Danish Red Cross seeks a Programme Manager based in Malawi to drive innovative finance and anticipatory action initiatives. This role is pivotal in enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities against disasters and crises by supporting the Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) and fostering portfolio growth.
Malawi, a nation facing significant development challenges with a predominantly rural population reliant on rain-fed agriculture, is particularly susceptible to climate change impacts like recurrent flooding and droughts. These hazards place immense pressure on already vulnerable communities.
As a key member of the International Department at Danish Red Cross (DRC), the Anticipatory Action and Innovative Finance Programme Manager will focus on developing, managing, and successfully implementing Anticipatory Action (AA) and Innovative Finance initiatives with MRCS.
Reporting to the DRC Country Manager in Lilongwe, who oversees the entire DRC program portfolio in Malawi, this position demands close collaboration and coordination.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with MRCS counterparts and consortium partners to establish robust program management systems, ensuring project adherence to documentation, logframes, budgets, action plans, and donor stipulations.
- Contribute to the expansion of innovative financial solutions for Disaster Risk Management in Malawi.
- Work in tandem with MRCS and DRC finance teams for precise budget monitoring and timely forecasting.
- Provide comprehensive program management support to MRCS for planning, revisions, and execution of program activities and action plans.
- Assist MRCS in coordinating and overseeing the implementation of various AA initiatives.
- Support MRCS in managing and executing the ongoing 'InsuResilience Flood Insurance Project' in partnership with DRC HQ and consortium members.
- Engage with relevant Malawian government bodies (DCCMS, DWR, DoDMA), including briefing sessions and discussions related to Malawi Risk Watch coordinated structures and data agreements.
- Liaise with government and non-governmental institutions, as well as Movement working groups and the IFRC Cluster Office, to bolster national coordination on AA and Disaster Risk Technical Working Groups.
- Facilitate the establishment of AA mechanisms leveraging impact-based forecasting models, offering technical and programmatic support to MRCS's partnerships with governmental, non-governmental, and regional entities.
- Aid in the development and monitoring of Early Action Protocols in collaboration with IFRC.
- Promote enhanced data utilization and Information Management within MRCS for AA and broader Disaster Risk Management efforts.
- Support the creation and implementation of new innovative finance initiatives in conjunction with the DRC Country Office and DRC HQ.
- Integrate intersectional approaches such as Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI) into AA programming in Malawi.
- Coordinate and oversee emergency interventions as directed by DRC.
Required Experience and Qualifications:
- Legal authorization to work in Malawi (Malawian work permit, nationality, or equivalent).
Education:
- A Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a pertinent field.
Professional Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years managing the project lifecycle, reporting, and financial oversight.
- Demonstrated experience in project design and proposal writing.
- Proven technical expertise and understanding of Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Management.
- Experience in building partnerships and coordinating inter-institutional efforts within anticipatory action and/or disaster preparedness.
- Prior experience working in partnerships and implementing projects through local partners.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities.
- Capacity to simplify complex technical information into clear, actionable guidance.
- Adaptability, a strong commitment to learning, and an openness to innovative methodologies.
- Resilience under pressure and the ability to thrive in complex environments.
- Self-driven with sound judgment and initiative.
- Flexibility to adapt to evolving work conditions.
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.
- A valid international driving license.
Languages:
- Fluent command of both spoken and written English.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in innovative finance and/or humanitarian innovation.
- Previous engagement with the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.
- Expertise and keen interest in Information Management and data application in humanitarian contexts.
- Experience developing and implementing EU/ECHO funded projects.
- Familiarity with DRC strategies and partnership frameworks.
- Knowledge of international and regional frameworks for climate-related disaster risk reduction.
Application, Conditions, and Further Information:
Submit your application and CV through our online recruitment system by 14 June, 2026, 21:59 CEST. Applications and CVs must be in English. The position reports to the Country Manager in Malawi, with the duty station in Lilongwe. The anticipated start date is before 1 August, 2026. The role includes a 3-month probationary period, with an initial 12-month contract that may be extended. Employment is on local terms and conditions. For inquiries, please contact Anaïs Dufberg Suh at anduf@rodekors.dk.
For more details, refer to the JD – Anticipatory Action Programme Manager.
We eagerly await your application!