Quality Improvement Officer – Maternal & Neonatal Health

NEST360 is a multi-country alliance committed to reducing neonatal mortality through innovative technologies and health systems strengthening. With new funding from the Beginnings Fund, the program is expanding its proven quality improvement (QI) strategies to include maternal health, ensuring integrated care for mothers and newborns. In Malawi, NEST360, implemented by Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, continues to support the Ministry of Health (MoH) by scaling up lifesaving maternal and newborn interventions. This includes: Deploying innovative technologies, strengthening clinical and technical capacity, Establishing a sustainable supply chain and distribution network. The Beginnings Fund focuses on enhancing maternal and newborn care at secondary and tertiary healthcare levels in Malawi. To drive this mission, NEST360/BEGINNING FUNDS is recruiting qualified candidates to fill the following position:

Quality Improvement Officer – Maternal & Neonatal Health (1 Position)

Department: Clinical
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Reports to: Clinical Director, Maternal
Contract Type: 1 year Fixed-Term

Position Summary

The Quality Improvement Officer will play a critical role in reducing maternal, perinatal, and neonatal mortality by strengthening Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives in the Districts Supported by the Beginnings Fund. The ideal candidate will coach healthcare teams, design and implement QI projects, and ensure data-driven decision-making to enhance service delivery. This role requires strong clinical, analytical, and project management skills, with a focus on maternal and newborn health (MNH) programs.

Key Responsibilities

1.  Quality Improvement & Program Implementation

• Lead maternal and neonatal QI initiatives in Beginnings Fund-supported districts, ensuring alignment with national health priorities.
• Identify, prioritize, and design evidence-based QI interventions to address gaps in care.
• Coach and mentor DHO staff (nurses, doctors, managers) on QI methodologies (e.g., PDSA, Model for Improvement).
• Develop and test healthcare improvement models, documenting successes and lessons learned.
• Strengthen referral systems between communities, clinics, and hospitals for timely patient care.

2. Data Analysis & Performance Monitoring

• Collect, analyze, and interpret MNH data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Maintain program dashboards and databases to track performance and inform decision-making.
• Work with District QI Focal Persons to validate health data and ensure accuracy for strategic planning.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and QI project updates for stakeholders at district, regional, and national levels.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building

• Facilitate learning sessions to build QI capabilities among healthcare providers.
• Engage hospital leadership to ensure compliance with QI project requirements.
• Represent NEST360 & Beginnings Fund in high-profile discussions on patient safety and quality of care.
• Support proposal development for program expansion and sustainability.

4. Project Management & Compliance

• Develop detailed project plans for maternal and infant safety initiatives.
• Monitor progress, adjust strategies, and ensure timely completion of QI projects.
• Ensure proper documentation of all QI activities and outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, or related field.
• Certification in Quality Improvement (QI) / Patient Safety (strongly preferred).
• Clinical background in midwifery, neonatal, or maternal care (essential).

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years in public/private health programs, with increasing responsibility.
• Minimum of of 3 years in leading QI initiatives in healthcare settings.
• Proven experience in health systems strengthening and data-driven decision-making.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management – ability to lead teams and drive QI projects.
• Exceptional analytical skills – ability to interpret health data and identify trends.
• Excellent communication – persuasive presenter and report writer.
• Adaptability – thrives in fast-paced, multicultural environments.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); Access is a plus.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal).

Application Procedure

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should send their applications in a one PDF file which includes a cover letter, CV with names, emails, and contact of professional referees and copies of relevant certificates to:

The Registrar
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences,
Mahatma Gandhi Road Campus,
P/Bag 360,
Chichiri,
Blantyre 3.
Or email to: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw

Indicate position applied for on the envelope for hard copy applications and indicate the same in the subject line of your email for electronic submissions. Applications should reach the Registrar not later than 21^st November, 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Reference check shall be conducted to successful candidates.