The Lilongwe Water Board is a Statutory Corporation established in 1947 and re-constituted in 1995 under the Water Works Act (Cap 72). It is responsible for the provision of water supply and sanitation services to the City of Lilongwe and other surrounding areas designated as its supply area.
The Board is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates of Malawi origin to fill the following position that exist within the Board
Job Summary
- Employer: Lilongwe Water Board
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Human Resources
- Closing Date: 2026-10-20
Key Responsibilities
- Updating job descriptions for each position in liaison with heads of department;
- Drafting adverts for vacant positions
- Arranging for interviews and providing secretarial services during interviews
- Arranging for induction in liaison with heads of departments
- Providing secretarial services to the training sub-committee;
- Liaising with training providers on issues of training
- Processing pensions and Workers’ Compensation claims
- Demonstrating outstanding commitment to service delivery programs of the Board by personally identifying and reporting water bursts/leakages to customer care Division of which verifiable repair records shall be used during performance appraisal as one of the components to be assessed for time.
Requirements
- A minimum of a Diploma in Human Resources Management plus two years’ experience
How to Apply
Address: P.O Box 96,
About the Company
Lilongwe Water Board is a statutory corporation established under the Water Works Act, responsible for water supply and sanitation services in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. The board manages the abstraction, treatment, and distribution of potable water to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the city and surrounding areas. It operates water treatment plants, maintains an extensive network of pipelines and reservoirs, and implements revenue collection systems to sustain its operations. Lilongwe Water Board also engages in water conservation education and infrastructure expansion projects to meet growing demand in one of Malawi's fastest-growing urban centers.
Providing safe water for life
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are typically required for an Assistant Human Resources Management Officer role at a parastatal like Lilongwe Water Board?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognized Malawian university such as UNIMA or MUBAS. Professional certification from the Institute of People Management in Malawi (IPMM) or SHRM is highly advantageous. Relevant experience of 2-3 years in HR administration is often preferred.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of an Assistant HR Management Officer in Malawi's public sector?
Daily tasks typically include maintaining employee records, processing leave applications, assisting with recruitment and onboarding, coordinating training programs, and ensuring compliance with Malawi labour laws. You will also support payroll administration and handle employee grievances at the preliminary level. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with payroll systems like SAP or pastel are essential.
How does the work culture and professional etiquette differ in Malawian parastatal organizations compared to private companies?
Parastatals like Lilongwe Water Board emphasize hierarchical respect, formal communication channels, and adherence to government procedures and procurement regulations. Decision-making tends to be slower due to bureaucratic processes and committee approvals. Punctuality, proper dress code, and deference to senior management are culturally expected and valued.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Assistant HR Management Officers in Malawi's water boards and similar organizations?
With strong performance and additional qualifications, you can progress to HR Management Officer, Senior HR Officer, and eventually HR Manager or Director within 8-15 years. Pursuing a Master's degree in HR or an MBA, plus IPMM fellowship, significantly accelerates promotion prospects. Some professionals transition to consultancy or join larger regional organizations like water utilities in neighboring countries.
What typical benefits should I expect as an Assistant HR Management Officer in a Malawian parastatal organization?
Standard benefits usually include medical aid coverage through schemes like MASM or Liberty Health, pension contributions to the National Pension Scheme or employer-specific funds, and annual leave entitlement of 24-30 days. You may also receive housing or transport allowances, funeral insurance, and performance-based bonuses depending on organizational profitability. These benefits are generally more secure than in the informal private sector.
What do employers like Lilongwe Water Board specifically look for when reviewing applications for HR positions?
Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated knowledge of Malawi's Employment Act and labour regulations, plus practical experience in public sector HR systems. Strong written communication in English and Chichewa, integrity, and community engagement are highly valued. Your application should highlight specific achievements in recruitment, employee relations, or policy implementation with measurable outcomes.