WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.
ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.
WHY JOIN WFP?
– WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
– WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
– WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
– A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
– We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. The World Food Programme (WFP) Malawi is undergoing a strategic repositioning aimed at strengthening its alignment with national priorities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and supporting the Government of Malawi in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, with a particular emphasis on reaching Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and aligning with Government strategies, particularly its Vision 2063.
JOB PURPOSE: To advance this agenda, WFP Malawi seeks to recruit a Human Resources Officer to deliver professional, client-focused HR services, partnering with managers to implement HR solutions in line with WFP corporate priorities.
THE ROLE: Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Head of Human Resources, and in collaboration with the country office leadership and the HR team, the national Human Resources Officer will:
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Human Resources
- Closing Date: 2026-08-05
Key Responsibilities
- Lead HR operations pillar that includes benefits & entitlements, contracting, social security in the country office with accuracy and timeliness.
- Support the workforce planning and organization design processes and actively contribute to workforce reviews and successions planning processes.
- Oversee talent acquisition and deployment for national and international staff, building a diverse talent pipeline while ensuring compliance with policies.
- Manage staff separation processes following including calculation and processing of benefits, social security and pension related queries, and employee support measures, ensuring fairness and transparency.
- Conduct HR data analysis to support evidence-based decision making and process improvements.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of the HR Processes (HRIS, Workday) and oversee regular update and data cleaning to optimize operational efficiencies.
- Collate and analyze data for the preparation of accurate and timely reporting, supporting a WFP wide view of HR activities that enables informed decision-making and consistent information for stakeholders.
- Provide responsive HR support to managers and staff, ensuring policies, procedures, and systems are correctly applied.
- Guide and supervise junior HR colleagues, fostering capacity development and team effectiveness.
Requirements
- Has responded to standard, ad-hoc HR enquiries;
- Has provided coaching or training to new staff members within area of expertise;
- Has gained experience providing administrative and systems support across multiple activities in employment life cycle including: recruitment, interviews, training support, performance management, relocation support and policy implementation within a country office environment.
- Education: Advanced university degree in Human Resource Management, Public or Business Administration, Industrial Psychology or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience or trainings/courses.
- Experience: At least three (3) or more years of post-graduate professional experience in Human Resources with an interest in international humanitarian development.
- Knowledge of HR best practices, techniques and processes with some understanding of the basic theoretical background.
- Ability to support more junior and/or less experienced members of the team.
- Basic analytical ability to compile, maintain and analyse data, prepare reports and draw initial conclusions in support of work carried out by another officer; skills in developing sources for data collection.
- Good communication skills required to give and receive information and work with a variety of individuals.
- Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly assimilate, UN/WFP specific processes and systems.
- Language: Fluency (level C) in English language and the duty station’s language, if different.
How to Apply
REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.
All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.
We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application – unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.
At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.
APPLY NOW
wd3.myworkdaysite.com…
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
5 August 2026-23:59-GMT+02:00 Central Africa Time (Blantyre)
About the Company
The World Food Programme (WFP) is an international organization within the United Nations (UN) that provides food assistance worldwide. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and the leading provider of school meals. Founded in 1961, WFP is headquartered in Rome and has offices in 87 countries. In 2023 it supported over 152 million people, and it is present in more than 120 countries and territories.
Website: https://www.wfp.org/countries/malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical qualifications and experience required for a Human Resources Officer position in Malawi, especially with an international organization like the World Food Programme?
Generally, a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, or a related field is expected, often coupled with professional HR certifications like those from ZIHRM. Most international roles also seek 3-5 years of progressive experience in HR functions, ideally within an NGO or UN environment, demonstrating a strong understanding of local labor laws.
What would be the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Human Resources Officer in Malawi for an organization like the WFP?
Daily tasks typically involve supporting recruitment processes, managing employee relations, administering compensation and benefits, and ensuring compliance with both organizational policies and Malawian labor laws. You would also be involved in HR data management, performance appraisal support, and contributing to staff development initiatives.
What is the work culture like for an HR Officer in an international organization in Malawi, and what are the local expectations?
The work culture often emphasizes professionalism, multicultural collaboration, and adherence to international standards and ethical guidelines, while respecting local customs. Expectations include strong communication skills, adaptability to diverse working environments, and a commitment to humanitarian principles and mission objectives.
What are the typical career progression opportunities for a Human Resources Officer within an international organization in Malawi?
Career progression often involves moving into more specialized HR roles such as Talent Acquisition Specialist, Compensation & Benefits Analyst, or HR Business Partner. Opportunities may also arise for advancement to senior HR management positions within the country office or potentially within the wider international network.
What kind of benefits package can one expect as an HR Officer with an international organization in Malawi, regarding leave, medical aid, and pension?
Benefits packages typically include comprehensive medical insurance for employees and sometimes dependents, a competitive leave structure encompassing annual, sick, and maternity/paternity leave, and participation in a provident fund or pension scheme. These packages are usually designed to be competitive with other international NGOs and UN agencies in the region.
What should Malawian job seekers focus on when applying for this role, and what do international employers look for?
Applicants should highlight relevant HR experience, particularly experience with international policies, Malawian labor law, and HR systems. Employers seek candidates with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and a commitment to the organization's mission.