GIZ Malawi
JOB ADVERTISEMENT- ADVISOR
As a federal enterprise, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objective in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ operates in more than 130 countries around the globe. In Malawi, GIZ has been working for more than 50 years. Malawi is a priority for German international cooperation and currently focuses on health and social protection, private sector development, good governance, and food security and nutrition.
A. BACKGROUND
The Malawi National Social Support Programme (MNSSP II) adopted in 2018 reflects the Government of Malawi’s commitment towards reducing poverty and vulnerability through social protection. The Poverty Reduction and Social Protection (PRSP) Division under the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of the MNSSP II and its follow-on programme the MNSPS will be endorsed by the GoM within the next months. German Development Cooperation through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is committed to support the Malawian Government through the project “Support to the implementation of social protection for the ultra-poor people”. The project started in April 2022 and builds on previous GIZ projects supporting the Social Sector in Malawi and the steering unit the PRSP Division. From its start, a strong focus of the project is to work closely with the UBR unit. In general, the programme focusses on 1) Strengthening the policy framework as well as the coordination and political steering function of the PRSP Division 2) Supporting the institutionalization and decentralization of the Unified Beneficiary Registry (UBR); and 3) Supporting the district administration in coordination and steering of social protection measures at district level as well as in supporting the use of the UBR at district level.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES
The Advisor is a key member of the Social Protection Programme (SPP) with a focus on the Unified Beneficiary Management unit and the Unified Beneficiary Registry (UBR). Core processes to be supported are the further institutionalization and decentralization of the UBR and its implementation in the districts. This refers to the second output of the project “The institutionalisation of the UBR as a key element of the social protection system has been strengthened.” In addition, the Advisor will support the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). The overall responsibility of the Advisor is to support the institutionalisation and decentralisation of the UBR. For these tasks strong process coordination experience specifically with district councils, as well as knowledge about the social protection sector in Malawi and especially the UBR are crucial. In addition, the technical advisor will support the projects Monitoring and Evaluation.
The main areas of responsibility of the Advisor are:
- Together with PRSP and UBR unit design and follow up on core work packages and processes
- Work closely with the PRSP, district councils and UBR team to support the technical, administrative and managerial development of the UBR.
- Supporting the introduction and rollout of digital tools at central and district level
- Focus on capacities at national and district level regarding UBR and data protection knowledge and framework conditions
- Support communication and advocacy for the UBR
- Cooperate closely within the GIZ Team on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation of the output described above as well as the overall objectives of the project.
- Timely implementation of agreed activities and pro-actively follow up on processes and agreements.
C. TASKS
The Advisor is expected to work closely with the advisor on UBR in the team on the following tasks:
- Capacity building of the UBR management unit and relevant government stakeholders
- Establish linking national processes on UBR with district level and its implementation, especially on district level
- Support the decentralization of UBR and liaison between national and district level
- Supporting awareness/advocacy campaigns and knowledge transfer to promote the UBR among relevant key ministries, development partners and stakeholders at all levels
- Pay attention to data security in the Malawian context as well as raise awareness about data protection in the social security sector in Malawi
- Together with partners (UBR unit and PRSP): Work closely with district councils and other relevant stakeholders to support the overall strategic development of the UBR systems as a core tool of identification of beneficiaries of social protection measures in Malawi.
- Support and follow up on Monitoring and Evaluation.
- Throughout the course of implementation, the technical professional will support the contracting and coordination of short-term and long-term assignments
- Throughout the implementation period short term placement in the district councils is foreseen where necessary
- Cooperating closely within the GIZ team and the team leader
- Maintaining regular contact, communication and dialogue on the progress of the implementation towards the team leader of GIZ as well as other stakeholders and partners to establish good working relationships within the sector.
- If requested, prepare and coordinate expert assignments with the consulting industry.
D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCES AND EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
University degree in relevant fields, e.g. business informatics; social protection, business management or comparable fields
Professional experience
- Strong theoretical as well as practical knowledge and working experience with the existing UBR systems and the main stakeholders in Malawi
- Five (5) years of professional experience in project management including procurement of goods and services as well as experiences in coordinating consultancies support
- Five (5) years of professional experience in the social protection sector, especially with the UBR
- Proven knowledge and experience in working on Monitoring and Evaluation (please provide references)
Additional Competences
- Good understanding of liaison cooperation between national and district level stakeholders
- Good understanding of data protection as well as digital technologies and solutions within the social protection sector (e.g. data bases, management information systems, data analytics, data protection)
- Excellent communication skills to transfer knowledge; Strong communication and facilitation skills in English and Chichewa, German will be an added advantage
- Ability to work independently and creatively as well as in a team
- Good working knowledge of ITC technologies (e.g. Microsoft 365).
- Strong written and oral knowledge of the English language.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed – corresponding measures are agreed with management.
- Enthusiastic, team spirit, reliability, diplomatic skills, and competence in gender issues.
E. HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates meeting the above requirements must submit the following:
- Electronic one-paged cover letter including monthly gross salary expectation in Malawi Kwacha.
- Electronic detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
- Copies of certificates.
The above documents should be sent to giz-malawi-hr@giz.de and the following reference code of the call for application is strictly to be indicated in the subject line of the applicant’s email: GIZ/MW/012/Name of applicant.
All applications should be addressed to:
The Head of HR
GIZ Malawi
P.O. Box 31131
Lilongwe 3.
The closing date for receiving applications is 21st February 2025. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the above requirements will be contacted.
GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. We embrace diversity and believe that inclusivity in the workplace is essential to our success, and we are committed to creating a work environment where all employees are valued and respected.