Compliance Coordinator

Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme (MLW)

Introduction 

The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme (MLW) is a world-class health research institution committed to improving health through research, capacity building, and strong partnerships.

The Malawi–Liverpool–Wellcome Programme (MLW) is seeking to hire a Compliance Coordinator who shall be based within the Risk and Compliance department and reporting to the Risk and Compliance Manager.

Responsibilities

POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE)

The Compliance Coordinator will support the implementation of MLW’s compliance frameworks by coordinating compliance reviews, policy management, and training activities. The role promotes ethical conduct, ensures adherence to internal policies, donor requirements, legal and regulatory obligations, and research data governance standards. The post provides operational support to strengthen MLW’s culture of accountability, data integrity, transparency, and responsibility across research projects and clinical trials.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Compliance Coordination

  • Coordinate the implementation of MLW’s compliance management framework across the institution.
  • Monitor compliance with institutional policies, donor requirements, and national regulations.
  • Conduct compliance checks and follow up on findings from internal and external Audits.
  • Support development, review, and implementation of compliance SOPs, policies, and control tools, ensuring alignment with MLW’s accreditation and regulatory standards.
  • Facilitate risk assessments and compliance gap analyses to proactively identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies.

Policy & Document Management

  • Manage the Controlled Document Management System (CDMS), ensuring timely policy reviews, updates, and version control.
  • Coordinate the institutional policy review schedule and maintain the central repository of policies and SOPs.
  • Liaise with departments to ensure alignment of policies with institutional governance frameworks.

Training & Awareness

  • Conduct compliance training and awareness sessions on ethics, anti-fraud, data protection, and conflict of interest.
  • Lead compliance training programs for all institutional staff on ethics, anti-fraud, data protection, conflict of interest, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 15189, GCP).
  • Conduct periodic refresher sessions and scenario-based exercises to address emerging compliance risks and institution-specific obligations.
  • Develop and distribute compliance learning materials and communication bulletins.
  • Promote staff awareness of compliance obligations and reporting mechanisms for misconduct or risk.
  • Maintain accurate training records and evaluate effectiveness through audits, feedback, and compliance performance indicators.

Advisory & Support

  • Provide expert guidance to institutional departments, including clinical and laboratory teams, on compliance matters, including ISO9001, ISO 15189, GCLP, GCP, ISO20400, data protection, and ethical standards.
  • Assist in identifying potential non-compliance risks through audits, observations, and data reviews, and recommend corrective or preventive actions aligned with regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain confidentiality and impartiality in managing sensitive compliance issues.
  • Advise on interpretation and implementation of compliance policies in MLW Departments’ workflows, research projects, and data management systems.
  • Support incident investigations and root cause analysis for compliance breaches, ensuring timely resolution and documentation.
  • Maintain confidentiality and impartiality when managing sensitive compliance issues, ensuring trust and integrity in all interactions.
  • Act as a liaison with accreditation bodies or regulatory authorities during inspections or audits, providing accurate and timely information.

Governance & Reporting

  • Contribute to institutional reporting through compliance updates, summaries, and dashboards.
  • Support governance meetings and committees by preparing briefs, evidence logs, and follow-up action reports.
  • Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation of compliance-related correspondence.
  • Ensure all research projects comply with MLW’s Data Governance Framework, national/UK Data Protection Acts, ethics approvals, and sponsor requirements.
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with data governance frameworks, national and international data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, UK Data Protection Act), ethics approvals, and sponsor requirements for all research and laboratory projects.
  • Coordinate internal and external audits by providing timely and accurate compliance documentation.
  • Develop governance tools and templates for reporting, risk assessment, and compliance tracking.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Internal Audit, Law, Accounting, Finance, Data Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field.
  • A Master’s degree and a professional certification (e.g., CCEP, CIA, CRMA, CFE, data-protection certification) are an advantage
  • Membership in professional bodies such as IIA, MLS, ICAM, ACCA, ICTAM,or IRM is desirable.
  • Training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and GDPR/Data Protection is an added advantage

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in compliance management, risk management, governance, or internal audit.
  • Experience working in research, healthcare, or donor-funded environments is an added advantage.
  • Experience working with research data systems such as REDCap, ODK, SQL databases, CTMS, or EDC platforms.
  • Knowledge of international standards such as ISO 31000 (Risk Management) and ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems).

KEY COMPETENCIES / SKILLS

  • Sound understanding of compliance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under minimal supervision.
  • High ethical standards, integrity, and confidentiality.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analysis tools, and document management systems.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

MLW offers an attractive remuneration package which includes a competitive salary package commensurate with the position, a medical aid scheme, 24-hour insurance cover, pension scheme, gratuity benefits redeemable at the end of each contract cycle, among others.

MLW also offers opportunities such as scholarships, upgrading and training opportunities to employees. These are based on successful job performance and other set criteria.

Further details of the organization and the role can be found by visiting our website: www.mlw.mw

Applications must be received no later than 31 December 2025.
Interested candidates should submit their application, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and supporting documents, together with the names and contact details of three traceable referees (including at least two professional referees), to vacancies@mlw.mw. All application documents must be combined into a single PDF file. The email subject line should clearly state the position being applied for, for example: Compliance Coordinator.

MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.

ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.

To apply for this job please visit www.mlw.mw.