The Board is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates of Malawi origin to fill the following position that exist within the Board
Job Summary
- Employer: Lilongwe Water Board
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Information Technology
- Closing Date: 2026-10-20
Key Responsibilities
- Install, configure, maintain and upgrade servers, operating systems (Windows/Linux), and enterprise applications
- Recommend the redesign and configuration of operating systems and system applications
- Investigate and analyse the feasibility of system requirements and develop system specifications
- Perform softwareapplication installations, upgrades, licensing, documentation and troubleshooting
- Continuously monitor system performance and resource utilisation, and troubleshoot and make necessary adjustments to optimise efficiency and ensure high availability
- Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls in Active Directory
- Perform regular data and system backups and disaster recovery planning
- Conduct periodic system restoration tests and disaster recovery drills
- Implement and enforce cybersecurity policies
- Administer and maintain the VMware environment, including patching. upgrades, and performance optimisation
- Provide technical support for IT equipment and resolve IT-related issues for employees
- Document system configurations, procedures, changes and incidents
- Collaborate with IT team to plan and execute IT infrastructure upgrades
- Supervising and appraising staff below him or her
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ITIL practices, and other regulatory requirements
- Demonstrating outstanding commitment to service delivery programmes of the Board by personally identifying and reporting water bursts/leakages to customer care division of which verifiable repair records shall be tendered to be used as one of the components for assessment during one’s performance appraisal time
Requirements
- A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Computer Science or any related field
- At least 2 years working experience in preferably in systems administration
- Proficient in Windows/Linux OS, Active Directory, scripting (PowerShell/ Bash/Python)
- Strong knowledge of TCP/P, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and security protocols
- Ability to support virtual and cloud environments (VMware. Azure and Google Apps)
- Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
How to Apply
About the Company
Lilongwe Water Board is a statutory corporation established under the Water Works Act, responsible for water supply and sanitation services in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. The board manages the abstraction, treatment, and distribution of potable water to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the city and surrounding areas. It operates water treatment plants, maintains an extensive network of pipelines and reservoirs, and implements revenue collection systems to sustain its operations. Lilongwe Water Board also engages in water conservation education and infrastructure expansion projects to meet growing demand in one of Malawi's fastest-growing urban centers.
Providing safe water for life
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an IT Officer (Systems Administrator) role at a parastatal like Lilongwe Water Board?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field from a recognized Malawian university such as UNIMA or MUBAS. Professional certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft Azure, or Cisco CCNA are highly valued and often give candidates a competitive edge in the public sector.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Systems Administrator in a Malawian water utility?
Daily tasks include managing Windows/Linux servers, maintaining network infrastructure, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and ensuring data backups run properly. You will also handle user support requests, monitor system security, and occasionally work with SCADA or billing systems common in utility operations.
How is the work culture and what expectations should I have as an IT professional in Malawi's public sector?
Public sector work culture in Malawi emphasizes hierarchy, respect for seniority, and formal communication channels. Punctuality is expected, though flexibility exists; you should anticipate bureaucratic processes for procurement and approvals, and be prepared to document everything thoroughly for audit purposes.
What career progression opportunities exist for Systems Administrators in Malawian parastatals?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Systems Administrator, IT Manager, or Chief Information Officer positions within the organization. Many professionals also transition to consultancy roles or move to larger parastatals like ESCOM, MACRA, or private sector firms such as banks and telecom companies for broader exposure.
What benefits are typically offered to IT Officers in Malawian public utilities?
Standard benefits usually include pension contributions through the Public Service Pension Fund or similar schemes, medical aid coverage, and annual leave entitlements typically starting at 24 days. Some parastatals also provide housing allowances, funeral insurance, and opportunities for sponsored training and professional development.
How should I apply for this role and what do Malawian employers specifically look for in applications?
Submit a detailed CV, certified copies of academic and professional certificates, and a cover letter addressing the specific job requirements to the advertised address or email. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrable hands-on experience, referees from previous supervisors, and evidence of continuous learning such as recent certifications or completed projects.