Programme Officer – Community Engagement

Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide is an international non-governmental humanitarian organisation dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries

Founded in 1968, Concern Worldwide works in 25 countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean with its headquarters in Ireland. Active in Malawi since 2002, Concern’s vision, our mission and our work are all defined by one goal – ending extreme poverty, whatever it takes. Concern strives for a world free from poverty, fear and oppression. Our culture is values driven and we believe that our people are central to all that we do and are key to delivering on our goal of Reaching the Furthest Behind First. We are committed to ensuring a workplace where everybody feels valued and are enabled to succeed in their work and contribute to delivering on our mission.

Concern invites applications from interested candidates qualified for the following position:

Programme Officer – Community Engagement (1 Vacancy)

Contract Type: One (1) Year Fixed Term Contract 

Duty Station: Nsanje

 Job Summary

Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Programme Officer (Community Engagement) will be responsible for strengthening community resilience to disasters and climate change by supporting implementation of climate resilience initiatives. S/he will work with Government, local structures like Area Disaster Risk Management Committees (ADRMCs), Village Disaster Risk Management Committees, Village Natural Resources management committees to build capacities for resilience and sustainable livelihoods. They will implement Build Back Better (BBB) interventions for disaster recovery, facilitate the community disaster fund model, support implementation of solar irrigation and biogas digesters as well as conduct community scoping exercises through Climate Resilience Measurement for Communities (CRMC) aimed at strengthening community resilience to climate impacts. The ideal candidate will have strong understanding of climate change impacts and community resilience approaches.

 Duties and Responsibilities

  • Facilitate community led planning and implementation of the climate resilience project
  • Support community mobilization and engagement in resilience building (implementation of community-based climate resilience activities) and ensure that implementation is responsive to communities needs
  • Conduct awareness campaigns on flood risks, Early Warning Systems and facilitate simulation drills and evacuation exercises in the communities
  • Work with the community DRM structures and Government to develop and update community disaster risk plans with local leaders and support dissemination of DRM policies to communities
  • Support community led initiatives for risk reduction, for instance tree planting
  • Implement and manage community disaster fund model ensuring that communities are provided with resources and support to prepare for climate shocks or disasters
  • Work with communities to design and implement build back better interventions that promote sustainable and resilient recovery from disasters
  • Conduct community engagement and mobilization by engaging local communities to mobilize them to take ownership of build back better initiatives and promoting community led development
  • Conduct community scoping, climate resilience measurement for communities (CRMC) and community resilience feedback sessions
  • Coordinate engagement with local communities/ Area Disaster Risk Management Committees (ADRMCs), Village Disaster Risk Management Committee (VDRMCs), Village Natural Resources Committee (VNRMCs) to identify their needs and priorities for climate adaptation
  • Monitor project progress, report on outcomes and identify areas of improvement
  • Distribute solar irrigation kits and drought tolerant seeds to farmers, providing training and support to ensure effective use of the solar irrigation kits and agricultural inputs.
  • Work with communities to rehabilitate and strengthen small scale solar irrigation to address climate change
  • Work with irrigation farmer groups, Area Agriculture Stakeholder panel, Community Disaster Management Committees, Area Disaster Risk Management Committees, Village Disaster Risk Management Committees as well as Village Natural Resources Committee to get valuable insights into community needs and priorities
  • Work with Extension Planning Areas, Department for Irrigation to ensure technical support, resources and guidance in implementing solar irrigation and build back better interventions
  • Work with other NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to provide additional support, resources and expertise in promoting community development and resilience
  • Preparing necessary work plans and reports such as monthly progress report.
  • Providing technical leadership in the design of all climate resilience interventions at community level.
  • Represent Concern Worldwide in the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) sector and Area Agriculture Stakeholder Panel at community level
  • Implement Feedback and Complaints and Feedback Response Mechanisms (CFRMs) at community level and ensure timely resolution of complaints.

Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Environmental Science, Agriculture, Disaster Risk Reduction, Community Development, Development Studies or relevant field
  • At least three years of experience in a similar role implementing climate change/resilience/ adaptation projects and in community mobilization, facilitation and community disaster fund model
  • Strong understanding of disaster risk reduction frameworks, policies and practices
  • Agricultural expertise having knowledge of climate resilience agriculture practices
  • Strong understanding of climate change impacts and community resilience approaches
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including community members, local leaders and government officials
  • Ability to analyse complex problems, identify solutions and adapt to changing circumstances
  • Ability to work effectively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to achieve common goal
  • Ability to manage projects including planning, implementation and monitoring
  • Able to engage with communities, mobilize them to act and support community led interventions
  • Experience working with community-based initiatives including community disaster management committees
  • Competence with MS Office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook

How To Apply

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, should send their CV (Maximum 3 pages and including three professional referees) and Cover Letter to malawi.hr@concern.net with the subject of the email as “Programme Officer Community Engagement“. The deadline for applications is Thursday, 5th February 2026. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Concern is an equal opportunities employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Concern does not charge for any kind of recruitment.