GIZ Malawi
WE ARE HIRING!
TECHNICAL ADVISOR SOCIAL PROTECTION
A. BACKGROUND
The Malawi National Social Support Programme (MNSSP II) adopted in 2018 reflects the Government of Malawi’s resolute commitment towards reducing poverty and vulnerability through social protection. The Poverty Reduction and Social Protection (PRSP) Division under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs is responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of the MNSSP Il as well as for the currently developed follow up Social Protection Policy and strategy (Malawi National Social Protection strategy MNSPS). As the policy holder, PRSP is the main steering body for the social protection sector. German Development Cooperation through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is committed to support the Government of Malawi through the project “Support to the implementation of social protection for the ultra-poor people” (SPP). The project started in April 2022 and builds on previous GIZ projects supporting PRSP. From 2022 until 2026 the main areas of support are Pillar 1) Policy advice and capacity development to support strengthening the coordination and political steering function of the PRSP; Pillar 2) Supporting the institutionalization of the Unified Beneficiary Registry; and Pillar 3) Enhancing district administration through decentralization, including the UBR management at district level.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES
The technical advisor will be responsible for:
- Providing technical support to project partners (PRSP) in one of the core focus areas under Output 1 of the project.
- Strengthening the coordination and political steering functions of the policy holder to enhance effective implementation and sector alignment.
- Focusing on two key areas: a) Supporting the implementation of the relevant Policy and Strategy. b) Facilitating and promoting Capacity Development initiatives.
- Coordinating with various ministries and donor-funded programs active in the social protection sector to ensure synergy and coherence across interventions.
- Collaborating closely with colleagues working under other pillars of the project to ensure integrated planning and implementation.
C. TASKS
The technical advisor will be expected perform the following specific tasks:
- Provide proactive technical support to project partners in the implementation of the Malawi National Social Protection Strategy (MNSPS) and the capacity-building components of PRSP, including the development of implementation plans. Ensure that all processes are participatory to promote ownership, sustainability, and the effective delivery of agreed capacity development measures.
- Establish and maintain strong collaborative networks with Development Partners particularly UNICEF and ILO — and provide process-oriented strategic advice to the technical staff of PRSP to enhance coordination and alignment of efforts.
- Support the coordination and implementation of communication and advocacy initiatives, including those related to the MNSPS, in close cooperation with the designated communication focal person within SPP.
- Collaborate with other Technical Advisors within GIZ to ensure smooth information flow, facilitate the successful translation of national-level activities to district-level implementation, and contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity strengthening in the social protection sector.
- Support the planning, contracting, coordination, and management of short-term and long-term consultancies, as well as the implementation of project activities within the designated areas of responsibility, including the fulfillment of all related administrative requirements.
D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCES AND EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
- University degree in relevant fields, e.g. business informatics; social protection, business management, public administration, rural/community development, social science or comparable fields.
Professional experience
- Strong theoretical as well as practical knowledge and at least five (8) years of professional experience within the social protection sector in Malawi.
- Proven working experience with the main stakeholders esp. the PRSP and DC.
Additional Competences
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and knowledge transfer skills in English and Chichewa; proficiency in German will be considered an added advantage.
- Strong ability to work independently, take initiative, and apply creative problem-solving, while also demonstrating effective teamwork and collaboration.
- Solid proficiency in ITC technologies, particularly Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, Teams).
Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively. - High level of enthusiasm, team spirit, reliability, and diplomatic skills.
- Willingness and commitment to continuously develop and enhance professional skills, with upskilling measures agreed upon in consultation with the line manager.
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/SPP/23/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 30th April 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.