Waka Private Clinic is a private medical clinic that has been running for 9 years in the city of Lilongwe. The clinic offers general medical services including family planning, under five clinic, STI clinic, HTS, ART, EID, ANC and other minor surgical services. It is an out-patient service center that runs from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm daily.
We are looking for an energetic HIV Diagnostic Assistant (HDA), willing to work even on Saturday half day and perform other minor duties assigned from time to time.
We are looking for an energetic HIV Diagnostic Assistant (HDA), willing to work even on Saturday half day and perform other minor duties assigned from time to time.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-08-24
Key Responsibilities
- We are looking for an energetic HIV Diagnostic Assistant (HDA), willing to work even on Saturday half day and perform other minor duties assigned from time to time.
Requirements
- Should be a holder of MSCE, fluent in English and Chichewa.
- Should have at least 1-year experience.
- History of working with an NGO that is HIV oriented will be an added advantage.
- Should be computer literate, at least Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Should have an updated proficiency test and have a valid provider ID recognized by MoH.
- Should be able to document in Scanform and send reports to QED in a timely manner.
- Should be aged at least 20 – 40 years.
How to Apply
Applications can be dropped physically at the facility, or through:
WhatsApp: 0991522315 / 0884125305
Email: dmxlongwe316@gmail.com / thembat2974@hotmail.com
Closing Date: 24th August 2026 at 12 midnight
WhatsApp: 0991522315 / 0884125305
Email: dmxlongwe316@gmail.com / thembat2974@hotmail.com
Closing Date: 24th August 2026 at 12 midnight
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are required to work as an HIV Diagnostic Assistant at a private clinic like Waka in Malawi?
You need a minimum of a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology or Community Health Nursing from a Malawi National Council for Higher Education (NACHE)-accredited institution. Certification by the Malawi Council for Nurses and Midwives (MCNM) or the Malawi Medical Council (MMC), depending on your background, is mandatory. Prior training in HIV rapid testing, sample collection, and adherence to MOH Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is strongly preferred.
What does a typical day look like for an HIV Diagnostic Assistant at a private clinic in Malawi?
Your day involves conducting HIV rapid diagnostic tests, pre- and post-test counselling, recording results in DHIS2 or clinic registers, and referring positive clients to ART services per national guidelines. You’ll also manage specimen transport logs, maintain test kit inventories, and participate in weekly facility data review meetings with the clinic’s clinical officer.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for HDAs in Malawian private clinics compared to public facilities?
Private clinics often expect greater flexibility in hours and multi-tasking—such as supporting TB screening or basic phlebotomy—while maintaining strict confidentiality and client-centred communication aligned with Malawi’s Health Professions Act. Respect for hierarchy (e.g., reporting to clinical officers or facility managers) and punctuality are highly valued, and dress code typically follows MOH-approved uniforms with visible ID badges.
What career progression opportunities exist for an HIV Diagnostic Assistant working in Malawi’s private health sector?
With experience and further study—such as upgrading to a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences or completing MOH-accredited mentorship in HIV/TB integration—you may advance to roles like Senior HDA, Lab Supervisor, or Clinic Data Officer. Some HDAs transition into community-based program coordination with NGOs or pursue registration as Clinical Officers through the Malawi College of Medicine’s bridging programs.
What benefits can I realistically expect as an HDA at a private clinic like Waka in Malawi?
Most registered private clinics offer statutory benefits including 30 days annual leave, sick leave per the Employment Act, and enrolment in the National Pension Scheme (NPS). Medical aid is uncommon for entry-level HDAs but may be offered after probation; some clinics provide limited access to on-site clinical services for staff and immediate dependants.
How do I apply for an HDA position at a private clinic in Malawi, and what do employers typically prioritise during hiring?
Applications are usually submitted in person or via email with a CV, certified academic certificates, MCNM/MMC registration proof, and a valid Police Clearance Certificate. Employers prioritise verified field experience in HIV testing, familiarity with Malawi’s Integrated HIV Testing Services (IHTS) guidelines, and demonstrated interpersonal skills—especially in rural or semi-urban settings where stigma remains a concern.