In Malawi, Beyond Suncare is implementing a comprehensive skin cancer prevention programme for persons with albinism, working to reduce preventable skin cancer morbidity and mortality. We achieve this through increased access to sun protection, targeted health education, early detection of suspicious lesions, quality dermatological care, effective referral pathways, and strengthened capacity of the national health system.
Our work is driven by a commitment to the health, wellbeing, dignity, and social inclusion of people with albinism. We collaborate closely with government structures, communities, organisations of persons with albinism, health facilities, and development partners to ensure that our interventions are sustainable and deeply integrated into existing health systems.
As we expand our impact in Malawi, we are seeking an exceptional Programmes Manager who is not just a programme administrator, but a passionate leader ready to spearhead this vital skin cancer prevention initiative.
Our work is driven by a commitment to the health, wellbeing, dignity, and social inclusion of people with albinism. We collaborate closely with government structures, communities, organisations of persons with albinism, health facilities, and development partners to ensure that our interventions are sustainable and deeply integrated into existing health systems.
As we expand our impact in Malawi, we are seeking an exceptional Programmes Manager who is not just a programme administrator, but a passionate leader ready to spearhead this vital skin cancer prevention initiative.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall technical and programme leadership for BSC’s skin cancer prevention programme for persons with albinism.
- Ensure the implementation of evidence-informed interventions addressing sun exposure, skin cancer prevention, early identification of suspicious lesions, referral, dermatological care, and appropriate follow-up.
- Oversee strategies to improve access to and appropriate use of sun protection products, including health education and behaviour-change approaches.
- Strengthen the capacity of health workers to identify, manage, and refer dermatological conditions and suspected skin cancers among persons with albinism.
- Ensure programme approaches are responsive to the lived realities and unique needs of persons with albinism.
- Work with government and health-system partners to integrate skin cancer prevention and dermatological services into routine health services.
- Use programme data to monitor coverage, quality, access, early detection, referrals, treatment, and prevention outcomes.
- Ensure lessons from implementation are documented and used to improve the programme and inform its scale-up.
- Translate BSC’s strategic priorities into clear annual work plans, milestones, and deliverables.
- Lead the planning, implementation, and overall management of the programme portfolio, ensuring activities are on time, within budget, and of the highest quality.
- Establish effective programme management systems, including regular planning and review meetings, progress tracking, and problem-solving mechanisms.
- Promote a culture of learning, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across the programme team.
- Lead efforts to integrate BSC interventions into existing health-system structures and government programmes.
- Strengthen the capacity of health workers, district health teams, and other relevant stakeholders to sustain interventions.
- Identify and develop strategies that reduce long-term dependence on project-based delivery and strengthen sustainable local systems for dermatological care.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Ministry of Health, District Councils, health facilities, organisations of persons with albinism, partners, and donors.
- Represent BSC in relevant technical working groups, coordination meetings, and stakeholder forums.
- Coordinate programme implementation with partners to ensure clarity of roles and alignment with BSC’s objectives.
- Ensure effective programme monitoring and use of data for decision-making.
- Track programme indicators, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
- Ensure the timely preparation and submission of high-quality donor, partner, and internal reports.
- Analyse data to identify trends, challenges, opportunities, and areas for corrective action.
- Promote documentation of programme learning, innovations, success stories, and impact.
- Work with the Country Director and finance team to develop programme budgets, monitor expenditure, and manage burn rates.
- Ensure programme activities are implemented in accordance with approved budgets and organisational policies.
- Promote value for money and the efficient use of programme resources.
- Contribute to the development of new concepts, proposals, and funding opportunities.
- Provide technical input into donor proposals, concept notes, and budgets.
- Support the Country Director in maintaining strong relationships with existing and prospective donors.
- Provide effective supervision, coaching, and mentorship to the two Project Officers.
- Set clear expectations and performance objectives for direct reports.
- Build a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented programme team.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Social Sciences, or any other relevant discipline.
- A Master’s degree in Public Health, Global Health, Health Systems, Project Management, or another relevant field will be an added advantage.
- A minimum of eight 5 years of relevant professional experience in programme or project management, preferably within the health, development, or NGO sector.
- Demonstrated experience in designing, managing, and delivering health or development programmes, including programme planning, implementation, budgeting, monitoring, reporting, evaluation, and learning.
