The Opportunity
Save the Children is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Innovation Specialist (Health) – Bundle Up! Nutrition for Small and Sickt Newborns for the Malawi Country Office, based in Lilongwe. The position is a two-year contract and reports directly to the Innovations Manager, with matrix technical support from the Health Technical Advisor.
Save the Children is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Innovation Specialist (Health) – Bundle Up! Nutrition for Small and Sickt Newborns for the Malawi Country Office, based in Lilongwe. The position is a two-year contract and reports directly to the Innovations Manager, with matrix technical support from the Health Technical Advisor.
The Innovation Specialist will provide technical leadership in the implementation of the Bundle Up! Nutrition for Small and Sick Newborns innovation project at Kamuzu Central Hospital. The role holder will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on project activities while applying Human-Centred Design (HCD) and Innovation Friendly Procurement approaches to identify, test, and scale innovative solutions that improve nutrition outcomes for small and sick newborns.
Working closely with healthcare workers, mothers and caregivers, they Ministry of Health, private sector partners, and other stakeholders, the Innovation Specialist will facilitate co-design processes, strengthen partnerships,play coordinate innovation activities, and support the adoption and scale-up of tested solutions. The role also includes representing the project in national technical forums, supporting evidence generation, and ensuring high-quality project implementation in line with Save the Children’s Innovation Strategy and donor requirements.
In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder may be required to work outside the normal role profile and adjust working hours accordingly.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-08-13
Key Responsibilities
- The Innovation Specialist will provide technical leadership in the implementation of the Bundle Up! Nutrition for Small and Sick Newborns innovation project at Kamuzu Central Hospital.
- The role holder will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on project activities while applying Human-Centred Design (HCD) and Innovation Friendly Procurement approaches to identify, test, and scale innovative solutions that improve nutrition outcomes for small and sick newborns.
- Working closely with healthcare workers, mothers and caregivers, they Ministry of Health, private sector partners, and other stakeholders, the Innovation Specialist will facilitate co-design processes, strengthen partnerships,play coordinate innovation activities, and support the adoption and scale-up of tested solutions.
- The role also includes representing the project in national technical forums, supporting evidence generation, and ensuring high-quality project implementation in line with Save the Children’s Innovation Strategy and donor requirements.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Design Strategy, Innovation, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Information Technology, or a related design discipline.
- Additional qualifications or certifications in Product Development, Product Management, or Health and Nutrition for newborn care will be an added advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing innovation projects.
- Experience managing innovation programmes, partnerships, or innovation incubators/accelerators within the public, private, or NGO sectors.
- Strong understanding of health, nutrition, and newborn care policies and practices in Malawi.
- Experience applying Human-Centred Design and facilitating innovation workshops.
- Experience managing projects, budgets, procurement processes, and partnerships.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, including working with government, private sector, and development partners.
- Excellent workshop facilitation, coaching, mentoring, and capacity-strengthening skills.
- Strong analytical, report writing, monitoring, evaluation, and documentation skills.
- Excellent communication skills in both English and Chichewa.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital collaboration tools such as Figma.
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with multiple competing priorities.
How to Apply
Please attach your CV and cover letter with your application and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
A copy of the full role profile can be found on the Save the Children careers website.
We need to keep children safe, so our selection process includes rigorous background checks as part of our commitment to protecting children from abuse.
Save the Children does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Any request for payment in connection with a job application should be treated as fraudulent and reported immediately.
All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our Global Anti-Harassment Policy.
Apply Now
hcri.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com…
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
A copy of the full role profile can be found on the Save the Children careers website.
We need to keep children safe, so our selection process includes rigorous background checks as part of our commitment to protecting children from abuse.
Save the Children does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Any request for payment in connection with a job application should be treated as fraudulent and reported immediately.
All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our Global Anti-Harassment Policy.
Apply Now
hcri.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com…
About the Company
The Save the Children Fund, commonly known as Save the Children, is an international non-governmental organization. It was founded in the UK in 1919; its goal is to improve the lives of children worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical qualifications and experience needed for an Innovation Specialist (Health) role in Malawi?
Candidates usually require a degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Development Studies, or a related field, often coupled with practical experience in health program design or implementation. Expertise in innovative approaches to health challenges, particularly maternal and child health in Malawian contexts, is highly valued.
What would be the common day-to-day responsibilities for an Innovation Specialist focused on newborn nutrition in Malawi?
Daily tasks often involve coordinating with local health facilities and community health workers to pilot new nutrition interventions for newborns. This includes monitoring program effectiveness, gathering feedback from beneficiaries, and documenting lessons learned to adapt and scale successful innovations.
How would you describe the local work culture and expectations for an NGO health specialist in Malawi, especially concerning community engagement?
The work culture emphasizes strong collaboration with local communities, government stakeholders, and health partners, requiring culturally sensitive communication and respect for local customs. Professionals are expected to be adaptable, proactive, and deeply committed to understanding and addressing health needs at the grassroots level.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for an Innovation Specialist (Health) within the Malawian NGO sector?
Career paths often lead to senior specialist roles, program management positions, or technical advisory roles within local or international NGOs. Opportunities may also arise in research institutions or government health ministries, applying expertise gained in innovative health programming.
What typical benefits, such as leave, medical aid, or pension, can an Innovation Specialist expect from an international NGO in Malawi?
Most international NGOs in Malawi offer a standard benefits package including annual leave, sick leave, and often a comprehensive medical aid scheme. A pension or provident fund contribution is also common, varying based on the organization's policies and contract type.
What should job seekers focus on when applying for this role in Malawi, and what do employers typically look for?
Employers in Malawi look for practical experience applying innovative solutions within the local health context, strong project management skills, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities. Highlighting your understanding of Malawi's health system and commitment to sustainable impact is crucial.