Background

The World Food Programme (WFP) Malawi is undergoing a strategic repositioning aimed at strengthening its alignment with national priorities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and supporting the Government of Malawi in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, with a particular emphasis on reaching Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and aligning with Government strategies, particularly its Vision 2063. achieving sustainable development goals.

To advance this agenda, WFP Malawi seeks to recruit a Senior Development Adviser who will provide strategic, analytical and coordination support to the Office of the Country Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position reports directly to the Country Director (CD) and will be responsible for the following:

Strategic Analysis, Policy Engagement and Government Relations

• Monitor and analyze political, social, economic, and humanitarian developments with potential implications for WFP operations, providing concise briefs and recommendations to the Country Director.
• Conduct policy research and analysis to broadly guide WFP Malawi’s decision-making and strategic planning.
• Drive engagement with senior government officials, development partners and regional organizations and assist the Country Director in strategic policy dialogues.
• Ensure all WFP interventions are well aligned with Malawi’s national priorities and policy frameworks through consistent follow-up.
• Monitor national policy developments and advise the Country Director on implications for WFP programs and positioning.
• Gather socio-political insights to support WFP’s effective positioning vis-à-vis national governments, regional and international institutions with the aim to influence the policy agenda.

Inter-Agency Coordination and Representation

• Represent WFP in inter-agency working groups, task forces, and policy-level discussions, ensuring coordinated engagement and follow-through.
• Coordinate and manage inter-agency issues, circulate information to relevant units, and ensure consistent participation.

Partnerships, External Relations, and Resource Mobilization

• Support WFP Malawi partnerships team with identification, preparation, and submission of new funding opportunities in close coordination with the Government of Malawi.
• Strengthen WFP’s relationship with key donors and financial institutions, including the World Bank, Global Fund, African Development Bank, and others, by facilitating regular communication and joint engagement with government stakeholders.
• Contribute to building trust and collaboration between WFP, the Government of Malawi, and development partners to enhance long-term financing for resilience and food security initiatives.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

Education:

Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Studies, International Relations, Law, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses Communications& Media Studies

Experience:

• At least 10 or more years of relevant professional work experience in policy analysis, strategy development, inter-agency coordination, partnership building, or related fields.
• Experience as a senior government official (e.g., former Minister, Principal Secretary, or equivalent) is highly desirable.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong analytical and political economy analysis skills.
• Good understanding of government and corporate strategies.
• Solid grasp of Malawi’s political and development landscape including key national institutions, policy processes, and strategic frameworks.
• Experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation abilities.
• Ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP processes and systems.
• High level of discretion and diplomacy.
• Good interpersonal and diplomatic skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Experience working with UN agencies, government institutions, and/or international organizations.

Languages

• Fluency in (level C) in English language and Chichewa.

Contract Duration:

6 months (with possible extension)

• Monitor and analyze political, social, economic, and humanitarian developments with potential implications for WFP operations, providing concise briefs and recommendations to the Country Director.
• Conduct policy research and analysis to broadly guide WFP Malawi’s decision-making and strategic planning.
• Drive engagement with senior government officials, development partners and regional organizations and assist the Country Director in strategic policy dialogues.
• Ensure all WFP interventions are well aligned with Malawi’s national priorities and policy frameworks through consistent follow-up.
• Monitor national policy developments and advise the Country Director on implications for WFP programs and positioning.
• Gather socio-political insights to support WFP’s effective positioning vis-à-vis national governments, regional and international institutions with the aim to influence the policy agenda.
• Represent WFP in inter-agency working groups, task forces, and policy-level discussions, ensuring coordinated engagement and follow-through.
• Coordinate and manage inter-agency issues, circulate information to relevant units, and ensure consistent participation.
• Support WFP Malawi partnerships team with identification, preparation, and submission of new funding opportunities in close coordination with the Government of Malawi.
• Strengthen WFP’s relationship with key donors and financial institutions, including the World Bank, Global Fund, African Development Bank, and others, by facilitating regular communication and joint engagement with government stakeholders.
• Contribute to building trust and collaboration between WFP, the Government of Malawi, and development partners to enhance long-term financing for resilience and food security initiatives.

• Strong analytical and political economy analysis skills.
• Good understanding of government and corporate strategies.
• Solid grasp of Malawi’s political and development landscape including key national institutions, policy processes, and strategic frameworks.
• Experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation abilities.
• Ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP processes and systems.
• High level of discretion and diplomacy.
• Good interpersonal and diplomatic skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Experience working with UN agencies, government institutions, and/or international organizations.

• Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Studies, International Relations, Law, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses Communications& Media Studies