With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.
Come join our 31,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!
Employee Contract Type:
Local – Fixed Term Employee (Fixed Term)
Job Description:
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Within the context of the “Every Child Belongs” Project, the Project Officer plays a critical role in advancing World Vision’s mission by ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in development initiatives. The role focuses on promoting disability inclusion, facilitating access to essential services, and building the capacities of staff and community partners in disability awareness and best practices.
Job Summary
- Employer: World Vision International
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-09-29
Key Responsibilities
- Develop the process of involving at various levels of participation, empowerment and capacity, groups of communities to address issues affecting child well-being.
- Assess and build capacity of communities to take action that produces positive and sustainable changes locally.
- Facilitate community participation in the implementation of disability interventions to foster agency, empowerment and transformational development
- Build relationships with communities and stakeholders to foster disability inclusion.
- Conduct awareness campaigns and community sensitization on disability issues.
- Identify capacity gaps for community partners
- Develop training plan to address identified gaps for staff and community partners
- Provide GESI and disability awareness and technical assistance for accessibility improvements.
- Promote inclusive education through teacher/parents training.
- Mentor and coach community groups (volunteers, committees and stakeholders, parents with children with disabilities) on disability inclusion
- Build capacity of volunteers/parents/community members on case management for children with disabilities
- Ensure access and participation to quality education for children with disabilities in mainstream schools and appropriate healthcare services, including specialized care.
- Provide support from an early age, including assessments and therapies.
- Address dietary needs and feeding challenges of children with disabilities by linking with relevant TP sectors
- Offer Caregivers/parents training for better understanding and care and create support networks.
- Conduct campaigns to reduce stigma and increase understanding.
- Advocate for and create physically accessible environments.
- Gather data and conduct research on disability issues.
- Train staff, communities, and local organizations on disability inclusion.
- Establish and maintain functionality of child-friendly spaces such as Children’s Clubs, Bible Clubs, IMPACT + Clubs, Child Parliament which are inclusive of children with disabiltiies
- Facilitate Case Management implementation for assessments, individualized plans, service coordination, continuous improvement.
- Develop inclusive program design, with detailed implementation strategies and budget
- Promote accessible services and infrastructure using social- ecological model
- Facilitate data and knowledge generation to produce valuable insights into the experiences, challenges, and successes of individuals with disabilities within the project
- Facilitate capacity building and training for programs for staff, community members, and stakeholders
- Facilitate iterative learning processes and adaptations to foster improvement in project strategies
- Facilitate efficient and timely implementation of planned activities with more focus on Community Engagement, Child Participation, Child Protection, advocacy, Spiritual Nurture of Children.
- Report child sponsorship-related high-risk incidents that may significantly threaten the life of child
- Facilitate establishment of community networks, coalitions and partnerships for CHILD WELBEING.
- Empowering individuals with disabilities through leadership, project planning and advocacy training.
- Establishing partnerships with disability-focused organizations and government agencies.
- Advocating for policy changes with advocacy groups and government agencies.
- Engaging in cross-sector collaborations, learning, networking, resources for accessibility and inclusion.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources for disability inclusion initiatives.
- Facilitate compliance to GESI, DEI, Disability, Child and adult Safeguarding and other related policies.
- Facilitate and support implementation of local level advocacy efforts for CHILD WELBEING through CPA/CVA
- Advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities at local, and national levels.
- Monitoring changes in disability-related policies and regulations.
- Engaging with government agencies and stakeholders to influence policy changes and promote inclusive practices.
- Engage with key stakeholders at community, district and national level on matters of disabilities, child protection and well-being (Including youth groups, faith groups)
- Ensure that the national advocacy agenda on GESI (disability) and child protection are prioritized and achieved
- Represent WVM at appropriate national/District TWGs for coordination, advocacy coalitions on issues related to GESI (disability) or Child Protection
- Participate in Global/Regional Child Protection/GESI Communities of Practice, Regional Child Protection and GESI initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelors Degree in relevant field such as Education, Inclusive or Special Needs Education, Social Sciences , Disability Studies, Development Studies or any other relevant fields
- At least 3 years of relevant experience.
- Excellent facilitation, communication, and project management skills.
- Achieving quality results & service,
- Practicing accountability & integrity,
- Practicing innovation & change.
- Building collaborative relationships, Influencing individuals & groups.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: worldvision.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
REF Code: JR52762
About the Company
World Vision International is an interdenominational Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization. It was founded in 1950 by Robert Pierce and Kyung-Chik Han as a service organization to provide care for children in Korea. In 1975, emergency and advocacy work was added to World Vision's objectives. It is active in over 100 countries with a total revenue including grants, product and foreign donations of US$3.14 billion.
Website: https://www.wvi.org/malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and education are typically required for a Project Officer role in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in social sciences, development studies, education, or a related field. A diploma with substantial NGO experience may also be accepted. Certifications in project management like PMP or PRINCE2 are advantageous but not always mandatory.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Project Officer in an inclusive education project?
You will coordinate with community leaders, government schools, and disability organizations to implement project activities. Daily tasks include monitoring field activities, preparing reports, managing budgets, and ensuring children with disabilities access quality education. You will also train teachers and caregivers on inclusive practices.
How does local work culture in NGOs like World Vision Malawi affect job expectations?
Malawian NGO culture values respect for hierarchy and community consultation before decisions. Expect frequent travel to rural districts, flexible hours during community events, and strong emphasis on relationship-building with local stakeholders. Punctuality for meetings is important, though field realities may require adaptability.
What career progression paths exist for Project Officers in Malawi's development sector?
With experience, you can advance to Project Manager, then Programme Manager or Technical Specialist roles. Some move into grant management, monitoring and evaluation, or regional coordination positions. Further studies in development or public health can accelerate progression to senior leadership.
What benefits are typically offered to Project Officers by international NGOs operating in Malawi?
Benefits usually include medical insurance, pension contributions, annual leave of 20-25 days, and paid sick leave. Many organizations provide travel allowances, hardship pay for remote postings, and professional development opportunities. Specific packages vary by employer and funding source.
What do employers in Malawi look for when hiring Project Officers, and how should I apply?
Employers prioritize demonstrated experience in community development, strong report-writing skills, and familiarity with donor compliance requirements. Highlight any work with vulnerable children, disability inclusion, or government partnerships in your application. Submit a tailored CV and cover letter through official channels, and prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on behavioral scenarios.