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 positions.
Position: Project Officers (2)
Reporting to: Project Manager
Location: Neno and Nsanje
Role Overview: To facilitate project implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting that will ensure smooth delivery of project, accountability and compliance with contractual obligations agreed with the funder and ActionAid management.
Job Summary
- Employer: ActionAid Malawi
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Nsanje, Malawi
- Category: Project Management
- 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
- Project Planning
- Inputs into the development of annual and medium/long term plans and budgets for the project
- Develop implementation plans for the project
- Conducts need assessment for the project
- Participates in the development and review of SRI implementation strategies, approaches and tools to ensure alignment with national ECD and school readiness priorities.
- Supports the integration of cross-cutting issues, including child protection, safeguarding and climate resilience, into project plans and budgets.
- Develops activity-based implementation schedules and monitors progress against agreed milestones and targets.
- Supports the identification and management of project risks and develops appropriate mitigation measures.
- Project Implementation
- Ensures that project activities are implemented in accordance with SRI quality standards, guidelines and agreed implementation approaches.
- Ensures effective coordination and collaboration with relevant government departments at district and community levels.
- Facilitates community engagement and ownership of ECD and school readiness interventions.
- Provide technical support to partners and frontline ECD actors on quality play-based learning and school readiness approaches.
- Support the strengthening of linkages between CBCCs and primary schools to facilitate children’s smooth transition to Standard 1.
- Facilitates collaboration between CBCC caregivers, infant teachers, head teachers, government workers, parents and community structures.
- Supports the establishment and functioning of School-CBCC Transition Platforms and Learning Groups.
- Supports partners and communities to develop and implement sustainability plans for key SRI interventions.
- Ensures that child safeguarding, protection and safe programming standards are applied throughout project implementation.
- Supports documentation and dissemination of promising practices, innovations and lessons emerging from project implementation.
- Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Develops monthly, quarterly and annually narrative project reports.
- Monitors project performance against approved indicators, targets, work plans and budgets and recommend corrective action where necessary.
- Conducts regular field monitoring visits to CBCCs, primary schools, partners and communities to assess implementation quality and progress.
- Ensures quality, accuracy, completeness and timely submission of project data by partners.
- Supports the use of project data and evidence to inform planning, decision-making and programme improvement.
- Tracks and documents outcomes and changes resulting from SRI interventions, including improvements in caregiver practice, children’s school readiness and CBCC-school linkages.
- Participate in baseline, mid-term, endline and other project assessments as required.
- Facilitates reflection and learning sessions with partners, caregivers, teachers and other stakeholders and ensures that lessons are incorporated into implementation.
- Prepares case studies, success stories, human-interest stories and other evidence of project results for learning and donor reporting.
- Ensures timely reporting of challenges, risks, safeguarding concerns and implementation delays to the Project Manager.
- Policy Influencing, networking and alliance building
- Represents AAM and participates in relevant policy forums locally.
- Facilitates strategic alliance/network/coalition building and strengthening on advocacy issues at community and district level.
- Consolidates grassroots issues and connects them to regional and national policy agenda.
- Engages with District Councils, District Education Offices and other relevant government structures to strengthen institutional ownership of the school readiness interventions.
- Advocates for increased government and community investment in ECD.
- Supports the documentation and dissemination of evidence and lessons from SRI to inform policy and practice at district and national levels.
- Participate in ECD technical working groups, coordination meetings, networks and other relevant platforms.
- Builds and maintains effective relationships with government, NGOs, civil society organizations, traditional leaders and community structures involved in ECD.
- General management and Corporate Responsibilities
- Participates in and contributes to Project Forums, Project Team meetings, thematic task forces.
- Maintains regular flow of information with other projects and strategic partners
- Provides timely feedback and responses to project related tasks/requests from the Project Manager and other stakeholders within and without AAM.
- Carries out other functions assigned by the Project Manager
- Provides regular technical and programme support to implementing partners to ensure quality delivery of SRI activities.
- Supports partners to identify and address implementation challenges and capacity gaps.
- Promotes accountability, transparency and effective use of project resources among implementing partners.
- Follows up on recommendations arising from monitoring visits, reviews and audits.
Requirements
- A minimum of bachelor’s in early childhood development, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Education, or any relevant field from a recognized University
- Familiar with computer packages e.g., Microsoft word, excel, PowerPoint
- A minimum of 3 years working with children in community-based care centres and lower Primary school
- Experience in project planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation
- Team player and good communication skills
- Leadership and management
- A valid Motorcycle riding license is a must.
- Strong analytical / problem solving skills
- Analysis and report writing
- Planning, organization, time management, coordination, and budget tracking.
Salary
An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate in line with ActionAid Malawi Pay and Benefits Policy.
How to Apply
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 do I need to become a Project Officer at an NGO like ActionAid Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. A Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2 certification significantly strengthens your application. Practical experience managing community development projects is often preferred over purely academic qualifications.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Project Officer in Malawi?
You will coordinate project activities, monitor budgets, prepare reports for donors, and liaise with local communities and government extension workers. Field visits to rural districts are common, requiring travel to project sites for monitoring and evaluation. You will also organize training sessions and ensure compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements.
How does workplace culture differ at international NGOs compared to Malawian government or private sector jobs?
NGO culture tends to be more collaborative and less hierarchical than government offices, with emphasis on participatory decision-making. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility around community schedules is often necessary. English is the working language, though Chichewa proficiency is essential for community engagement and is highly respected.
What career progression opportunities exist for Project Officers in Malawi's development sector?
With strong performance, you can advance to Senior Project Officer, Project Manager, or Programme Coordinator roles within three to five years. Many professionals move between international NGOs, UN agencies, or into consultancy work. Specializing in areas like gender programming, climate resilience, or humanitarian response opens additional pathways.
What benefits should I expect when working as a Project Officer for an international NGO in Malawi?
Benefits typically include medical insurance, pension contributions, annual leave, and paid sick leave, though specifics vary by employer. Field-based roles often receive travel allowances or per diems for district visits. Some organizations provide housing allowances or support for professional development and further education.
How should I prepare my application to stand out for Project Officer positions at NGOs in Malawi?
Tailor your CV to highlight measurable project results, budget sizes managed, and specific donor compliance experience. Include references from previous supervisors who can speak to your fieldwork and report-writing abilities. A well-written cover letter demonstrating knowledge of the organization's focus areas and local development challenges in Malawi is essential.