GiveDirectly, a leader in direct cash transfers, has provided over $1 billion to more than 2 million individuals globally since 2011. Recognized by prominent media outlets and named one of Time100’s Most Influential Companies of 2026, GiveDirectly champions cash as an effective and dignified form of aid.
The organization fosters a transparent, analytical, and non-hierarchical culture that empowers individuals and supports professional development. If GiveDirectly’s values resonate with you, this role could be an excellent opportunity.
Location:
- Field Office: Zomba
- Implementation District: Phalombe
Role Overview
As a Field Officer, you will be a crucial front-line member of GiveDirectly Malawi's program delivery team. This entry-level position involves conducting household census surveys, registering eligible recipients, clearly explaining program details, and ensuring all participating households are prepared to safely and confidently receive their cash transfers. Ideal candidates are motivated individuals comfortable in rural settings, possess strong interpersonal skills, and are dedicated to maintaining data accuracy and integrity. Field Officers serve as the primary point of contact for recipients, significantly influencing program impact.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement
- Liaise with community leaders, local guides, and relevant stakeholders to understand community structures, boundaries, and sensitivities prior to commencing household visits.
- Collaborate with team members to ensure comprehensive coverage of assigned areas, systematically visiting every household within the designated community or town.
- Administer detailed census surveys to all households, ensuring the collection of accurate and complete data in accordance with GiveDirectly's protocols and quality standards.
- Clearly and consistently identify and document ineligible households, applying GiveDirectly's eligibility criteria with impartiality and precision.
- Communicate GiveDirectly's program details to eligible households in a clear, honest, and accessible manner, ensuring recipients understand program mechanics, expectations, and their rights.
- Provide essential safety and readiness information to recipients, including guidance on secure mobile money usage, protecting personal information and PINs, and accessing support for any issues.
- Confirm that at least one member per enrolled household is capable of operating a phone to receive their cash transfer, offering basic training and assistance as needed.
Storytelling and Community Feedback
- Gather beneficiary stories and testimonials from recipients during field visits, documenting experiences respectfully and accurately for the content and communications teams.
- Act as a vital communication channel between the community and GiveDirectly, relaying concerns, questions, and observations to your supervisor to inform program enhancements.
Safeguarding and Compliance
- Adhere strictly to GiveDirectly's Safeguarding Policy and reporting procedures in all interactions, maintaining required standards of conduct.
- Treat all recipients, especially vulnerable individuals, with dignity, respect, and sensitivity, promptly reporting any safeguarding concerns through designated channels.
- Comply with all GiveDirectly policies, procedures, and ethical standards, including those related to data privacy, fraud prevention, and conflict of interest.
- Undertake any additional duties assigned by your direct supervisor that align with the scope of this role.
Desired Qualifications and Experience
- Possession of a diploma or degree in social sciences, development studies, community development, or a related discipline.
- 1-2 years of experience in field-based roles, data collection, community engagement, or call centre environments. Recent graduates with strong interpersonal abilities and a passion for development work are encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated experience conducting household surveys or community-level data collection.
- Previous research experience is considered an asset.
- Experience in a call centre or remote support capacity, particularly when engaging with vulnerable or low-income populations.
- Proficiency in using smartphones or tablets for data collection, with familiarity with platforms like SurveyCTO, ODK, or similar tools being advantageous.
- Strong verbal communication skills in Chichewa and English; proficiency in additional local languages is a plus.
- High personal integrity with a steadfast commitment to accuracy, honesty, and ethical conduct.
- Comfort working in rural and remote environments, including the ability to walk long distances and work in varied weather conditions.
- Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating effective time management and the ability to meet daily targets.
- Strong alignment with GiveDirectly's values and a genuine dedication to the organization's mission of directly empowering individuals living in poverty.
GiveDirectly is currently recruiting on a rolling basis; applications will be reviewed, and candidates will be contacted as they are received.
GiveDirectly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
For US applicants: Please review your "Know Your Rights" information.
Commitment to Safeguarding
GiveDirectly prioritizes the safeguarding of its recipients, staff, and partners. As a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, the organization will conduct thorough checks with previous employers regarding any abuse or misconduct matters concerning potential hires. Additional pre-hire screenings, including in-depth reference checks, criminal background checks, and sanctions screens, may also be employed.
These measures are essential for maintaining trust with the communities served and preventing harm to recipients and staff.
GiveDirectly is committed to upholding all local, national, and international laws protecting human rights. The organization maintains a strict policy of zero tolerance for preventing, reporting, or responding to any form of abuse or exploitation, expecting all employees to prioritize the protection and safeguarding of recipients.
Reasonable Accommodations
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of the role, please email careers@givedirectly.org with the subject line “Accommodation Needed”. We will collaborate with you to ensure your needs are met through reasonable accommodations.
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