Head of People and Culture

CARE provides equal employment opportunities and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for the position

VACANCY – HEAD OF PEOPLE & CULTURE

CARE International is a leading development organization dedicated to fighting poverty and social injustice with a special emphasis on women and girls. CARE is a global force and a partner of choice within a worldwide movement dedicated to ending poverty. We are known everywhere for our unshakable commitment to the dignity of people.

CARE partners contribute to the empowerment of the most marginalized and vulnerable rural women and girls to exercise their rights

CARE Malawi seeks to recruit a well-qualified person to fill the position of Head of People and Culture.

Position Description

The Head of People & Culture is a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and nurturing an inclusive, high-performing, and values-driven organizational culture at CARE Malawi. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), this role reports directly to the Country Director and also partners closely with the other leaders to align humar capital strategies with CARE’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives.

The incumbent will oversee all aspects of Human Resources (HR) Management and Development, ensuring that CARE Malawi attracts, retains, and develops a diverse and talented workforce. The role also champions organizational culture, staff engagement, and wellness, fostering an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and proud to contribute to CARE’s impact.

The position is based in Lilongwe.

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following:

1. Strategic HR Leadership & Operations

• Provide strategic direction and leadership in HR Management aligned with CARE’s global and Malawi priorities.
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures across the organization.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, and benefits.
• Manage Industrial Relations, ensure legal compliance and manage HR-related legal matters in coordination with CARE USA’s Office of General Counsel.
• Maintain accurate and secure HR records and systems.

2. Talent Management & Staff Development

• Lead the annual performance management cycle and link outcomes to learning and development plans.
• Design and implement talent development strategies, including succession planning and experiential learning.
• Collaborate with managers to identify skills gaps and build capacity through targeted interventions.

3. Organizational Culture & Staff Engagement

• Monitor and enhance organizational climate through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and staff engagement initiatives
• Promote CARE’s values, gender equity, diversity, and inclusion across all levels.
• Support wellness programs and staff welfare initiatives to foster a healthy and supportive work environment.

4. Representation, Collaboration & Networking

• Serve as CARE’s representative in labor-related forums and with government bodies.
• Build partnerships with peer organizations and stakeholders to advance HR best practices.

5. Safeguarding & Compliance

• Champion CARE’s safeguarding policies and ensure robust awareness and reporting mechanisms.

Minimum Required Qualifications and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business or Public Administration, Organizational Psychology, Social Sciences or a related field.
• A Master’s degree in Human Resources, Strategic Management, Organizational Development or Business Administration is an added advantage
  Membership in a recognized HR professional body
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including at least 3 years in a senior management role within a complex, multicultural organization.
• Demonstrated experience in leading HR strategy, policy development, and organizational change initiatives.
• Proven track record in managing full-cycle HR functions including recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and learning & development.
• Experience working in an international NGO or development context, with a strong understanding of donor compliance and labor regulations is an added advantage.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices in Malawi and internationally.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational culture initiatives and staff engagement strategies.
• Expertise in HR analytics, workforce planning, and talent development frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.

Leadership Attributes

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align HR practices with organizational goals.
• High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire diverse teams.
• Commitment to CARE’s values, including gender equity, inclusion, and safeguarding.

Applicants who meet the required qualifications and experience should send their applications through email to mwicarerecruit@care.org addressed to the attention of:

The Country Director
CARE Malawi
P/Bag A89
LILONGWE

Closing date for receipt of applications is 24th July 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CARE has zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse and has a Protection from Sexual Harassment Exploitation and Abuse (PSHEA) Policy which outlines expected behaviors and responsibilities of all staff and CARE related personnel (consultants, vendors, partners, project participants, etc.). All potential candidates will be required to complete a Self-Declaration Form and those successful will be expected to sign up to the Code of Behavior contained in the PSHEA Policy.