OVERVIEW

The Office of the Ombudsman is a public body established under the Republic of Malawi Constitution. Section 123 of the Constitution accords the Office of the Ombudsman the mandate to investigate any and all cases where it is alleged that a person or a group of persons have suffered an injustice and there appears to be no any remedy reasonably available by way of proceedings in a court or by way of appeal from court or where there is no other practicable remedy.

The Office of the Ombudsman is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the following vacant positions.

Application Deadline: Monday, 21st September 2026

POSITION 1: DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION, DOCUMENTATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION

Grade: OMB3

Responsible to: Ombudsman (Grade OMB1)

Duty Station: Headquarters-Lilongwe

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Masters' Degree in Education, Mass Communication, Humanities, Social Science, Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology with at least six (6) years' post-qualification experience OR
• Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Education, Mass Communication, Humanities, Social Science, Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology with at least ten (10) years' post-qualification experience.
• At least five (5) years' work experience in a middle management position in a related field.
• Knowledge and experience in accountability and oversight functions will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Be a team player.
• Have leadership and management skills.
• Be able to lead teams.
• Be result-oriented, innovative and a self-starter.
• Be a strategic thinker and result-oriented.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to deal with diverse workforce.
• Have adequate knowledge in Computer using Microsoft Office such as word, excel, access and other related packages.
• Demonstrate excellence in driving and managing change.
• Have high level of integrity and sense of maturity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Devising and reviewing policies, strategies, guidelines and best practices for proper storage, archiving and disposal of obsolete documents and knowledge management materials.
• Ensuring that all documentation activities and materials are consistent with established international, national best practices and OoO's documentation policy.
• Leading in documentation of knowledge to be used for further advocacy and learning purposes and put in place a standard filing system for easy and quick document assess and retrieval.
• Designing and implementing retrieval systems to meet user requirements.
• Performing complex technical, analytical and professional including report generation, data capture and validation and procedural documentation and retrieval of relevant information.
• Developing and maintaining efficient record-keeping systems that enable fast and easy access to needed information.
• Monitoring compliance with data privacy laws.
• Training end-users in record management software.
• Providing technical documentation support to other Department/Divisions or Units.
• Overseeing the operations of Information and communication technology (ICT) platforms.
• Ensuring that Civic Education programmes are properly implemented in the OoO.
• Supervising and conducting performance appraisals for staff under charge and ensuring efficient and effective performance appraisal system of the Department.

POSITION 2: CHIEF PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION OFFICER

Grade: OMB4

Responsible to: Executive Secretary (Grade OMB2)

Duty Station: Headquarters-Lilongwe

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Social Science, Economics, Development Studies and Statistics with at least six (6) years' post qualification work experience, of which at least four (4) years' should be at supervisory level in project management, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Accredited Masters' Degree in Social Science, Economics, Development Studies, Statistics and Project Management will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in Democratic Accountability will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Be able to lead and motivate various multi-disciplinary teams in investigation and research.
• Have good leadership and team building skills.
• Be result-oriented, innovative and a self-starter.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to deal with diverse work force.
• Have adequate knowledge in Computer using Microsoft Office such as word, excel, access and other related packages.
• Demonstrate excellent negotiating and analytical skills.
• High level of integrity, sense of maturity and ability to meet deadlines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developing and maintaining monitoring and evaluation system for the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Coordinating planning, monitoring and evaluation performance analysis of the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Undertaking planning, monitoring and evaluation interventions in collaboration with other department/divisions/Unit.
• Participating in preparation of annual and quarterly performance reports, strategic planning, business plan, and budgets.
• Supporting in development goals and objectives which are well aligned to national development plans and other relevant development blueprints.
• Ensuring that there is readily available, useful, valid and reliable information for making strategic decisions.
• Assisting in building capacities of Departments/Divisions/Sections/Units in planning, monitoring and evaluation.
• Prepare planning, monitoring and evaluation division budgets, work plan and annual and quarterly reports.
• Supervising and appraising Principal Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and other officers under his/her charge.

POSITION 3: CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Grade: OMB4

Reporting to: Executive Secretary (Grade OMB2)

Duty Station: Headquarters-Lilongwe

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Business Management or Business Administration with six (6) years' post qualification work experience, of which at least four (4) years' should be at supervisory level in Human Resource Management and/or Administration.
• Accredited Masters' Degree in Human Resource, Public Administration/Management, Business Management or Business Administration will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Have good leadership and team building skills.
• Be result-oriented, innovative and a self-starter.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to deal with diverse work force.
• Have adequate knowledge in Computer using Microsoft Office such as word, excel, access and other related packages.
• Demonstrate excellent negotiating and analytical skills.
• High level of integrity, sense of maturity and ability to meet deadlines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developing, implementing and reviewing human resource management and administrative policies, strategies, work plans and budgets.
• Managing the Office's Assets.
• Providing human resource management services such as recruitment, training, Performance, discipline, grievances and labour relations.
• Interpreting and implementing conditions of service, human resource and administrative policies and labour laws.
• Managing the Office of the Ombudsman's remuneration, rewards and gratuitous systems.
• Liaising with stakeholders in the administration of pension, medical scheme and insurance.
• Overseeing the provision of administrative logistical services.
• Overseeing requisitioning and ordering of all office items including furniture and equipment.
• Ensuring speedy provision of information and general services including secretariat services for the use of all Departments and Divisions of the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Setting out procedures on mail delivery, reception, distribution, storage and confidentiality.
• Overseeing the allocation of vehicles to drivers and Departments/Divisions.
• Ensuring that all Office of the Ombudsman's vehicles are maintained and serviced regularly.
• Ensuring proper utilization and allocation of fuel.
• Supervising and appraising Principal Human Resource Management and Development Officer, Administration Officer and other Officers under his/her charge.

