Deputy Head of Project

Are you looking for a meaningful job where you can invest your skills, passion, and time in an impactful way? Do you want to work for an organization that is dynamic, goal-driven, and dedicated to making a difference? Welcome to Welthungerhilfe!

As one of Germany’s largest and most respected private organizations in development cooperation and humanitarian aid, we are committed to driving positive change. We operate  independendently from religious and political influences, ensuring that our actions are always guided by strong ethical principles. Through embracing innovation we strive to become a data-mature, human-driven organization that continuously improves the way we work.

Our vision: “Zero Hunger on a Healthy Planet.” Join us in creating a world where everyone has accessto food while ensuring a sustainable future for our planet. If you are ready to make an impact, we look forward to receiving your application!

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of 9 months. There are very good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Lilongwe, Malawi. The position is paid according to local pay grade.

The Deputy Head of Project will manage the implementation of the WASH system strengthening project at district level (Dedza) and national level, in close collaboration with relevant government institutions, implementation partners, and sector stakeholders. The focus of this position is to contribute to Malawi’s progress towards SDG 6 and to support coordination mechanisms linked to MIP-1 implementation.

Your responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Project, the HoP will be responsible for the following:

1. Project Management and Coordination 

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of all project activities at district and national levels.
• Develop annual and quarterly work plans in alignment with project objectives and sector priorities.
• Ensure timely and quality delivery of project outputs.
• Coordinate closely with Dedza District Council, relevant ministries, and respective national WASH platforms.
• Oversee budget tracking and contribute to financial planning in collaboration with the finance team.
• Identify risks and propose mitigation measures.

2. Technical Issues with focus on SDG 6 Workshop Facilitation & Sector Dialogue 

• Ensure alignment with national policies.
• Provide quality assurance for technical documents, concept notes, and reports.
• Provide overall strategic oversight and co-facilitation of SDG 6 workshops.
• Design and guide high-level multi-stakeholder dialogue processes that foster consensus-building and joint action.
• Moderate complex technical discussions among government, development partners, and other sector actors.
• Ensure that workshop outcomes translate into actionable recommendations and inform sector decision-making processes.
• Manage workshop logistics in collaboration with support staff.
• Develop workshop materials (presentations, handouts, facilitation guides).
• Document workshop outcomes and follow-up actions.

3. Cross-Cutting Responsibilities 

• Ensure gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in all project activities.
• Integrate climate resilience considerations into WASH system strengthening.
• Promote accountability and transparency mechanisms.
• Support communication and visibility activities related to the project.

Your profile

1. Knowledge/ Qualifications

 1.1        Professional/ formal qualification

• Advanced level (master’s degree) in public health, water resources management, or related fields. Further academic qualification in advocacy, policy development or social studies will be an added advantage.

1.2        Job-related professional experience

• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in WASH programming in Malawi, including both project level (in districts) and national level experience in working with NNGOs and INGOs.
• Hands on experience in WASH systems strengthening approaches and engagement with external stakeholders such as government, civil society organization, local NGOs, implementing partners and advocacy, for effective strengthening of the WASH sector in a region or a country.
• Excellent MS Office: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and other relevant computer applications such as GIS, MS Teams, ICT for WASH and online/cloud document processing and storage.
• Ability to review and write detailed and accurate progress reports, proposals, and other monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning documentation.

1.3        Foreign language skills

• Good command of written and spoken English and Chichewa languages (fluent).

1.4.       Miscellaneous

• Advisory, influencing and facilitation skills.
• Ability to manage own work priorities.
• Proactive, creative and collaborative team member.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment.
• Willing to learn and share knowledge.
• Professional and commitment to projects demands.

2. Social skills
2.1        Social skills

• Excellent inter-personal, communication and facilitation skills.
• Skills in training and mentoring.

2.2        Capacity for teamwork

• Skills in training and mentoring.

2.3 Intercultural competence

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team.

Our offer

We offer you the opportunity to work in a responsible and interesting field as part of an extremely dedicated team. Welthungerhilfe attaches great importance to the personal and professional development of its employees. Remuneration is based on our gender-independent salary scale.