Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is the country’s leading producer of raw, refined and specialty sugars; employing more than 9000 employees. Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is part of Illovo Sugar Africa Group; a wholly-owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF).
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-08-20
Key Responsibilities
- Provide occupational health services within a multidisciplinary team that may include Ergonomists, Occupational Hygienists, Safety Practitioners, Human Resources Assistance Programme Practitioners, Line Managers, SHEQ, and external medical service providers.
- Ensure relevant occupational health legislation, regulatory standards, systems, processes, and internal requirements are met.
- Promote cross-functional and stakeholder engagement with Human Resources, SHEQ, Line Management, Medical Services, and external service providers.
- Model leadership behaviours by collaborating, partnering, communicating effectively, and supporting workplace health and safety objectives.
- Promote a culture of prevention, risk identification, employee wellness and continuous improvement in occupational health practices.
- Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including without limitation those relating to SHEQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).
Requirements
- Bachelors Degree in Occupational Health, Nursing, Environmental Health, Public Health, Safety, or a related health science field.
- Registration with the relevant professional council or regulatory body, where applicable.
- Occupational Health qualification or certification will be an advantage.
- Certification in Audiometry and Spirometry will be an advantage.
- Training or certification in medical surveillance, occupational health risk assessment, or workplace health management will be an advantage.
- 3-4 years’ experience in a similar occupational health, workplace health, medical surveillance, or employee wellness environment.
- Knowledge of occupational health legislation, medical surveillance requirements, workplace health risks, and SHEQ systems.
- Knowledge of environmental and health hazards within the workplace
- Basic computer skills
- Driver’s licence
Salary
Not specified
How to Apply
Apply by email: nchalo@illovo.co.za
Address: The HR Mill Head Illovo Sugar (Malawi) Plc, Private Bag 50 Blantyre
Address: The HR Mill Head Illovo Sugar (Malawi) Plc, Private Bag 50 Blantyre
About the Company
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is a key player in Malawi's agricultural and industrial landscape, primarily engaged in sugar production. This prominent Malawian company maintains a public listing on the Malawi Stock Exchange. The majority of its issued share capital, precisely 76%, is held by the Illovo Group, a significant entity in the African sugar sector. The remaining shares are accessible to the public, fostering local investment and broader participation in the company's operations within Malawi.
Malawi's key producer of sugar, listed on the local exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required to work as an Occupational Health Practitioner in Malawi?
A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Environmental Health, or Occupational Health & Safety is commonly required, often supplemented by registration with the Malawi Medical Council or the Malawi Health Professions Council. Postgraduate certificates or diplomas in Occupational Health from institutions like the University of Malawi or recognised international providers (e.g., BOHS or IOSH) significantly strengthen applications.
What does a typical day look like for an Occupational Health Practitioner at a large agro-industrial employer like Illovo Sugar in Malawi?
Daily duties include conducting pre-employment and periodic health assessments, managing workplace injury cases, delivering health education on topics like malaria prevention and safe chemical handling, and supporting compliance with Malawi’s Occupational Safety and Health Act. Field visits to cane fields, mills, and processing units are common, requiring adaptability to rural settings and variable weather conditions.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for occupational health roles in Malawian industries compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy and strong interpersonal communication are essential, as practitioners frequently liaise with supervisors, union representatives, and workers across diverse literacy levels. Community-oriented approaches—such as using Chichewa in health talks and integrating local beliefs about illness—are valued over strictly clinical protocols alone.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Occupational Health Practitioners in Malawi’s private sector?
With experience and further certification, practitioners may advance to Senior Occupational Health Officer, Occupational Health & Safety Manager, or cross-train into broader HR or ESG roles. Some transition into consultancy or take up teaching positions with training institutions like the Malawi College of Health Sciences, especially after obtaining a Master’s degree or international accreditation.
What benefits are typically offered to Occupational Health Practitioners employed by major Malawian companies like Illovo Sugar?
Standard benefits usually include annual leave (21–30 days), comprehensive medical aid covering dependants, pension contributions under the National Pension Scheme, and occasional allowances for fieldwork or uniform maintenance. Housing or transport support may be provided depending on location and contractual terms, but is not guaranteed across all roles.