Support Outreach, Storytelling, Visibility, and Engagement Strategies - Malawi

Activity/project background

The Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) Mzuzu Branch is a regional environmental organization operating across the Northern Region districts of Mzimba, Rumphi, Karonga, and Chitipa. Established in 1981, the branch is overseen by a volunteer committee supported by two technical staff members and maintains its main office in Mzuzu under the national secretariat in Blantyre. Current activities include delivering environmental education programs in schools and universities, supporting natural resource management initiatives such as wetlands and biodiversity conservation, conducting environmental awareness and advocacy campaigns, and collaborating with partner institutions on conservation efforts. The branch faces several capacity gaps that limit the scale and sustainability of its work. These include limited technical skills in proposal development and fundraising, a small workforce to manage communication and storytelling on ongoing projects, and few connections with international partners and donors. There is also a need for strengthened member capacity in writing, communication, and resource mobilization, to support the expansion of core environmental education and conservation activities.

Eligibility

Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Engagement and tasks

• Co-develop and publish at least one conservation story per month for WESM platforms (website, social media, partner outlets)
• Facilitate monthly virtual mentoring sessions to build member capacity in storytelling, proposal writing, and donor communication
• Co-design annual visibility and public engagement strategy

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental education, communications, journalism, conservation, or related field
• Experience: 1 year in environmental conservation, communications, storytelling, or social impact project work (volunteer, academic, or professional)
• Developing professional written content (articles, stories, reports, or communication materials)
• Using digital platforms for communication or outreach (e.g., social media, websites, newsletters)
• Basic proficiency with online collaboration tools such as Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, Meet) or similar platforms
• Intercultural Skills and Motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable of serving virtually