Job Summary
- Employer: Lusubilo Community Care
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Karonga, Malawi
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-14
Key Responsibilities
- Project Implementation and Coordination
- Support the planning, implementation and coordination of project activities in targeted impact areas in accordance with approved workplans, budgets and project objectives.
- Coordinate with government departments, local leaders, community structures, faith-based organizations and other project stakeholders to facilitate effective project implementation.
- Participate in project planning meetings, review meetings, field visits and other coordination forums.
- Ensure project activities are implemented in accordance with organisational policies, donor requirements and relevant government standards.
- Child Protection and Safeguarding
- Support initiatives aimed at strengthening community and government child protection systems.
- Facilitate awareness and capacity-building activities on child protection, safeguarding, prevention of abuse, exploitation and neglect.
- Strengthen community-based child protection mechanisms and link them with formal government protection structures.
- Identify and report child protection concerns through established referral and safeguarding mechanisms.
- Ensure that child safeguarding principles are integrated into all project activities.
- Early Childhood Development (ECD)
- Support the implementation and strengthening of ECD services in targeted communities.
- Work with ECD centres, caregivers, CBCC parent committees, community structures and government stakeholders to improve the quality and accessibility of ECD services.
- Support training and mentoring of caregivers and community volunteers on ECD practices.
- Monitor ECD activities and identify opportunities for improving service quality and child outcomes.
- Family Strengthening and Family-Based Care
- Support interventions designed to strengthen families and prevent unnecessary separation of children from their families.
- Facilitate parenting education, household strengthening and other family support interventions.
- Promote family-based care and support the reintegration of children into safe and appropriate family environments.
- Work with communities to identify vulnerable families and connect them to appropriate support services.
- Case Management and Referrals
- Support the identification, assessment, documentation and follow-up of children and families requiring protection and other support services.
- Facilitate appropriate referrals to government departments, health facilities, psychosocial support providers, legal services and other relevant service providers.
- Maintain accurate and confidential case management records in accordance with organisational policies and safeguarding requirements.
- Follow up on referrals to ensure that children and families receive appropriate and timely services.
- Escalate complex or high-risk cases through established case management and safeguarding procedures.
- Community Engagement and Mobilization
- Build strong working relationships with community leaders, traditional authorities, religious leaders, parents, caregivers, youth and community-based organisations.
- Facilitate community dialogues, awareness campaigns, meetings and other activities aimed at promoting child wellbeing and family resilience.
- Promote community ownership and participation in project activities.
- Identify community-level challenges and opportunities and provide recommendations to improve project interventions.
- Government and Stakeholder Collaboration
- Maintain effective working relationships with relevant government ministries, departments and agencies at district and community levels.
- Participate in district-level coordination meetings and technical working groups relevant to project implementation.
- Collaborate with faith-based organisations and other partners to strengthen child protection and family support systems.
- Represent the organisation professionally in relevant stakeholder meetings and forums.
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Collect, verify and maintain accurate project data in accordance with project monitoring frameworks.
- Track project outputs, outcomes, indicators and targets and identify implementation gaps.
- Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual project reports.
- Document success stories, lessons learned, case studies and good practices.
- Support project assessments, reviews, evaluations and learning activities.
- Ensure that project documentation and evidence are properly maintained and readily available for reporting and accountability purposes.
- Capacity Building and Technical Support
- Identify capacity-building needs among community structures, caregivers, volunteers and project partners.
- Support the development and delivery of training, coaching and mentoring activities.
- Promote the use of evidence-based approaches and best practices in child protection, ECD and family strengthening.
- Provide technical support to community structures implementing project activities.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Ensure that project activities meet organisational, donor and government quality standards.
- Monitor compliance with safeguarding, child protection, data protection and other relevant organisational policies.
- Identify implementation risks and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
- Promote accountability, transparency and continuous improvement in project implementation.
- Budget and Resource Management
- Support the preparation and implementation of project activity budgets.
- Ensure project resources are used efficiently and in accordance with approved budgets and organisational procedures.
- Account for project-related expenditures and submit supporting documentation in a timely manner.
- Learning and Continuous Improvement
- Identify lessons learned and emerging issues from project implementation and recommend appropriate improvements.
- Participate in project reflection and learning sessions.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of project tools, approaches and strategies.
- Promote innovation and evidence-based approaches to improve project impact.
Requirements
- Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or any field of Child Protection from a reputable institution.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum of 2 years of work experience in project support.
- Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.
- Experience in the field of Child Protection and in an NGO.
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficient in using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
- Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local structures and community members
- Holder of a clean and valid riding license
- Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
- Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
- Commitment to safeguarding
How to Apply
Address: P.O Box 42
About the Company
Lusubilo Community Care (LCC) is a faith-based, non-profit organization headquartered in Karonga, Malawi. The organization delivers community development and social services across Karonga, Chitipa, and parts of Rumphi districts in the northern region of the country. Founded on Christian principles, LCC focuses on vulnerable populations including orphans, people affected by HIV/AIDS, and families living in poverty. Its programs span education support, healthcare access, food security, and economic empowerment initiatives tailored to local needs. LCC works in partnership with communities, government structures, and international donors to sustain its impact across northern Malawi.
Faith-based care transforming lives in northern Malawi
Website: https://lusubilo.org.mw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Project Officer for Lusubilo Community Care?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Project Management, or a related field. A Diploma in Project Management or Monitoring and Evaluation from institutions like MIM or DMI is often acceptable with substantial experience. Certifications such as PRINCE2, PMP, or local NGO management training strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Project Officer in a Malawian community care setting?
You will coordinate field activities, supervise community volunteers, prepare activity reports, and liaise with local chiefs and district councils. Budget tracking and ensuring compliance with donor guidelines are daily priorities. Regular travel to rural communities for monitoring and beneficiary engagement is expected.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ in Malawian NGOs compared to private sector jobs?
NGO culture emphasizes community participation, flexibility, and relationship-building with local stakeholders over rigid hierarchies. Punctuality is valued, but understanding rural travel challenges and seasonal constraints shows cultural awareness. Employers expect humility, adaptability, and willingness to work beyond formal hours during project deadlines or emergencies.
What career progression opportunities exist for Project Officers in Malawi's development sector?
With 3-5 years of experience, you can advance to Senior Project Officer, Project Manager, or Programme Coordinator roles. Specializing in areas like M&E, grants management, or technical sectors (health, education, livelihoods) opens doors to international NGO positions. Some professionals transition to consultancy or pursue Master's degrees to access senior management roles.
What benefits should I realistically expect from a Project Officer position with a Malawian community care organization?
Standard benefits typically include paid annual leave, sick leave, and some form of medical assistance, though coverage varies significantly by employer size and funding source. Pension or provident fund contributions are increasingly common but not universal. Field-based roles often receive modest travel allowances or per diems for community visits.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Malawian employers in community development look for in applications?
Submit a tailored CV highlighting relevant field experience, community engagement skills, and measurable project outcomes through email or as specified in the job advert. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience working with vulnerable communities, local language proficiency, and familiarity with government-NGO coordination structures. Strong references from previous supervisors in similar contexts carry significant weight.