The Maternal and Child Health Nurse will provide nursing care to women and newborns in the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum period. The role involves direct bedside patient care, patient monitoring, equipment stewardship, and management of Emergency obstetric and neonatal care. The nurse will also mentor other nurses, ensure adherence to the standards prescribed by the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi, support Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)measures, and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
This role requires strong clinical judgement, technical competence, and the ability to work under pressure in inter-professional teams.
The position reports directly to the Secondary Care and Programs Director with secondary reporting to the Chief Medical Officer.
This role requires strong clinical judgement, technical competence, and the ability to work under pressure in inter-professional teams.
The position reports directly to the Secondary Care and Programs Director with secondary reporting to the Chief Medical Officer.
Job Summary
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Nursing
- Closing Date: 2026-10-28
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver comprehensive, evidence-based nursing care to women and newborns, including monitoring of labour and vital signs, administering medications, and managing equipment (cardiotocographs, monitors etc.).
- Conduct and document patient assessments in alignment with WHO Safe Childbirth Flow Chart
- Provide and interpret nursing interventions such as cardiotocograph for high-risk pregnancies.
- Support emergency resuscitation procedures for peripartum women and newborns and participate in rapid response teams.
- Mentor and coach nursing staff, interns, and students in MCH.
- Uphold infection prevention and control standards and ensure safe handling of equipment and consumables.
- Participate in ward rounds, multidisciplinary case discussions, and care planning.
- Conduct nursing rounds and nursing specific case discussions and develop comprehensive nursing care plans
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation of nursing care, patient progress, and incident reporting.
- Promote a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment for patients and families.
- Ensure availability and functionality of essential MCH equipment and supplies (oxygen concentrators, resuscitation stations, Emergency trolley and PPE).
- Report shortages or equipment failures promptly and support follow-up.
- Track and plan for preventive maintenance of MCH equipment through innovative ways such as Upkeep software in collaboration with biomedical team.
- Maintain up-to-date and accurate nursing documentation in patient charts and registers.
- Participate in morbidity and mortality reviews, audits, and continuous quality improvement.
- Support generation and reporting of data from the MCH and make data driven decisions to improve quality of care for the critically ill patients.
- Identify nursing gaps in MCH and design capacity building initiatives for MCH nursing teams
- Facilitate CPD sessions on MCH care nursing and patient safety.
- Support the orientation and professional development of new staff in MCH care units.
- Teach students and interns on hands on management of peripartum women and newborns.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery, with postgraduate qualification in Midwifery or equivalent.
- Minimum of 3 years clinical experience in MCH spaces at postgraduate level.
- Registration with the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi (NMCM) and in good standing.
- Experience in mentorship, CPD facilitation, and nursing leadership is an asset.
- Familiarity with DHIS 2 and quality improvement approaches desirable.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: jobs.jobvite.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications do I need to become a Maternal and Child Health Nurse in Malawi?
You must be a registered nurse with a valid license from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Malawi. A diploma or degree in nursing is required, and specialized training in midwifery or maternal-child health is highly preferred. Additional certifications in neonatal care or emergency obstetrics strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You will provide antenatal and postnatal care, assist with deliveries, monitor newborn health, and educate mothers on nutrition and family planning. Community outreach and home visits in rural areas are common. You will also maintain patient records and collaborate with community health workers.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ in Malawian healthcare settings?
Punctuality and respect for hierarchy are valued in Malawian health facilities. You are expected to be adaptable, as resource constraints require creative problem-solving. Strong relationships with patients and communities are essential, as trust directly impacts health outcomes.
What career progression opportunities exist for Maternal and Child Health Nurses in Malawi?
With experience, you can advance to senior nurse, matron, or district nursing officer positions. Further specialization in midwifery, public health, or health management opens doors to leadership roles. Some nurses transition into teaching, policy work, or international NGO positions.
What benefits should I expect from employers like Partners In Health or similar organizations?
Benefits typically include medical aid, annual leave, and pension contributions, though specifics vary by employer. Housing or transport allowances are sometimes offered for rural placements. Always confirm benefits during the interview process, as packages differ between government and NGO sectors.
How do I apply for this role, and what do Malawian employers look for in candidates?
Apply through official job portals, the Ministry of Health, or directly on employer websites with your CV, cover letter, and valid nursing license. Employers seek clinical competence, community engagement experience, and fluency in local languages like Chichewa. Demonstrating commitment to rural service and patient-centered care strengthens your candidacy.