Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc, the country’s leading producer of raw, refined and specialty sugars, employing more than 9,000 employees, is hiring a Chief Medical Officer under the Estate Support Organisational Unit.
Reporting to the Estate Support Manager, the successful candidate will provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership for Medical Services.
Job Summary
- Employer: Illovo Sugar (Malawi) Plc
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-10-09
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership for Medical Services, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality and cost-effective medical and occupational health services.
- Adopt, embed and ensure compliance with agreed best practices, frameworks, policies, governance requirements and minimum standards across all aspects of Medical Services.
- Enable and promote shared value public-private partnership opportunities at scale by leveraging resources, knowledge, capabilities and innovation with diverse stakeholders in the delivery of medical services.
- Provide oversight and tracking of accounts receivables by ensuring that fee-for-service bills/claims are submitted to medical aid schemes or responsible parties for payment.
- Oversee Talent and Performance management within Medical Services, coaching and mentoring reports.
- Perform on-site medical risk assessments and implement emergency response plans to mitigate on-site medical risks and minimise health and safety impacts.
- Develop and implement occupational health, medical surveillance, employee wellness and health promotion programmes to support a healthy and productive workforce.
- Manage and coordinate public health prevention programs (malaria vector control, HIV/TB, water quality checks, non-communicable diseases, immunisations) through public-private partnerships where applicable.
- Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to HSE, Competitive Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).
Requirements
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or an equivalent recognised medical degree.
- Registration and a valid practicing licence with the Medical Council of Malawi (MCM).
- A Diploma in Occupational Health is advantageous.
- Strong strategic leadership, communication, decision-making and emergency management capabilities.
- Demonstrable experience in clinical governance, occupational health, financial management, people leadership and stakeholder engagement.
- 5 years’ management experience (clinic and/or hospital management).
How to Apply
Apply by email: DwangwaCorporateMail@illovo.co.za
About the Company
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is a key player in Malawi's agricultural and industrial landscape, primarily engaged in sugar production. This prominent Malawian company maintains a public listing on the Malawi Stock Exchange. The majority of its issued share capital, precisely 76%, is held by the Illovo Group, a significant entity in the African sugar sector. The remaining shares are accessible to the public, fostering local investment and broader participation in the company's operations within Malawi.
Malawi's key producer of sugar, listed on the local exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and medical registrations are required to become a Chief Medical Officer in Malawi?
You must hold a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from a recognized institution and be fully registered with the Medical Council of Malawi. A Master's in Public Health or Health Administration is highly advantageous. At least 7-10 years of clinical experience with proven leadership in hospital or corporate health settings is typically expected.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Chief Medical Officer at a large company like Illovo Sugar?
You oversee all occupational health services, manage clinic staff, ensure compliance with Malawi's Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act, and design workplace wellness programs. You also liaise with local hospitals for referrals and report on health metrics to senior management. Emergency response planning and health risk assessments for agricultural and industrial workers are core duties.
How does workplace culture and hierarchy affect the Chief Medical Officer role in Malawian corporate settings?
Respect for hierarchy is important; you will report to executive leadership while managing a team of clinical staff. Decision-making often requires consensus-building with HR, safety officers, and union representatives. Punctuality, formal communication, and relationship-building with community health stakeholders are valued professional norms.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Chief Medical Officer in Malawi?
You may advance to Group Medical Director for multinational corporations, transition into Ministry of Health advisory roles, or move into health NGO leadership. Some pursue consultancy in occupational health or establish private occupational medicine practices. Academic appointments at College of Medicine or Kamuzu University of Health Sciences are also viable paths.
What benefits are typically included in Chief Medical Officer packages at major employers in Malawi?
Packages usually include medical aid coverage for self and dependents, pension contributions often aligned with the National Pension Scheme Act, and annual leave of 20-30 days. Housing or housing allowances, vehicle or transport provisions, and performance bonuses are common at senior levels. Relocation support may be offered for candidates outside the immediate region.
How should I apply for a Chief Medical Officer position and what do Malawian employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through official company portals or reputable recruitment firms operating in Malawi like People Solutions or MyJobo. Employers prioritize demonstrable leadership in occupational health, knowledge of Malawian labor and health regulations, and experience managing diverse teams. Strong references from previous medical directorships and active membership in professional bodies like the Medical Association of Malawi strengthen your candidacy.