Introduction

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 Risk Officer who shall be based within the Risk and Compliance department and reporting to the Risk and Compliance Manager.

POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE)

The Risk Officer provides technical and coordination support in implementing MLW’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework. The role focuses on identifying, assessing, monitoring, and reporting organisational and departmental risks, ensuring that risk management is embedded into daily operations and decision-making across the institution. The post supports the Head of Risk & Compliance in strengthening MLW’s risk culture, enhancing control effectiveness, and ensuring that institutional objectives are achieved within acceptable risk parameters.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Risk Identification & Assessment

• Coordinate institutional and departmental risk assessments in line with MLW’s Risk Management Framework.
• Facilitate risk workshops and consultations with departments and field sites.
• Support departments in identifying strategic, operational, financial, and research-related risks.
• Maintain and update the institutional and departmental risk registers.

Risk Analysis & Evaluation

• Analyse identified risks and evaluate their potential impact on institutional performance and reputation.
• Prioritise risks using approved rating methodologies and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are identified.
• Support documentation and presentation of risk assessments to management and committees.

Risk Monitoring & Reporting

• Track implementation of mitigation actions and report on progress to the Risk & Compliance Manager.
• Prepare periodic risk reports, dashboards, and summaries for management and the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Monitor emerging risks and ensure they are appropriately captured and escalated.
• Support validation and accuracy of risk data within the electronic risk management platform.

Risk Awareness & Capacity Building

• Promote a culture of risk awareness across all departments.
• Facilitate briefings and training sessions for staff, managers, and risk champions.
• Support the dissemination of risk management guidelines, templates, and tools.

Research & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct research on emerging and sector-specific risks within research and donor-funded organisations.
• Benchmark MLW’s risk practices against international standards (e.g., ISO 31000).
• Recommend improvements to strengthen MLW’s risk framework, methodology, and processes.

Collaboration & Advisory Support

• Work with departments, Internal Audit, and Finance teams to enhance control effectiveness.
• Guide departmental risk champions on the development of risk logs and action plans.
• Support integration of risk management into project planning, budgeting, and reporting processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, Internal Audit, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree and studying towards completion of a professional certification like CRMA, CIA, CIRM, or equivalent is an advantage.
• Membership in a recognised professional body (IIA, ICAM, ACCA, or IRM) preferred.

Experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in Enterprise Risk Management, audit, or governance in research, donor-funded, or public-sector organisation.
• Familiarity with ISO 31000 and organisational risk management frameworks.
• Experience preparing risk reports and facilitating risk assessments.

KEY COMPETENCIES / SKILLS

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound understanding of Enterprise Risk Management principles.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI).

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

• Coordinate institutional and departmental risk assessments in line with MLW’s Risk Management Framework.
• Facilitate risk workshops and consultations with departments and field sites.
• Support departments in identifying strategic, operational, financial, and research-related risks.
• Maintain and update the institutional and departmental risk registers.
• Analyse identified risks and evaluate their potential impact on institutional performance and reputation.
• Prioritise risks using approved rating methodologies and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are identified.
• Support documentation and presentation of risk assessments to management and committees.
• Track implementation of mitigation actions and report on progress to the Risk & Compliance Manager.
• Prepare periodic risk reports, dashboards, and summaries for management and the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Monitor emerging risks and ensure they are appropriately captured and escalated.
• Support validation and accuracy of risk data within the electronic risk management platform.
• Promote a culture of risk awareness across all departments.
• Facilitate briefings and training sessions for staff, managers, and risk champions.
• Support the dissemination of risk management guidelines, templates, and tools.
• Conduct research on emerging and sector-specific risks within research and donor-funded organisations.
• Benchmark MLW’s risk practices against international standards (e.g., ISO 31000).
• Recommend improvements to strengthen MLW’s risk framework, methodology, and processes.
• Work with departments, Internal Audit, and Finance teams to enhance control effectiveness.
• Guide departmental risk champions on the development of risk logs and action plans.
• Support integration of risk management into project planning, budgeting, and reporting processes.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound understanding of Enterprise Risk Management principles.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI).

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, Internal Audit, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree and studying towards completion of a professional certification like CRMA, CIA, CIRM, or equivalent is an advantage.
• Membership in a recognised professional body (IIA, ICAM, ACCA, or IRM) preferred.
• At least 5 years’ experience in Enterprise Risk Management, audit, or governance in research, donor-funded, or public-sector organisation.
• Familiarity with ISO 31000 and organisational risk management frameworks.
• Experience preparing risk reports and facilitating risk assessments.