World Relief invites applications from interested and qualified candidates to fill the following vacant position:
Job Title : Procurement and Supply Chain Officer (1)
Reports to : Program Manager
Location: Lilongwe
Project: Faith and Community Initiative (FCI)
POSITION SUMMARY
The Procurement and Supply Chain Officer coordinates and performs procurement activities and processes, with a primary focus on consistent health service delivery. The officer helps ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective procurement outcomes by analyzing procurement requirements and risks and providing guidance to stakeholders on effective last mile delivery of commodities
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Procurement
- Closing Date: 2026-08-27
Key Responsibilities
- Provide line management and leadership to the supply chain functions
- Manage procurement of all services, goods and supplies for WRM FCI project activities, following all policies and procedures, legislation, standards, and best practices related to procurement in all transactions
- Build capacity for pharmacy team supply chain staff, and stakeholders.
- Lead procurement planning, supplier relationship management and contract lifecycle management.
- Conduct relevant market research for procurement Bids, prepare the bidding documents (and Request for Proposals) and launch Bids
- Manage the award and assume the responsibilities for contract management and contract administration, including delivery, receipt, warranty, damages and insurance
- Coordinate and prepare development of Project Procurement Plans and generate regular updates on stock levels and movements for the guidance of all senior staff
- Develop tools for capturing procurement data and identify progress towards the achievement of procurements schedules
- Conduct regular facility supervision to mentor facility staff on commodity and stock management, forecasting and LMIS management.
- Coordinate with national and district pharmacy logistics leadership on stock movements and last mile distribution including processing buffer stock for facilities
- Develop tools for capturing procurement data and identify progress towards the achievement of procurement schedules
- Participate in project technical committees or component team meetings in order to ensure timely implementation with a focus on procurement-related activities
- Coordinate with the Finance and Administration Manger for Monthly Procurement Reports
- Ensure all procurements comply with relevant donor guidelines and in line with WR Procurement Policy
- Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with colleagues and management for increased operations efficiency
- Provide guidance on thresholds for purchase at both National and District Offices.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, Procurement and Supply Chain Management/ Business Administration from recognized institution or Level 6 Diploma in Purchase and Supply (CIPS)
- At least years work experience in pharmaceutical supply chain management
- Must be committed to the vision and values of World Relief.
- Supporting end users.
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with ICT developments and emerging technologies
- Commitment to World Relief values
How to Apply
Only shortlisted candidates will be communicated.
World Relief is an equal Opportunity Employer. World Relief considers all applications based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, tribe, marital status or disability.
Prospective candidates should be willing to adhere to WR’s Child Protection Principles, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy.
About the Company
World Relief Malawi is a registered non-governmental organization operating in the country since 2001, with offices in Lilongwe and field presence in districts including Nsanje, Chikwawa, and Salima. It implements locally led development and humanitarian programs focused on integrated health systems strengthening, climate-resilient agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and disaster risk reduction. The organization partners with faith-based and community organizations across Malawi to support vulnerable households, particularly in flood- and drought-prone areas. World Relief Malawi is an autonomous entity legally registered under the Malawi Trustees Incorporation Act and works in coordination with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs.
Strengthening communities through health, food security, and resilience in Malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Procurement and Supply Chain Officer role in Malawi?
A bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is usually required. Professional certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) Level 4 or higher are highly valued, especially by international NGOs operating in Malawi. Some employers also accept equivalent experience combined with in-country training from institutions like the Malawi Institute of Management or Mzuzu University’s supply chain short courses.
What does a typical day look like for a Procurement and Supply Chain Officer working with an NGO like World Relief in Malawi?
Daily tasks include processing purchase requisitions, vetting local suppliers (especially in Lilongwe, Blantyre, or rural districts), managing goods receipt and inventory records using tools like Excel or ERP systems, and coordinating logistics for health, WASH, or food security programmes. Officers often travel to field offices or partner sites to verify deliveries and conduct supplier capacity assessments, adhering to both donor compliance rules and Malawi’s Public Procurement Act guidelines.
How does local work culture in Malawi influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy, punctuality in meetings, and strong interpersonal communication—especially when liaising with government agencies, traditional leaders, or community-based organisations—are essential. Building trust through face-to-face engagement and demonstrating cultural awareness (e.g., understanding regional languages, customary procurement practices in rural areas) significantly supports effective supplier management and stakeholder collaboration.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Procurement and Supply Chain Officers in Malawi’s NGO sector?
With 3–5 years’ experience and continued professional development, officers often advance to Senior Procurement Officer or Supply Chain Manager roles, sometimes leading country-wide logistics units. Others transition into cross-functional positions such as Operations Manager or Compliance Advisor, particularly if they gain familiarity with USAID, FCDO, or EU grant regulations commonly used by international NGOs in Malawi.
What benefits can I realistically expect in this role, and how do they compare to national standards?
Most reputable NGOs in Malawi offer at least 21–30 days annual leave, medical coverage (often including dependants), and pension contributions aligned with the National Pension Scheme. Some also provide hardship allowances for remote postings, transport support, and professional development stipends—though exact packages vary by employer size, donor funding, and organisational policy.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Malawi specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are typically submitted via email or online portals with a tailored CV highlighting procurement experience in Malawi—including examples of tender processes, local supplier engagement, and compliance with the Public Procurement Act. Employers prioritise candidates with proven integrity, fluency in English and at least one local language (e.g., Chichewa), and demonstrable experience managing procurement for donor-funded projects in health, agriculture, or humanitarian response.