Today, our organisation has around 10,000 team members working in 36 countries across the world. Our success lies in the fact that MSI teams are locally led, entrepreneurial and results-driven, and are passionate about delivering high quality, client-centred care in their own communities. As a social business, we focus on sustainable delivery, efficiency, and funding models that are built to last, so that the women and girls we serve today will have a choice in the future too.
We know that access to reproductive choice is life changing. For some, it can mean the ability to complete an education or start a career. For others, it means being able to look after the family they already have. For everyone, it means the freedom to decide their own future, creating a fairer, more equal world.
About the Role
MSI seeks an exceptional Global SBC Manager to support the strategy and implementation of SBC best practice through the provision of technical assistance (remote and in-person) on both design and implementation as well as the coordination and documentation of internal best practice and adaptation of external best practice examples and resources.
In particular, the role will initially support the Gates-funded bilateral projects in Ethiopia and Nigeria as well as other donor-funded SBC programmes across Anglophone Africa and Asia.
The role reports to the Senior Global SBC Manager and will work closely with the others in the global marketing team, regional team and donor management teams.
Job Summary
- Employer: MSI Reproductive Choices
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Social and Behaviour Change
- Salary: £48,900 – £56,300 per annum for London applicants. For country programme applicants, the salary will be strictly banded within the local national context.
- Closing Date: 2026-10-28
Key Responsibilities
- Support the strategy and implementation of SBC best practice through the provision of technical assistance (remote and in-person) on both design and implementation.
- Coordinate and document internal best practice and adaptation of external best practice examples and resources.
- Initially support the Gates-funded bilateral projects in Ethiopia and Nigeria as well as other donor-funded SBC programmes across Anglophone Africa and Asia.
- Report to the Senior Global SBC Manager.
- Work closely with others in the global marketing team, regional team and donor management teams.
Requirements
- Fluent English skills required, French language skills desirable.
- Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.
- Ability to translate data and research into actionable insights for SBC strategic decision making.
- Strong knowledge of behaviour change theories and SBC evidence-based best practices
- Highly developed planning and organisational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects to deliver with quality and on time.
- Ability to lead and facilitate programme design- and skill-building sessions/workshops related to SBC.
- Ability to build relationships across teams (including with external partners) with evidence of highly sensitive cross-cultural skills and good influencing and negotiation skills.
- Action- and results orientated with ability to stay on track and thrive when working under tight deadlines.
- Ability to train, mentor and develop skills within others.
- Ability to translate complex information into a format and language that can be understood by a wide range of people and present in a compelling and engaging way.
- Ability to work independently and pro-actively with minimal supervision.
- Minimum four years’ experience in designing and implementing SBC programming on sexual and reproductive health, in at least two different country contexts.
- Minimum two programme examples of having implemented HCD approaches
- Experience in translating qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights to inform and evaluate SBC programming.
- Proven experience in building buy-in of teams and stakeholders outside of your direct control
- Experience facilitating training and other capacity strengthening approaches
- Formal education/qualification: No formal educational requirement, qualification through experience is sufficient.
Salary
£48,900 – £56,300 per annum for London applicants. For country programme applicants, the salary will be strictly banded within the local national context.
How to Apply
About the Company
MSI Reproductive Choices, named Marie Stopes International until November 2020, is an international non-governmental organisation providing contraception and safe abortion services in 37 countries around the world. MSI Reproductive Choices as an organisation lobbies in favour of access to abortion, and provides a variety of sexual and reproductive healthcare services including advice, vasectomies, and abortions in the UK and other countries where it is legal to do so. It is based in London and is a registered charity under English law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Global Social and Behaviour Change Manager in Malawi?
Most employers require a master's degree in public health, social sciences, communication, or a related field, plus at least 5-7 years of experience in SBC or health communication. A bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience may be considered for exceptional candidates. Certifications in behaviour change communication, monitoring and evaluation, or project management from recognized institutions strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You will design and oversee SBC strategies, lead formative research and community engagement activities, and coordinate with government health departments and local partners. Daily tasks include managing project teams, reviewing campaign materials, analyzing behavioural data, and reporting to donors. You will also travel frequently to field sites across Malawi to monitor implementation and adapt interventions.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ for this role in Malawi compared to international NGOs?
Malawian workplaces value respect for hierarchy and formal communication, so building relationships with Ministry of Health officials and community leaders is essential. Employers expect flexibility with changing donor priorities and willingness to work beyond standard hours during campaign launches or reporting periods. Demonstrating cultural sensitivity and proficiency in local languages like Chichewa significantly enhances your effectiveness and career prospects.
What realistic career progression paths exist for SBC professionals in Malawi?
With proven performance, you can advance to Senior SBC Manager, Country Director, or regional technical advisor roles covering multiple African countries. Some professionals transition into independent consultancy or join the Ministry of Health as policy advisors. Pursuing additional qualifications in public health leadership or strategic communication opens doors to executive positions within global health organizations.
What benefits should I expect from a full-time SBC Manager position with an international NGO in Malawi?
Standard packages typically include comprehensive medical insurance covering dependents, annual leave of 20-25 days plus public holidays, and pension or provident fund contributions. Many organizations provide hardship allowances, professional development funds, and relocation support for international hires. Specific benefits vary by employer and funding source, so negotiate these details during the offer stage.
How should I apply for this role, and what do employers in Malawi specifically look for during selection?
Submit your application through the organization's official careers portal with a tailored CV highlighting quantifiable SBC achievements and a compelling cover letter addressing Malawi's health context. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated experience in family planning or reproductive health, strong stakeholder management skills, and familiarity with Malawi's health system. Prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on your ability to adapt global strategies to local cultural realities.