The Opportunity Save the Children is seeking an experienced and motivated Technical Lead (TL) for the Climate-resilient Health and Wellbeing for Rural Communities in Southern Malawi Project , funded by the Green Climate Fund. The Ministry of Health (MoH) and Save the Children in Malawi co-execute this five-year project. The project aims to reduce the risk of climate-related diseases, strengthen the climate resilience of healthcare infrastructure, and build the capacity of healthcare staff and communities to respond to the health impacts of climate change. This is a foundational health systems strengthening project for the Ministry of Health, addressing its climate and health ambitions articulated in the Health Sector Strategy III.
As a key member of the project team, the Technical Lead will provide strategic and technical leadership for programme implementation, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of project objectives across six climate-vulnerable districts. The postholder will oversee interventions supporting 56+ health facilities and healthcare staff to strengthen the resilience of health systems and better prepare for, prevent and manage climate-related diseases and other health impacts of climate change. Through community engagement, the project will support approximately 500 communities to better respond to health early warnings, manage and mitigate climate-related health risks, and seek appropriate care.
The role holder will work closely with the Ministry of Health, Government authorities, donors, partners and Save the Children technical teams to provide technical direction on health systems strengthening, climate and health, health early warning systems, climate-resilient healthcare and WASH infrastructure, solarisation, construction, gender and social inclusion, and community-level interventions. The Technical Lead will also lead technical teams, support capacity strengthening, promote programme learning and evidence generation, and ensure that research, monitoring and evaluation findings contribute to continuous programme improvement and policy advocacy.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior public health and climate professional to provide strategic leadership to a major climate and health programme, strengthen Malawi’s health system resilience, and contribute to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for children, caregivers and communities. The position will be based in Lilongwe, with frequent travel to project districts in Southern Malawi .
In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.
Job Summary
- Employer: Save the Children International
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and technical leadership for programme implementation, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of project objectives across six climate-vulnerable districts.
- Oversee interventions supporting 56+ health facilities and healthcare staff to strengthen the resilience of health systems and better prepare for, prevent and manage climate-related diseases and other health impacts of climate change.
- Support approximately 500 communities to better respond to health early warnings, manage and mitigate climate-related health risks, and seek appropriate care.
- Work closely with the Ministry of Health, Government authorities, donors, partners and Save the Children technical teams to provide technical direction on health systems strengthening, climate and health, health early warning systems, climate-resilient healthcare and WASH infrastructure, solarisation, construction, gender and social inclusion, and community-level interventions.
- Lead technical teams, support capacity strengthening, promote programme learning and evidence generation, and ensure that research, monitoring and evaluation findings contribute to continuous programme improvement and policy advocacy.
- In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.
Requirements
- Advanced degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies , or a related field.
- At least 10 years’ relevant experience in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating health-related interventions at national and/or international level.
- Proven experience in the design and management of climate and health programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) .
- Demonstrated experience designing and leading capacity strengthening and quality improvement initiatives within public healthcare systems, including working with healthcare providers and Government officials.
- Experience implementing programmes related to climate and health, WASH, health systems strengthening, gender and social inclusion, infrastructure, solarisation and construction .
- Strong knowledge and experience working on climate-sensitive diseases and public health interventions .
- Proven experience managing technical teams across extensive geographical areas.
- Strong experience in programme monitoring, evaluation, research and learning , including qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Excellent analytical, technical writing and report-writing skills, with the ability to produce clear and well-argued assessments, reports and analysis.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with Government, donors, partners and other stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to develop and mentor technical teams.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver results, solve problems collaboratively, make effective decisions and adapt programmes based on evidence and changing circumstances.
- Excellent written and spoken English, with good working knowledge of other relevant languages.
- Strong commitment to Save the Children’s values and mission.
- Ability and willingness to travel frequently to project and field locations.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: hcri.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com
About the Company
The Save the Children Fund, commonly known as Save the Children, is an international non-governmental organization. It was founded in the UK in 1919; its goal is to improve the lives of children worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Project Technical Lead role in climate-resilient healthcare projects in Malawi?
Most employers require a master's degree in public health, environmental science, or a related field, plus at least 5-7 years of project management experience. Certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or climate adaptation credentials from recognized institutions strengthen your application. Experience with donor-funded projects, particularly from USAID, EU, or UN agencies, is highly valued in Malawi's NGO sector.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Project Technical Lead in this field?
You will oversee project implementation across multiple districts in Southern Malawi, coordinating with Ministry of Health officials and community health workers. Daily tasks include monitoring climate-health data, managing field teams, preparing donor reports, and troubleshooting supply chain or infrastructure challenges. Regular travel to rural health facilities in Chikwawa, Nsanje, or Phalombe districts is expected.
How does local work culture in Malawi's NGO sector affect project management roles?
Malawian NGO culture emphasizes relationship-building and consensus-driven decision making, so patience and diplomatic communication are essential. Hierarchical respect for senior staff and government partners means you must navigate formal protocols while maintaining project momentum. Flexibility is crucial, as rainy season disruptions and fuel shortages frequently require rapid schedule adjustments.
What career progression opportunities exist for Project Technical Leads in Malawi's development sector?
Strong performers typically advance to Country Programme Manager, Regional Technical Advisor, or Head of Health Programmes within 3-5 years. Some transition into government advisory roles with the Ministry of Health or climate change departments. Specializing in emerging areas like climate finance or health systems strengthening opens doors to regional and global positions.
What benefits are standard for senior project management positions with international NGOs in Malawi?
Benefits usually include comprehensive medical aid covering private facilities in Blantyre and Lilongwe, pension contributions, and generous annual leave of 25-30 days. Most organizations provide hardship allowances for remote postings, relocation support, and professional development funds. Housing or housing allowances and security provisions are common for senior roles based in high-risk districts.
What do employers in Malawi look for when hiring for this specific role, and how should I apply?
Employers prioritize demonstrated experience managing health projects in Malawi's flood-prone or drought-affected districts, with measurable results in community resilience. Your application should highlight specific achievements in climate adaptation, health system strengthening, and stakeholder coordination. Submit through official career portals, ensure referees can verify your field experience, and prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on crisis management examples.