Compensation and Benefits Manager

The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme (MLW) is a world-class health research institution committed to improving health through research, capacity building, and strong partnerships.

The Malawi–Liverpool–Wellcome Programme (MLW) is seeking to hire a Compensation and Benefits Manager who shall be based within the Core-HR department and reporting to the Head of Human Resources.

The position is tenable at MLW head offices in Blantyre.

POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE)

The Compensation and Benefits Manager will be part of a collective leadership team within the HR department besides taking the lead and giving direction by evaluating, providing advice, and giving recommendations on MLW compensation and benefits policies to the Head of Human Resources.  The position holder is the key MLW point of contact on compensation and benefits.

Section Leadership

• Adhering to established relevant HR policies including on Compensation and Benefits and demonstrating leadership in improving the pay and benefits management systems.
• Maintaining updated employee benefits records for use and reference when required and together with the Human Resources Manager keeping MLW staff body (Staff Representatives) well informed of emergent changes in HR pay and benefits policies.
• Producing relevant sectional reports which form part of the consolidated department report.
• Managing performance of the Compensation and Benefits Coordinator and ensuring that the person is helped in developing their skills, competencies, and knowledge relevant to.
• Be a proactive member of the department leadership which comprises the three department sectional heads by contributing to strategies and ideas which must improve the department for the benefit of the programme.

Technical

• Undertaking the responsibility to manage the Human Resources Information System (currently using SAGE 300 people) including all aspects of payroll, general human resources management functions within the system (electronic leave applications) with the assistance of the Compensation and Benefits Administrator.
• Managing all contractual benefits (MASM, Pension, Group Life, Group Personal Accident, Workers Compensation.
• Ensuring timely preparation of payroll of all types of contracts and related payroll inputs for submission to the Head ofHR for eventual checking processes and approvals.
• Assisting the Head of HR in conducting benefits surveys as when required as well as Cost of Living exercises.
• Referencing to existing relevant legal requirements and provisions competently to assist in providing expert knowledge to the Head of HR and other MLW stakeholders on matters to do with Compensation and Benefits when required to do so.

Compliance

• Ensuring legal compliance with all compensation and benefits policies and agreements that are in place or may be introduced (PAYE, Gratuity Fund, Workers Compensation, overtime, Group life, Pension).
• Developing and Maintaining section records systems which makes retrieval of required information easily accessible and usable.

General

• Supporting the Head of HR’s decision making by competently analyzing benefit options and projections and providing recommendations and advice.
• Liaising with the Finance department on reconciliation of benefits accounts and any information which may be required.
• Timely resolution of employee pay or benefits questions and problems by effective interpretation of benefit policies and procedures.
• Presenting pay and benefits information during HR clinics or any other MLW staff forum, the department may be requested to clarify.
• Ensuring expedited delivery of benefits or information by establishing and maintaining working relationships with benefit providers (Insurance companies, Insurance Brokers, Medical Aid providers, and others).

Self-development

• Ensuring that one is kept up to date on developing trends in areas which may have an impact on the sectional activities.
• Ensuring that one is kept abreast of the wider department activities and other parts of the institution.
• Ensuring that one’s personal development needs are well though to help in acquiring new skills, competencies, and knowledge.

Health and Safety.

• Ensuring the attendance of all scheduled and mandatory Health and Safety programs for section team members.
• Ensuring that Health and Safety rules are always followed within the section.
• Participate in health risk management exercises.
• Notify the line manager on all accidents and potential hazards.

Safeguarding

• To be well knowledgeable of the MLW safeguarding policy/provisions and act in accordance with these at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences).

Experience:

• Minimum of five years’ experience in management of employee benefits programmes.
• Management of electronic platform payroll systems (upwards of 200+ staff). Hands on knowledge on use of SAGE 300 desirable.
• Knowledge of key HR related labour laws is mandatory.
• Be a member of Institute of People Management of Malawi (IPMM).

KEY COMPETENCIES / SKILLS

• Strong people, analytical (critical thinking) and problem-solving skills.
• Good temperamental and emotional intelligence skills.
• Excellent written, and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactiveness and can effectively lead and work within a team.
• Networking skills.
• Open-minded and being flexible to change.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

MLW offers an attractive remuneration package which includes a competitive salary package commensurate with the position, a medical aid scheme, 24-hour insurance cover, pension scheme, gratuity benefits redeemable at the end of each contract cycle, among others.

MLW also offers opportunities such as scholarships, upgrading and training opportunities to employees. These are based on successful job performance and other set criteria.

Further details of the organization and the role can be found by visiting our website: www.mlw.mw

Applications should be received not later than 30^th January 2026. Interested and a detailed CV with three traceable referees (including at least two professional referees) to vacancies@mlw.mw. All documents should be submitted in one pdf file with  subject line clearly indicating the position being applied for i.e COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS MANAGER.

MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.

ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.