The Partnerships Coordinator leads the development and strengthening of strategic partnerships that advance the objectives of Every Child Belongs (ECB) Project and improve outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. The role builds and maintains productive relationships with government institutions, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, private sector actors, development partners, and community stakeholders to support coordination, advocacy, sustainability, and resource mobilization. The position promotes collaboration, shared accountability, and knowledge exchange to enhance project impact and strengthen disability-inclusive systems and services. The Partnerships Coordinator serves as the project’s focal point for external engagement and partnership management, ensuring that partnerships are aligned with World Vision’s values, safeguarding standards, and programme objectives.
Job Summary
- Employer: World Vision International
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-09-30
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that support ECB Project objectives and disability inclusion outcomes.
- Lead stakeholder mapping, analysis, and engagement planning at national and district levels.
- Coordinate the establishment, implementation, and review of partnership agreements in accordance with World Vision policies and procedures.
- Monitor partnership performance, commitments, and deliverables, and facilitate regular review and learning discussions.
- Identify partnership risks, opportunities, and areas for collaboration and provide recommendations for action.
- Represent the project in relevant coordination forums, technical working groups, and stakeholder platforms, as delegated.
- Strengthen relationships with government and other key stakeholders to advance disability inclusion and child well-being outcomes.
- Identify opportunities for advocacy and influence that support project objectives and systems strengthening.
- Provide regular analysis and updates on policy, stakeholder, and sector developments relevant to the project.
- Facilitate collaboration among project teams, government institutions, service providers, community structures, and partner organizations.
- Promote information sharing, joint planning, and coordinated action among stakeholders.
- Strengthen networks that improve access to services and opportunities for children with disabilities and their families.
- Support stakeholder engagement approaches that strengthen ownership, sustainability, and institutionalization of project interventions.
- Support identification and cultivation of partnership and funding opportunities that align with project objectives.
- Contribute stakeholder intelligence, contextual analysis, and partnership information to concept notes, proposals, and donor engagement processes.
- Maintain information on strategic partners and emerging opportunities to support programme growth.
- Support documentation and dissemination of partnership achievements, lessons learned, and promising practices.
- Contribute partnership information and success stories to project reports, learning products, and communication materials.
- Ensure external engagement and visibility activities are consistent with World Vision communication and branding requirements.
Requirements
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Communications, or a related field. Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline is an added advantage.
- Minimum five (5) years’ experience in partnership management, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, external relations, or programme coordination within the development sector.
- Demonstrated experience building and managing partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, donors, civil society organizations, community structures, and private sector actors.
- Proven experience coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives and fostering collaboration among diverse partners.
- Experience managing partnership agreements, stakeholder engagement strategies, or similar coordination mechanisms.
- Strong communication, negotiation, facilitation, networking, and relationship-management skills.
- Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience working in disability-inclusive development programmes.
- Knowledge of Malawi’s disability, social welfare, health, education, and local government systems.
- Experience participating in advocacy initiatives, policy dialogue, or technical working groups.
- Experience supporting donor engagement, proposal development, or resource mobilization efforts.
- Familiarity with World Vision partnership approaches, safeguarding standards, and programme models. The role requires willingness and ability to travel to project locations and partner sites for up to 30% of the time.
- The position involves regular engagement with government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, faith-based institutions, community structures, and private sector stakeholders.
- The postholder must comply with World Vision policies and standards relating to safeguarding, child protection, disability inclusion, confidentiality, risk management, and donor compliance.
- The postholder is responsible for maintaining workplans, tracking partnership commitments, contributing to project reporting, and escalating significant partnership, compliance, reputational, or implementation risks to the Program Manager.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: worldvision.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
REF Code: JR52844
About the Company
World Vision International is an interdenominational Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization. It was founded in 1950 by Robert Pierce and Kyung-Chik Han as a service organization to provide care for children in Korea. In 1975, emergency and advocacy work was added to World Vision's objectives. It is active in over 100 countries with a total revenue including grants, product and foreign donations of US$3.14 billion.
Website: https://www.wvi.org/malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Partnerships Coordinator for an ECB Project in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience in partnership management, stakeholder engagement, or project coordination is highly valued. Certifications in project management like PMP or PRINCE2 can strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Partnerships Coordinator?
You will identify and cultivate relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and community stakeholders. Daily tasks include coordinating partnership agreements, monitoring collaboration progress, and preparing reports for donors. You may also represent the organization at district-level meetings and facilitate capacity-building workshops.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect this role?
Malawian work culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy and building personal relationships before business transactions. Punctuality is important, though flexibility is often expected in rural settings. Strong communication skills in English and Chichewa are essential for effective community engagement.
What career progression opportunities exist for Partnerships Coordinators in Malawi?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Partnerships Manager, Project Director, or Regional Coordinator roles. Many professionals transition into grant management or country-level leadership positions. Developing expertise in emergency response programming can open doors to international humanitarian roles.
What benefits should I expect from an international NGO like World Vision in Malawi?
Typical benefits include medical insurance, pension contributions, annual leave, and professional development opportunities. Some organizations provide housing allowances or hardship pay for remote postings. Specific packages vary by employer and funding source.
How do I apply and what do employers in Malawi look for in candidates?
Submit your application through the organization's official careers portal with a tailored CV and cover letter. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, knowledge of Malawi's development landscape, and proven ability to manage multiple partnerships. Include referees who can speak to your professional reliability and relationship-building skills.