Job Summary
- Employer: Caring for Persons with Disabilities (CAPDI)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Nsanje, Malawi
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-10-02
Key Responsibilities
- Administer approved research questionnaires and data-collection tools.
- Conduct interviews with identified study participants and respondents.
- Explain the study to participants and obtain informed consent before data collection.
- Collect accurate and complete data in accordance with the approved research protocol.
- Maintain confidentiality and protect participants’ privacy, dignity and safety.
- Ensure that reasonable accessibility and communication needs of participants are respected.
- Use smartphones/tablets or other approved data-collection tools where applicable.
- Participate in enumerator training and orientation before fieldwork.
- Submit collected data accurately and within agreed timelines.
- Report field challenges and emerging issues to the research supervisor.
- Adhere strictly to the approved research protocol and ethical requirements.
Requirements
- A minimum of a certificate, diploma or degree in social sciences, development studies, statistics, public health, education, disability studies or a related field.
- Previous experience in research, surveys or community-based data collection.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Understanding of research ethics, informed consent and confidentiality.
- Ability to use smartphones/tablets for digital data collection is an advantage.
- Previous experience working with women, girls, persons with disabilities or other vulnerable groups is an added advantage.
- Ability to communicate in local languages commonly spoken in Nsanje District (Sena) is an advantage.
- Willingness and ability to travel to selected communities within Nsanje District.
How to Apply
Phone: 0990 614 742, 0888 684 213
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become an Enumerator for the CAPDI program in Malawi?
Most employers require a minimum of a Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) or equivalent, with preference given to those holding a diploma or degree in social sciences, public health, or disability studies. Previous experience in data collection, community work, or engagement with persons with disabilities is highly valued. Proficiency in local languages such as Chichewa and knowledge of Malawian sign language can be significant advantages.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a CAPDI Enumerator?
Enumerators conduct household surveys and interviews with persons with disabilities using standardized questionnaires, ensuring accurate data capture on tablets or paper forms. Daily tasks include traveling to assigned enumeration areas, identifying eligible respondents, and building trust within communities. You will also verify data quality, report challenges to supervisors, and maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect the role of a CAPDI Enumerator?
Respect for community hierarchies is essential; you must seek permission from traditional leaders before entering villages and approach households with cultural sensitivity. Punctuality is expected, though flexibility is needed when respondents are unavailable during farming seasons or religious observances. Building rapport through patience and repeated visits is often necessary, as direct questioning about disabilities may be stigmatized in some communities.
What career progression opportunities exist for Enumerators in Malawi's research and disability sectors?
Experienced enumerators can advance to supervisory roles, training new field staff or coordinating district-level data collection operations. With further education, you may transition into research officer positions, program coordination at NGOs like the Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi (FEDOMA), or policy advocacy roles. Some enumerators leverage their expertise to pursue careers in monitoring and evaluation, social work, or academic research institutions.
What benefits are typically offered to Enumerators in Malawian research projects?
Short-term enumeration contracts usually include daily allowances for transport and meals, with longer-term positions potentially offering medical insurance through schemes like MASM or private providers. Pension contributions are rare for temporary roles but may be available for permanent research staff through the National Pension Scheme. Leave entitlements vary by employer, with government and international NGO contracts generally offering more structured annual and sick leave provisions.
How should I apply for CAPDI Enumerator positions, and what do Malawian employers prioritize in candidates?
Monitor vacancies on platforms like MalawiJobs.com, newspaper classifieds in The Nation or Daily Times, and directly contact organizations such as the National Statistical Office, FEDOMA, or international NGOs operating disability programs. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with vulnerable populations, strong interpersonal skills, and reliability under minimal supervision. Prepare a concise CV highlighting any prior enumeration work, attach copies of certificates, and be ready for practical assessments testing data collection procedures during interviews.