Communications and Reporting Coordinator

POSITION DETAILS

Job title

Communications and Reporting Coordinator

Department

Communication, MHPL, Blantyre, Malawi (frequent travel to project site and Lilongwe)

Title of Line Manager

General Manager

1.      MANDATE

Under the supervision of the General Manager, the Communications and Reporting Coordinator will play an active role in both external communications and project reporting for Mpatamanga Hydropower Project Limited (MHPL).

This position is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional to enhance the visibility of the project and ensure accurate and timely reporting to key stakeholders, including the Government of Malawi, the World Bank Group, shareholders, sponsors, local communities and lenders.

This role requires strong organizational and communication skills to ensure the smooth flow of project information, support decision-making, and engage with both internal and external audiences.

1.      CRITICAL INTERFACES

The Communications and Reporting Coordinator will work closely with:

• The General Manager and Senior Management Team
• Government agencies, including the Ministry of Energy and project regulators
• International stakeholders such as lenders, shareholders, and development partners
• External media, public relations firms, and digital communication service providers
• Teams within MHPL to consolidate reporting information

2.      CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

A. COMMUNICATIONS

• External Communications Strategy: Develop and implement a communication strategy to enhance the project’s visibility and maintain a strong public image.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison for communication-related inquiries from government entities, international financiers, and the public.
• Content Creation: Prepare press releases, website updates, newsletters, social media content, and other communication materials.
• Media & Public Relations: Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, ensuring accurate and positive representation of the project.
• Event Coordination: Organize stakeholder meetings, project site visits, and public engagement events to showcase project progress.
• Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to manage potential reputational risks.

B. REPORTING

• Stakeholder Reporting: Prepare and submit regular reports to shareholders, lenders, and the Government of Malawi, ensuring compliance with project financing agreements.
• Lenders’ Requirements: Coordinate and compile reports to meet the requirements of the World Bank and other financial institutions, ensuring deadlines are consistently met.
• Performance Tracking: Gather and consolidate project data related to construction progress, environmental and social (E&S) performance, health and safety and financial milestones.
• Audit and Compliance Reporting: Support internal teams in compiling data required for audits and governance reviews.
• Meeting Documentation: preparation of minutes and briefing notes for key project governance meetings.

3.      CRITICAL QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, International Relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, reporting, or stakeholder engagement, preferably in the energy, infrastructure, or development sectors.
• Experience in preparing reports for lenders and international financial institutions (e.g., World Bank, IFC, AfDB) is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of stakeholder management in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Core competencies

• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate technical content into clear, engaging narratives.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to analyze, synthesize, and present complex data clearly and concisely.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders across different cultures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Sharepoint, Teams), basic desktop publishing skills using Adobe Suite, website content management with WordPress CMS and digital marketing skills.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Chichewa is an asset.
• Experience in media relations, digital communications, and content creation is an asset.

Personal characteristics

·        High level of initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving ability.

·        Strong attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality reports under tight deadlines.

·        Collaborative and team-oriented approach, with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.

·        Commitment to ethical business practices and confidentiality.

·        Resilience and ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.