact.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Community Development, Governance, Political Science, Communications, or a related field. A Master’s Degree will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of seven (7) years’ relevant experience in citizen engagement, community mobilization, governance, social accountability, or participatory development, including at least three (3) years in a senior or supervisory role.
• Proven experience working with civil society organizations, government institutions, local authorities, development partners, and community structures.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing citizen participation, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and multi-stakeholder dialogue initiatives.
• Experience managing donor-funded programmes, with knowledge of results-based management and safeguarding principles, will be an added advantage.

Core Competencies

• Strong knowledge of citizen engagement, governance, social accountability, and community mobilization.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, facilitation, negotiation, and partnership-building skills.
• Strong advocacy, communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to design and implement participatory approaches and community-driven interventions.
• Strong analytical, planning, monitoring, evaluation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership, team management, coaching, and mentoring abilities.
• High integrity, professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to inclusion, transparency, and accountability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital community engagement platforms.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit a signed application letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), and copies of relevant academic and professional certificates to:

The Executive Director

Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency

Off Kaunda Road, Gouji Complex, Plot No. 44

P.O. Box X209

Lilongwe, MALAWI.

20th July, 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CSAT is an equal opportunity employer. Women and all qualified candidates from diverse background are strongly encouraged to apply.