Application Guide

How to Apply for Government Relations, Policy & Partnerships Lead

at BURN

🏢 About BURN

BURN is the world's leading manufacturer of efficient cookstoves, directly addressing climate change and health issues across Africa through innovative technology. Working here means contributing to tangible environmental impact while improving lives through clean cooking solutions in Malawi and beyond.

About This Role

This role involves implementing BURN's government relations strategy in Malawi, building critical partnerships with ministries and development partners, and shaping policy around clean cooking and carbon markets. You'll directly influence regulatory frameworks that enable clean energy access and carbon reduction across Southern Africa.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day reviewing policy updates from Malawi's Ministry of Energy, then draft a briefing note for BURN's leadership on proposed clean cooking regulations. In the afternoon, you could meet with UNDP Malawi representatives to discuss partnership opportunities, followed by coordinating with the carbon team on how new policies affect credit generation. The day often involves balancing multiple stakeholder relationships while keeping cross-functional teams aligned on government engagement strategies.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who BURN Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of experience navigating Malawi's political landscape and policy processes, particularly in energy, environment, or manufacturing sectors
  • Demonstrates proven ability to build relationships with Malawian government ministries (especially Energy, Environment, Industry) and development partners like UNDP or World Bank
  • Can analyze complex policy documents related to carbon markets, clean cooking subsidies, or manufacturing regulations and translate them into actionable briefs
  • Has experience coordinating cross-functional teams on government-facing projects, with specific examples of working with legal, commercial, and communications departments

📝 Tips for Applying to BURN

1

Highlight specific Malawian government ministries or officials you've worked with previously, naming them if possible

2

Include concrete examples of policy analysis you've conducted related to energy access, carbon credits, or manufacturing regulations in Malawi

3

Demonstrate understanding of BURN's dual mission by connecting your experience to both environmental impact and social development outcomes

4

Show how you've managed multiple stakeholder relationships simultaneously, especially between government and development partners

5

Reference BURN's specific cookstove models or carbon projects in Malawi to show you've done company research

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with Malawian policy processes and specific ministries relevant to clean cooking (Energy, Environment, Trade)', "Examples of successful partnership development with NGOs, development agencies, or private sector in Malawi's energy/environment space", "How you've previously monitored policy developments and translated them into advocacy materials or briefings", 'Your ability to work across functions like carbon markets, commercial operations, and communications in a mission-driven organization']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → BURN's specific carbon credit projects and partnerships in Malawi (check their website and carbon registry listings)
  • → Malawi's National Energy Policy, Clean Cooking Strategy, and any recent carbon market regulations
  • → BURN's manufacturing operations in Kenya and how they might relate to potential expansion in Malawi
  • → Key development partners active in Malawi's energy sector (UNDP, World Bank, GIZ) and their current clean cooking initiatives

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building relationships with Malawi's Ministry of Energy regarding clean cooking subsidies?
2 What recent policy developments in Malawi's carbon market or clean energy sector have you been tracking?
3 Describe a time you had to coordinate between legal, commercial, and communications teams on a government-facing project
4 How would you develop a partnership strategy with development partners like UNDP Malawi to support BURN's policy priorities?
5 What challenges do you foresee in implementing clean cooking policies at subnational levels in Southern Region, Malawi?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic government relations experience without Malawi-specific examples or ministry names
  • Focusing only on policy analysis without demonstrating partnership-building skills with diverse stakeholders
  • Failing to connect your experience to both the environmental (carbon reduction) and social (improving lives) aspects of BURN's mission

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to BURN!

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