Saint John of God Hospitaller Services Malawi invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the following positions at its Institute of Vocational Training Centre in Mzuzu and Mzimba Project Office:
Position Overview
Reporting to the Project Coordinator, the Project Officer Intern will support the implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of activities under the Inclusive Foundational Learning Project. The successful candidate will work closely with project staff, community structures, schools, teachers, leamers, parents, and other stakeholders to support the effective delivery of project activities, particularly those promoting inclusive and equitable foundational learning opportunities for children.
Job Summary
- Employer: Saint John of God Hospitaller Services Malawi
- Job Type: Internship
- Location: Mzuzu, Malawi
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-01
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning and implementation of Inclusive Foundational Leaming Project activities.
- Assist in coordinating project activities with schools, communities, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
- Support community engagement and mobilization activities.
- Assist with monitoring project activities, outputs, and outcomes.
- Collect, organize, and maintain accurate project data and documentation.
- Support the preparation of project reports, presentations, and other documentation.
- Participate in field visits, meetings, trainings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements.
- Support the identification and documentation of project successes, challenges, lessons learned, and best practices.
- Perform other project-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Social Work, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- Relevant internship, volunteer, or work experience in project implementation, community development, education, disability inclusion, or related areas will be an added advantage.
- Good understanding of project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and coordination skills.
- Good report-writing and documentation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work effectively with communities and multidisciplinary teams.
- Willingness and ability to travel to project implementation sites as required.
How to Apply
Address: P.O. Box 744
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to apply for a Project Officer Intern role in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. Relevant coursework in project management, monitoring and evaluation, or inclusive education is highly advantageous. Some organizations may accept diploma holders with substantial relevant experience.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Project Officer Intern in an inclusive education project?
You will assist in coordinating project activities, collecting and organizing data from schools and communities, and preparing progress reports. You may also support training workshops for teachers and community volunteers. Field visits to rural areas are common, requiring flexibility and reliable transportation arrangements.
How does workplace culture in Malawi affect project officer roles, especially in NGOs and faith-based organizations?
Malawian workplaces value respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and relationship-building before task execution. Faith-based organizations often emphasize community service values and may integrate prayer or reflection into work routines. Dress codes tend to be modest and professional, particularly when engaging with government officials or traditional leaders.
What career progression opportunities exist after completing a Project Officer Internship in Malawi?
Successful interns often advance to Project Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, or Program Coordinator positions within two to three years. Gaining experience with international donors and inclusive education programs opens doors to regional NGOs and UN agencies. Pursuing certifications like PMP or specialized training in disability-inclusive education accelerates advancement.
What benefits should I expect as an intern with a non-profit organization in Malawi?
Internship benefits vary by employer but typically include modest stipends for transport and lunch, with some organizations offering medical insurance or accident cover. Paid annual leave is usually limited during internship periods. Permanent staff positions generally include pension contributions through NICO or other registered schemes, medical aid, and statutory leave entitlements.
How should I prepare my application to stand out for project roles in Malawi's development sector?
Tailor your CV to highlight volunteer experience, community engagement, and any data collection or report writing skills. Include verifiable references from academic supervisors or previous supervisors who can attest to your reliability. Demonstrating knowledge of Malawi's education challenges, particularly for learners with disabilities, in your cover letter significantly strengthens your application.