Project Manager

POSITION: PROGRAM MANAGER

LOCATION: Lilongwe, Malawi

CLOSING DATE: 19th October, 2026

ABOUT ASWiM

The Association of Social Workers in Malawi (ASWiM), established in May 2019, is a formally registered professional body dedicated to advancing the social work profession and enhancing the welfare of the communities served. ASWiM operates under the guidance of a National Executive Committee, Secretariat, and Board of Trustees, supported by regional chapters across Malawi. Its diverse membership comprises both student and practicing social workers from public and private sectors.

BACKGROUND

ASWiM anticipates securing an award for a significant project focused on child development, care, and protection. This initiative aims to bolster national systems designed to safeguard vulnerable children, provide family support, and improve early childhood development through sustainable, community-led strategies. The project will enhance outcomes for vulnerable children by strengthening child protection mechanisms, supporting families and caregivers, promoting integrated early childhood development and health services, improving referral pathways and case management, fostering family-based care, and reducing reliance on institutional residential care.

Please note: All recruitment activities are contingent upon the successful award of this project and the confirmation of its funding.

JOB SUMMARY

As a key member of the project team, the Program Manager will assume responsibility for the overall technical direction and operational execution of the project. This role involves orchestrating project planning, implementation, partner collaboration, monitoring, reporting, and learning initiatives in close partnership with Government of Malawi counterparts, local organizations, community structures, and other stakeholders.

Reporting directly to the National Coordinator and ASWiM General Secretary, the Program Manager will ensure all project activities align with approved work plans, uphold program quality standards, meet donor expectations, and comply with relevant Government of Malawi policies.

ROLES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Spearhead the comprehensive coordination and execution of designated project activities according to the approved work plan and implementation strategy.


• Develop and meticulously track annual, quarterly, and monthly implementation plans.


• Foster and maintain strong collaborative relationships with Government of Malawi institutions, district councils, local partners, community groups, and other relevant entities.


• Provide expert technical guidance on child protection, social work practices, case management, family strengthening, referral systems, family-based care, and associated interventions.


• Ensure the high-quality and timely delivery of all project activities in strict adherence to donor requirements.


• Coordinate partner engagement, technical assistance provision, and capacity-building efforts.


• Oversee project implementation, proactively identify challenges, and facilitate prompt corrective actions.


• Collaborate closely with the MEAL Officer to monitor project performance, track results, and facilitate knowledge acquisition.


• Lead the preparation and review of all project reports and other donor-required documentation.


• Contribute to the development and refinement of technical tools, guidelines, training materials, and implementation methodologies.


• Ensure the effective integration of safeguarding principles, gender equality, disability inclusion, accountability mechanisms, and other cross-cutting priorities into project operations.


• Represent ASWiM at pertinent technical meetings, coordination forums, and stakeholder engagement sessions.


• Promote the systematic documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, promising practices, and project innovations.


• Support the meticulous planning of project budgets and ensure all expenditures remain within approved financial allocations.


• Provide effective leadership and direct supervision to project staff.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Development Studies, or Community Development.


• A Master’s degree in Social Work is considered a significant asset.


• Current, active registration as a paid-up member with ASWIM is mandatory.


• A minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience, ideally within child protection, social work, community development, or related program areas.


• Proven track record in program/project management and coordination.


• Experience working collaboratively with Government of Malawi institutions and district-level structures.


• Demonstrated experience in working with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and/or donor-funded programs.


• A robust understanding of child protection, social welfare, and social work systems operating within Malawi.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional program planning, coordination, and management capabilities.


• A thorough understanding of child protection and social work systems.


• In-depth knowledge of Malawian and relevant international legislation and policies pertaining to children.


• Outstanding report writing and communication skills.


• Strong proficiency in building and managing partnerships and stakeholder relationships.


• The capacity to analyze program performance data and effectively identify implementation obstacles.


• Ability to collaborate productively with diverse teams and communities.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


• A proactive, results-driven, and service-oriented approach.


• Strong interpersonal and leadership qualities.


• Fluency in both English and Chichewa.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: ASWiM Board, National Executive Committee (NEC), National Secretariat, and Project Team.

External: Government ministries and departments, district councils, local partners, community structures, faith-based organizations, civil society organizations, and other project stakeholders.

SAFEGUARDING

ASWiM is deeply committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse, exploitation, and harm. The successful candidate will be expected to rigorously adhere to ASWiM’s safeguarding policies, Code of Conduct, and all applicable standards.

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).


• A cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.


• Contact information for three professional referees.


• Certified copies of relevant academic and professional certificates.


• A copy of your 2026 ASWIM Membership Registration Certificate.

Applications should be sent to: aswimsecretariat@gmail.com

ASWiM is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all suitably qualified individuals to apply.