Our culture is candid, analytical, and non-hierarchical. We support high ownership and real professional growth. Curious about what it’s really like to work here? Read our values and hear from the people who do . If they resonate, this could be a great fit!
Location: This role is based in Zomba. The Safeguarding AFM is expected to spend significant time doing field visits in Phalombe.
About this role
The Safeguarding Associate Field Manager ensures that GiveDirectly’s activities are planned and delivered in ways that prevent abuse. They also support appropriate and timely responses to safeguarding concerns. The role will primarily be based in the field, working closely with field staff and communities to identify and reduce safeguarding risks, promote safe behaviours, and strengthen confidence in our reporting pathways. The Safeguarding AFM supports the Safeguarding FM in contributing safeguarding input to operational decision making, guides effective case handling and escalation, and monitors and supports teams to apply best safeguarding practice consistently. This position upholds high safeguarding standards, reinforces trust, and ensures that all aspects of work protect the dignity and rights of recipients.
Job Summary
- Employer: GiveDirectly
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Zomba, Malawi
- Category: Safeguarding
- Closing Date: 2026-10-19
Key Responsibilities
- Direct engagement with communities, recipients, and staff in order to identify safeguarding risks and take early action to prevent abuse.
- Receive, document, and support responses to safeguarding concerns in line with our case management protocol by using survivor centred practice and established escalation pathways.
- Conduct Safeguarding investigations as needed, focusing on recipient/ field-based concerns.
- Support in developing and maintaining a network of safeguarding focal points to strengthen localised and collaborative risk identification and promote safeguarding best practice.
- Contribute safeguarding expertise to planning, design, and delivery to ensure that GiveDirectly’s activities remain safe, inclusive, and respectful.
- Support in delivering ongoing safeguarding training and sensitisation sessions for staff and partners, and support teams to apply best safeguarding practice consistently and promote safe behaviours.
- Represent safeguarding needs in field operations and maintain trusted relationships with local leaders, partners, and community actors.
- Monitor safeguarding trends and incidents, prepare self assessments and routine reports, and escalate and address gaps in safeguarding practices appropriately.
Requirements
- Exceptional alignment with GiveDirectly Values and active demonstration of our core competencies: emotional intelligence, problem solving, project management, follow-through, and fostering inclusivity. We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates who have personal or professional experience in the low-income and/or historically marginalized communities that we serve.
- Language Requirement: Professional fluency in English and Chichewa.
- Minimum of 1-2 years experience in safeguarding, protection, community development, social work, or related operational roles, with a strong understanding of risks affecting development or humanitarian programmes.
- Strong judgement and the ability to take timely and appropriate action in sensitive or complex safeguarding situations.
- Confidence in identifying safeguarding risks across program activities and supporting staff to apply safe planning and safeguarding best practice consistently.
- Understanding of and commitment to survivor centred practice, confidentiality, and ethical decision making.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and documentation skills, including the ability to explain safeguarding obligations clearly and engage staff and community members respectfully.
- High levels of organisation, reliability, and attention to detail when maintaining safeguarding records, logs, and reports.
- Ability to work independently in field settings, manage competing priorities, and uphold safeguarding standards with professionalism and integrity.
How to Apply
About the Company
GiveDirectly is a nonprofit organization operating in low income areas that helps families living in extreme poverty by making unconditional cash transfers to them via mobile phone. GiveDirectly currently transfers funds to people in Bangladesh, DRC, Liberia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and USA. In the past, it has worked in The Bahamas, Morocco, Nigeria, Turkey, Togo and Yemen.
Website: https://www.givedirectly.org/malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Safeguarding Associate Field Manager in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in social work, development studies, or a related field. Experience in child protection, gender-based violence programming, or community development is highly valued. Certifications in safeguarding or protection mainstreaming from recognized bodies like UN agencies or INGOs strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You will conduct field visits to monitor safeguarding compliance and investigate reported incidents. You will train staff and community volunteers on protection policies and reporting mechanisms. Documentation, case management, and coordination with local authorities and service providers form core daily tasks.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect this safeguarding role?
Malawian work culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy and community consensus, which shapes how you engage traditional leaders on sensitive issues. Building trust takes time, so patience and relationship-building skills are essential. You must navigate cultural norms while upholding international safeguarding standards without causing community friction.
What career progression paths exist for safeguarding professionals in Malawi?
With experience, you can advance to Safeguarding Manager or Protection Advisor roles within larger NGOs or UN agencies. Some professionals specialize in areas like child protection or gender-based violence programming. Others transition into consultancy or regional coordination positions covering multiple countries in Southern Africa.
What benefits should I expect in a safeguarding role with an international NGO in Malawi?
Benefits typically include health insurance, annual leave meeting or exceeding Malawi's labor law requirements, and sometimes hardship allowances for remote field postings. Many organizations provide pension contributions or gratuity schemes. Professional development opportunities such as training and conference attendance are commonly offered.
How do I apply and what do employers in Malawi look for in candidates?
Apply through organization websites, job portals like NGO Jobs Malawi, or LinkedIn. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience handling sensitive cases with confidentiality and cultural sensitivity. Strong references from previous supervisors and evidence of successful community engagement significantly improve your chances.