- Demonstrated experience managing and supervising teams, including setting performance expectations, mentoring staff, managing performance, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Proven ability to develop and manage programme work plans, budgets, implementation schedules, and performance frameworks, and to monitor delivery against agreed objectives, indicators, and targets.
- Demonstrated understanding of health systems and health service delivery in Malawi, with experience working with government health structures at national, district, and/or facility level.
- Experience in health-system strengthening, including integrating programmes into existing government systems, building institutional capacity, and supporting sustainability and scale-up.
- Strong knowledge of and practical experience in skin cancer prevention and dermatological health, with a demonstrated understanding of the specific skin-health risks and needs of persons with albinism.
- Experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, and evidence generation, with the ability to use programme data to identify challenges, improve implementation, and demonstrate impact.
- Experience developing and managing partnerships with government, civil society organisations, organisations of persons with albinism, communities, donors, and other implementing partners.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate technical and complex information to different audiences.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to translate programme evidence into practical actions and strategic recommendations.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and deliver results within tight deadlines.
- Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with digital programme management and reporting tools.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, dignity, and improved health outcomes for persons with albinism and other underserved populations.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required. Knowledge of local Malawian languages will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit the following documents as ONE PDF document.
1. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Application/Cover Letter (clearly demonstrating how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the position)
3. Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates
To: projects@beyondsuncare.org.
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Applications received after the deadline may not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
1. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Application/Cover Letter (clearly demonstrating how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the position)
3. Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates
To: projects@beyondsuncare.org.
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Applications received after the deadline may not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
About the Company
Beyond Suncare operates in Malawi to address the urgent health and human rights needs of people with albinism, who face heightened risks of skin cancer due to lack of melanin and limited access to sun protection. The organisation conducts field trips across Malawi—including rural communities—to deliver sunscreen, protective clothing, dermatological screenings, and inclusive health education. Its work is grounded in local partnerships and direct engagement, as documented in its Malawi-focused initiative 'Malawi in the Heart'. The organisation’s presence in the country reflects a sustained, on-the-ground commitment—not a regional or external programme delivered remotely.
Protecting people with albinism in Malawi through sun safety and advocacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this role in Malawi?
A bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, or a related health science is usually required; a master’s degree is increasingly preferred. Registration with the Medical Council of Malawi (for clinical roles) or the Malawi Nurses and Midwives Council is essential if the role involves clinical oversight, and experience with WHO or MOH-aligned cancer prevention frameworks is highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for a Programmes Manager in skin cancer prevention in Malawi?
Day-to-day work includes coordinating community outreach in high-risk areas (e.g., lakeshore districts), training health workers on UV risk awareness and early lesion identification, and managing data collection using MOH-approved tools like DHIS2. You’ll also liaise with district health offices and local NGOs to align activities with the National Cancer Control Plan and integrate sun-safety messaging into existing NCD programmes.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ in Malawian healthcare NGOs or government-linked programmes?
Respect for hierarchy and consensus-driven decision-making are central — senior health officers and traditional leaders often co-lead community engagement. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility is expected due to infrastructure challenges (e.g., power outages, transport delays); adaptability and relationship-building with local stakeholders are as critical as technical skills.
What realistic career progression paths exist after working as a Programmes Manager in skin cancer prevention?
With strong performance, you may advance to lead multi-disease NCD programmes at the national level (e.g., within MOH’s Non-Communicable Diseases Unit) or transition into technical advisory roles with WHO Malawi or regional bodies like the Africa CDC. Some professionals pursue fellowships in global oncology or move into academic public health roles at institutions like Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, or pension — can I expect in this role?
Most reputable employers offer at least 21 days annual leave, sick leave per Malawi Employment Act, and participation in the National Pension Scheme (NPS). Medical aid is common in international NGOs and larger local organisations, though coverage varies — always confirm whether dependants are included and if referrals to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital or private clinics are supported.
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 CV, cover letter, and certified copies of certificates — always include evidence of prior work with MOH or community-based health programmes. Employers prioritise demonstrated experience in behaviour-change communication, fluency in Chichewa (and/or local languages), and proven ability to manage small grants or donor-funded activities compliant with Malawian financial regulations.