SUMMARY
– Protection Project Officer
The Protection Project Officer will execute all the established project plans in alignment with the IsraAID Malawi Program strategy, under the direct supervision and guidance of the Protection Project Manager. This role involves engaging with participants within schools and communities, facilitating community outreaches and community dialogue forums, and supporting the planning and organization of capacity-building training and workshops for Community Outreach teams and service providers. The officer will also collaborate with field teams in undertaking interventions and coordinate with the WASH, Health, and DRR teams to monitor project activities.
Job Summary
- Employer: IsraAID
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Humanitarian Aid
- Closing Date: 2026-10-23
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure to meet targets by regularly reviewing performance data and project management arrangements, as well as leading regular spot checks.
- Ensure the development and application of common standards, tools and practices for project planning, implementation, monitoring, learning and reporting.
- Make sure to identify the key risks and come up with contingency plans related to projects and come up with plans on how to manage the risks.
- Ensure regular data collection and data management, proper documentation of impact stories, and activity plans.
- Coordinate with various stakeholders and district officials to address issues related to safety of vulnerable adults and children, safety and community resilience.
- Support in creating work plans and content for training workshops for key stakeholders including district officials, community facilitators, service providers and community members.
- Support in organizing filed visits and meetings with all relevant stakeholders.
- Support in training for service providers.
- Support in coordinating community engagement workshops and training.
- Take lead in strengthening relationships with relevant partners, including strengthening referral pathways and interagency SOPs.
- Facilitate training and awareness programs to build local capacity for protection initiatives.
- Fostering active community participation in protection efforts and engaging with relevant stakeholders and officials to promote all the policies for protection.
- Monitor progress of project plan and implementation and provide constructive feedback to partners.
- Collect data and case studies, and draft reports.
- Support in developing relevant tools and training staff on these tools.
- Ensure adherence to all IsraAID reporting requirements.
- Prepare and submit reports to the supervisor in a timely manner, on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
- Advocate the rights of vulnerable adults and kids and promote policies that enhance their protection and how to access the groups in the community for help.
- Conduct awareness training for communities and staff members.
- Any other duty may be assigned from time to time by the Protection Project Manager or Field Coordinator. The main responsibilities are not meant to be an exhaustive list of tasks. The need for flexibility is required, and the jobholder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employees’ skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.
Requirements
- At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e. Social Work, Psychology, Counselling and Development Studies).
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience with a focus on Protection, safeguarding or prevention of gender-based violence
- Experience working in hardship areas, emergency settings or fragile states and with displaced persons will be desirable.
- Experience implementing capacity building projects in complex settings.
- Experience in project planning, development, reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
- Ability to analyze information, evaluate, think critically and plan strategically.
- Ability to write clear and well-argued assessments and project reports.
- Politically and culturally sensitive.
- A high level of written and spoken English
- Commitment to the aims and principles of IsraAID.
- Excellent communication skills
- IT skills – Microsoft office suite.
- Malawian nationals only.
How to Apply
About the Company
IsraAID is an Israel-based, non-governmental organization (NGO) that responds to emergencies all over the world with targeted humanitarian help. IsraAID was founded by Shachar Zahavi and Mully Dor. This includes disaster relief, from search and rescue to rebuilding communities and schools, to providing aid packages, medical assistance, and post-psychotrauma care. IsraAID has also been involved in emergency response and international development projects in more than 60 countries, with focuses on Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, public health and medical care education, and mental health and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Protection Project Officer with an NGO like IsraAID in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in social work, law, human rights, or international development. Relevant certifications in child protection, GBV response, or humanitarian standards from institutions like the University of Malawi or online platforms are highly valued. Prior volunteer experience with local NGOs such as those in Dzaleka refugee camp or disaster-prone districts strengthens your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Protection Project Officer in Malawi?
You will conduct protection assessments in communities, coordinate with traditional leaders and government departments like the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, and monitor case management for vulnerable groups. Field travel to rural areas is common, requiring flexibility and strong community engagement skills. Reporting and data collection using standard humanitarian tools are essential daily tasks.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect this humanitarian role?
Respect for hierarchy and patience in relationship-building with government counterparts and community structures are essential. Meetings often start with formal greetings and may run longer than scheduled, so adaptability matters. Understanding local languages like Chichewa or Tumbuka, depending on placement, significantly improves your effectiveness.
What career progression opportunities exist for Protection Project Officers in Malawi's humanitarian sector?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Protection Officer, Project Manager, or specialize in areas like GBV coordination or child protection. Regional NGOs and UN agencies operating in Malawi, such as UNHCR or UNICEF, often recruit locally for mid-level positions. Pursuing a master's degree or advanced humanitarian certifications opens doors to international roles.
What benefits should I expect from a full-time Protection Project Officer position with an international NGO in Malawi?
Benefits typically include health insurance, annual leave, and pension contributions, though specifics vary by employer and funding source. Some organizations provide housing allowances or transport for remote field placements. Always review employment contracts carefully, as local versus international staff packages can differ significantly.
How do I apply for Protection Project Officer roles, and what do employers in Malawi prioritize?
Monitor job boards like ReliefWeb, Devex, and local platforms such as the NGO Board of Malawi or newspaper advertisements. Tailor your CV to highlight protection-specific experience, language skills, and familiarity with Malawi's humanitarian context. Strong references from previous supervisors and demonstrated commitment to community-based work give you a competitive edge.