ActionAid Malawi with funding from Roger Federer Foundation (RFF) is implementing a “School Readiness Initiative Malawi (SRM) project in Lilongwe rural, Balaka, Mulanje, Phalombe, Machinga, Neno, Nsanje, Ntcheu, Mchinji, Dowa and Ntchisi districts, from October 2026 until June 2028. School Readiness initiative is aimed at supporting “children to be ready for schools and schools ready for children”. The project is implemented in Primary schools and their feeder community-based care centres (CBCCs). The initiative is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4.2 whose focus is on ensuring that by 2030 all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
ActionAid Malawi invites applications from suitably qualified personnel to fill the following vacant position:
Position : SRI Project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer
Reporting to : SRI Project Manager
Duty station : Lilongwe.
Role Overview: To support Programme and Project Coordinators in Monitoring and Evaluation in line with Accountability Learning and Planning System (ALPS) and CSP IV Monitoring and Evaluation Impact assessment framework and Local Rights Programme Strategic Plans.
Job Summary
- Employer: ActionAid Malawi
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Monitoring & Evaluation
- Salary: An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate in line with ActionAid Malawi Pay and Benefits Policy.
- Closing Date: 2026-10-14
Key Responsibilities
- Support Programme and Project Officers in monitoring and evaluation in line with the Accountability Learning and Planning System (ALPS) and SRI Project monitoring and evaluation impact assessment framework
- Leading role in enhancing monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment within ActionAid Malawi, in line with the SRI Project directions within the SRI Project Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
- Enhancing and taking forward the process of innovation, programme learning, and sharing within and outside AAM and with partners/project stakeholders
- Supporting the process of research at various levels,
- Supporting LRP/Projects in strategic plan development in line with CSP VI
- Developing and implementing of M&E/IA system within ActionAid Malawi,
- Support in coordinating programme reviews at national and district levels
- Working with Technical leads, Programme/Project Coordinators to design adequate and effective M&E/IA of policy and campaign work.
- Oversee the development and implementation of an Online Data Collection and Reporting System using Power BI for the SRI Project in all the targeted districts.
- Lead and/or coordinate all project assessments, evaluations, and performance evaluation tasks, including planning and reporting on the same.
- In collaboration with project stakeholders, update the indicator tracking table and any other project databases.
- Coordinate the preparation and review of all project reports to ensure quality and accurate reporting.
- Prepare relevant evidence-based reports to ensure learning and programme quality improvement.
- Build the capacity of AAM staff and partners through training to ensure adoption of new data monitoring techniques and data quality.
- Keep abreast of new approaches and tools on M&E and provide capacity building to SRI staff and stakeholders as needed.
- Enable staff to monitor and evaluate their own efforts, gather relevant data, and produce required progress reports.
- Develop program strategies that are in line with SRI program priorities and appropriately based on MEAL standards.
- Support in the development and implementation of clear supportive supervision and mentorship tools.
- Provide technical leadership in the review of project outcomes and utilization of project data to prioritize interventions.
- Contribute to the process of knowledge creation and dissemination related to community, district, and national know-how in the areas of SRI.
- Represent the project during engagements with donors, government, and national and international forums related to ActionAid Malawi and the SRI Project when required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Monitoring & Evaluation; population, demography studies, social sciences, or any other related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field of programme/project planning, management, and monitoring/evaluation of large-scale projects
- Have practical experience in donor reporting, designing, setting up, coordinating, monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment systems and processes.
- Demonstrated experience in data processing and management of large-scale projects.
- Demonstrated experience with statistical packages and/ or data analysis software (e.g. SPSS, Excel, Epi Info, SMART, STAT 01) and advanced computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases) is an added advantage.
- Strong conceptual, analytical, documentation, and presentation skills.
- Excellent management, leadership, planning, and prioritization skills.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills coupled with the ability to influence, negotiate, advise, mentor, and train.
- High degrees of integrity, dependability, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
Salary
An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate in line with ActionAid Malawi Pay and Benefits Policy.
How to Apply
Address: P.O. Box 30735
About the Company
ActionAid Malawi is the national affiliate of the global ActionAid federation, operating in Malawi since 1990. The organization works across multiple districts including Lilongwe, Mzimba, and Nsanje, focusing on eradicating poverty and injustice through programs in education, women's rights, food security, and climate resilience. It partners with local communities, women's groups, and civil society organizations to amplify the voices of marginalized people and hold duty-bearers accountable. ActionAid Malawi employs rights-based approaches and supports community-led development initiatives that address structural causes of poverty. The organization is registered under Malawi's NGO regulatory framework and maintains its headquarters in Lilongwe.
Working with people living in poverty to secure lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for an M&E Officer role with NGOs like ActionAid Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in statistics, economics, social sciences, or development studies. Professional certifications such as Monitoring and Evaluation Certificate from the University of Malawi or international credentials like IPDET are highly valued. Practical experience with data collection tools and software like SPSS, STATA, or KoboToolbox is often essential.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an SRI Project M&E Officer in Malawi?
Daily tasks include designing data collection instruments, training field staff on proper data gathering techniques, and conducting field visits to project sites in rural areas. You will analyze project performance data, prepare quarterly reports for donors, and present findings to district and national stakeholders. Regular coordination with government extension workers and community volunteers is also central to the role.
How does the local work culture in Malawi's NGO sector affect M&E officers?
The work culture emphasizes relationship-building and patience, as community entry and trust-building take time in rural Malawian contexts. Hierarchical respect for senior staff and government partners is important, and flexibility is needed when fieldwork is disrupted by seasonal rains or transport challenges. Punctuality for meetings is expected, though rural field conditions often require adaptability.
What career progression opportunities exist for M&E professionals in Malawi's development sector?
With experience, M&E Officers can advance to Senior M&E Officer, M&E Manager, or Programme Manager positions within NGOs or move into consultancy roles. Some transition into government positions with the National Statistical Office or Ministry of Agriculture. Further specialization in areas like climate resilience or gender analysis can open doors to regional or international roles.
What benefits are typically offered to M&E Officers by international NGOs operating in Malawi?
Benefits usually include medical insurance covering treatment at designated hospitals, pension contributions through mandatory NAPSA or private schemes, and annual leave of 20-25 days. Many employers provide hardship allowances for remote postings, transport for fieldwork, and professional development opportunities. Specific packages vary by employer and funding source.
What do employers in Malawi look for when hiring M&E Officers, and how should I apply?
Employers prioritize demonstrated field experience, strong quantitative and qualitative data skills, and familiarity with Malawi's agricultural or social protection contexts. Tailor your CV to highlight specific M&E tools used and attach certificates, academic transcripts, and reference letters. Applications are typically submitted online or to physical addresses with clear subject lines, and following up respectfully after two weeks is acceptable practice.