WaterAid
It’s hard to believe that today millions of Malawians still don’t have safe water and decent sanitation, resulting in immense suffering, disease and loss of productivity. WaterAid’s vision is of a world where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation. By 2030, we want everyone in Malawi to have clean water, sanitation and hygiene. We believe that sustainable development cannot be achieved in Malawi without the attainment of rights to water, sanitation and hygiene for all.
Do you want to be part of the team that will make this change happen?
WaterAid is looking for experienced individuals to play a vital role in contributing towards our mission to transform lives with safe water, sanitation and hygiene in Malawi’s unserved communities. The following position is tenable in Lilongwe, with frequent travel.
Programme Lead
Under the supervision of the Head of Programmes, the Programme Lead holds primary responsibility for the operational leadership of projects under the two programmes of Universality and WASH 4 Health, with significant oversight of the Kasungu Universality Programme. This role entails effective management of a diverse portfolio of projects with the overarching goal of achieving the strategic objectives of the Country programme. The Programme Lead oversees the full project cycle: design, planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and learning-while ensuring projects meet high standards of quality, relevance, equity, and sustainability, and align with WaterAid’s strategic priorities. The role also requires the application of WaterAid’s core approaches such as systems strengthening, gender-transformative programming, inclusive service delivery, evidence-based advocacy, and adaptive management.
It will also play a central role in stakeholder engagement, fostering strategic partnerships and alliances with government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to amplify influence and scale impact.
Specifically, the Programme Lead will be responsible for the following focus areas:
- Project & Programme Planning, Development and Management
- Strengthening WASH Systems and Institutions
- Support fundraising and communications
- Partnerships, Collaboration and Networking
- Financial Management
- Cost recovery
- Safeguarding
To be successful, you’ll need:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Water resources management, Engineering, Development studies, Planning & management or Social Sciences from a recognised University.
A Master’s Degree in Planning, WASH, Development studies, Management, Social studies, Public health or other related fields will be an advantage. - Strong technical experience in systems thinking, systems strengthening, system dynamics, governance, adaptive management, sustainability, and other inter-related topics for WASH programming in both urban and rural, low-income settings, demonstrated through a progressive career record.
- Relevant technical experience in sustainable development, water, sanitation, hygiene, behaviour change, gender, inclusion, environment and/or other WASH-related topics.
- Strong experience in offering technical assistance, consulting, and/or advisory services to empower and to develop capacities.
- He or she must have at least five (5) years of experience in programme planning, development and management at the managerial level.
- Proven experience of stakeholder engagement that includes government, private sector, and donors with high level of influencing skills.
For a detailed job profile, please visit WaterAid website, www.wateraid.org/mw
How to apply?
Interested applicants should send their current CV with names of their three most recent referees and a motivation letter to recruitmentmw@wateraid.org by 20th March 2026. We request that you strictly indicate the subject line of your email as the position you are applying for i.e Programme Lead or IT Officer
WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff and volunteers are required to share in this commitment through our Global Code of Conduct