Charles Mandala is currently the Director of Research and Training in MASAF responsible for the development and management of the research, training and technical support services agenda of MASAF. The Division is also responsible for providing strategic direction for overall programme development and stakeholder performance improvement strategy.

Specific accountabilities include: Directing the development and management of the Research, Training and Technical Support functions in MASAF; Facilitating the development and acquisition of research and training capabilities in MASAF; Promoting compliance to sector technical norms and standards in sub-project preparation and delivery;

Charles Mandala holds a M.Sc degree in Strategic Management and has extensive experience in Project and Development Management practice as well as public service management after serving in project management for 15 years and the Malawi Civil Service for 12 years. He is a founding member of the MASAF Project Design team after successfully managing the Social Dimensions of Adjustment Project between 1990 and 1995 in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development. In MASAF, Mr. Mandala has previously served as Head of Field Operations and Director of Community Sub-projects before moving on to start a new directorate of Research & Training under MASAF 3.

Mr Mandala boasts of having set-up and successfully managed the Social Dimensions of Adjustments (SDA) Project Unit within the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development of the Government of Malawi where he provided strategic and conceptual lead in the development, drafting and finalization of two key initiatives, namely the Poverty Alleviation Policy Framework Document (1995) and the Concept Document of the Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF) Project. Mr. Mandala has been with the MASAF since its inception in 1995 and is currently a key player in the functions of the MASAF Senior Management Team.