UNIK is a leading infrastructure construction enterprise in Malawi, specialising in road works and water engineering projects. We are currently delivering multiple key national infrastructure projects, including the M1 Road, M10 Road and Mzimba Road projects. We are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable livelihood infrastructure to support local development, upholding our core values of safety & compliance and team excellence. To meet workforce demand amid our parallel running projects, we are now recruiting a proactive, detail-oriented human resources professional to join our Lilongwe office team.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Human Resources
- Closing Date: 2026-07-24
Key Responsibilities
- Full-cycle recruitment & staffing: Lead end-to-end recruitment processes including resume screening, interview coordination and onboarding; match workforce demands for the head office, M1 Road, M10 Road, Mzimba Road projects and water engineering sites to ensure sufficient manpower supply for all projects.
- Employee relations management: Address employee requests, appeals and workplace issues; oversee fair and equitable disciplinary procedures; serve as a communication bridge between management and employees to foster a positive working environment.
- Compensation & benefits administration: Manage monthly payroll calculation and disbursement, maintain the company salary structure and employee benefits programs; administer the compliant pension scheme to ensure contributions and withdrawals fully meet regulatory requirements.
- Performance & talent development: Implement and optimise the company performance appraisal system to build a high-performance culture; assess training needs, develop and track employee training and talent development programs to support employee growth, motivation and retention.
- Compliance & workplace safety management: Develop and roll out group-wide HR strategies, policies and procedures; ensure all HR activities fully comply with Malawian local labour laws and regulations; oversee occupational health and safety management across all workplaces.
- Management decision support: Prepare regular HR metrics and reports to provide data-driven support for management’s multi-project workforce planning.
- Complete other HR-related tasks assigned by the Project Human Resource Manager.
Requirements
- Diploma or above in Human Resource Management, Business Administration or a related discipline
- Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience across generalist HR modules; prior HR experience in the construction, engineering or infrastructure sector is preferred
- Strong familiarity with the Malawi Employment Act 2000 and local labour regulations, with practical experience in end-to-end recruitment, employee relations, payroll administration and performance management
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and standard HR administrative tools
- Fluent written and spoken English, with proficiency in Chichewa to communicate smoothly with local employees
- Excellent interpersonal, coordination and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to build trust across all levels of employees and management
- Meticulous and well-organised, able to adapt to the fast-paced multi-project working environment, with strong resilience and execution capability
- Ability to strictly maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and company information.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit the following documents:
Updated CV with contact information of 3 professional referees
Cover letter stating your fit for the role
Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates
Please send your application to hr.ma@unikconst.com , with the email subject line: Application for Assistant Human Resource Manager.
Closing date for applications is Friday, 24th July 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. UNIK is an equal opportunity employer.
Updated CV with contact information of 3 professional referees
Cover letter stating your fit for the role
Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates
Please send your application to hr.ma@unikconst.com , with the email subject line: Application for Assistant Human Resource Manager.
Closing date for applications is Friday, 24th July 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. UNIK is an equal opportunity employer.
About the Company
The University Graduate Center (UNIK) was a research foundation at Kjeller in Norway up to 2016. University of Oslo tok over the operation from 1. January 2017. UNIK had four focus areasNetwork, Information Security and Signalprocessing for Communication, Electronics and Photonics Cybernetics and Industrial Mathematics Energy and the Environment
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical educational qualifications and certifications required for an HR Officer role in Malawi?
Most employers in Malawi prefer candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional certifications from bodies like IHRM (Institute of Human Resources Management) or relevant local HR associations are also highly valued and can give applicants a significant edge.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Human Resources Officer in a Malawian organization?
A typical day often involves managing recruitment processes, onboarding new employees, administering payroll inputs, and maintaining employee records. HR Officers also handle employee relations, assist with performance management, and ensure compliance with Malawian labour laws and company policies.
What are the general work culture and expectations for an HR Officer in Malawian workplaces?
Malawian work culture often emphasizes respect for hierarchy, teamwork, and strong interpersonal relationships. As an HR Officer, you are expected to be approachable, maintain confidentiality, and effectively mediate workplace issues while upholding professional ethics.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Human Resources Officer in Malawi?
An HR Officer can typically advance to roles such as Senior HR Officer, HR Coordinator, or HR Manager within smaller to medium-sized organizations. Further progression often involves specializing in areas like talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, or training and development, leading to more senior management positions.
What are the typical benefits an HR Officer can expect in Malawi, beyond the basic salary?
Standard benefits often include annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave in line with Malawian labour laws. Many reputable employers also provide medical aid coverage, pension contributions (e.g., to the National Social Security Authority or private schemes), and sometimes life assurance or transport allowances.
How should I best prepare my application, and what do Malawian employers typically look for in an HR Officer candidate?
Employers in Malawi look for clear, concise CVs highlighting relevant experience and qualifications. Strong communication skills, familiarity with Malawian labour laws, and practical experience in HR software are highly sought after. Demonstrating an understanding of local workplace dynamics will also be a significant advantage.