POSITION 4: CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

Grade: OMB4

Reporting to: Executive Secretary (Grade OMB 2)

Duty Station: Headquarters-Lilongwe

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with at least six (6) years' post qualification work experience, of which at least four (4) years' should be at supervisory level in accounting or finance.
• A member of Institute of Charted Accountants of Malawi.
• Accredited Masters' Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management or Business Administration will be added advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in public accounting will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage time and prioritization.
• Ability to work as a Team and ability to lead a team.
• Accounting skills.
• Excellent Information, Communication, and Technology skills across a wide range of packages like Microsoft Packages and Finance Management packages.
• Ability to motivate and lead staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Overseeing operations of Finance division to ensure it is effectiveness and efficiency in making payments to suppliers of goods, services and statutory payments while ensuring that expenditure returns are produced on time.
• Initiating review and maintenance of sound management systems, including ensuring adherence to established rules, policies, and regulations on finance matters.
• Assisting in monitoring and controlling expenditure to ensure that appropriate action is taken by management to curtail any foreseeable negative impact on the Office's operations.
• Implementing a system of stores, accounting and financial controls that comply with Stores and Disposal of Assets Act and Public Finance management policies and standards and financial regulations.
• Processing payments according to the established approval procedure, ensuring that payment requisitions are properly supported and authorized, and that statutory and all other payment as required are made on a timely basis.
• Ensuring that relevant and right taxes are deducted and remitted to the revenue authorities within the set timeframes.
• Ensuring that effective internal financial controls are implemented in liaison with all stakeholders.
• Ensuring that all payments to goods and services providers are duly sanctioned by an IPDC and have supporting documents.
• Monitoring Office of the Ombudsman's daily bank balances.
• In collaboration with the Executive Secretary ensuring that suppliers are paid timely.
• Preparing annual budgets and work plans for the division.
• Maintaining books of accounts effectively to fulfil the requirements for management decision making, reporting and external audit.
• Processing payments according to the established approval procedure, ensuring that payment requisitions are properly supported and authorised, and ensures that statutory and all other payments as required on a timely basis.
• Providing information and assistance to internal or external Auditors in times of audit activities.
• Review monthly expenditure, quarterly and annual financial statements, and division reports.
• Supervising and appraising Principal Accountants, Projects Finance Coordinators and other staff under his/her charge.

POSITION 5: CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

Grade: OMB4

Reporting to: Deputy Director of Legal and Advisory Services (Grade OMB3)

Duty Station: Headquarters-Lilongwe

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Law with at least six (6) years' post qualification work experience, of which at least four (4) years' should be at supervisory level.
• Admission to the Malawi Bar.
• Accredited Masters' Degree in Laws, Human Rights, rule of law and Governance will be added advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in accountability and oversight functions will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Be result-oriented, innovative and a self-starter.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to deal with diverse work force.
• Have adequate knowledge in Computer using Microsoft Office such as word, excel, access and other related packages.
• Demonstrate excellent negotiating and analytical skills.
• High level of integrity, sense of maturity and ability to meet deadlines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drafting of legal opinions, determination and other legal documents.
• Participating in public inquiries and other related investigations processes.
• Preparing legal, litigation and court documents.
• Following-up on determinations compliance.
• Providing technical legal advice to the Ombudsman.
• Representing the Ombudsman during court hearings.
• Conducting legal research to provide timely and accurate legal information.
• Participating in preparing budgets estimates and production of work plans for the Department.
• Participating in producing monthly quarterly and annual reports on the activities of the Department.
• Supervising and Appraising Principal Legal Officers and any other officers under his/her charge.

POSITION 6: PRINCIPAL LEGAL OFFICER

Grade: OMB5

Reporting to: Chief Legal Officer

Duty Station: Blantyre

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Law.
• At least four (4) years' post-qualification experience.
• Admission to the Malawi Bar.
• Accredited Master's Degree in Law will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Have proven track records in law and management.
• Be able to lead and motivate teams in law.
• Have good leadership and negotiation skills.
• Be result-oriented, innovative and a self-starter.
• Be persuasive with good interpersonal skills.
• Have adequate knowledge in Computer using Microsoft Office such as word, excel, access and other related packages.
• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drafting of legal opinions, determinations and other legal documents.
• Representing the Ombudsman in litigation and all related court processes.
• Assist in the coordination and conducting of Inquiries.
• Providing legal support during implementation activities and events organized by the office.
• Follow-up on non-complied determinations by the Ombudsman.
• Coordinating implementation of legal activities at the region level.
• Compiling quarterly and annual reports for the section at region level.
• Providing legal advice to the Ombudsman.
• Appraising and supervising Senior Legal Officer (s) and other officers working under the post of Principal Legal Officer.

POSITION 7: PRINCIPAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

Grade: OMB5

Reporting to: The Ombudsman

Duty Station: Headquarters-Lilongwe

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Humanities, Media and Development, and Media and Culture with at least four (4) years' post-qualification experience in a related field.
• Demonstrable knowledge of communication and PR trends.
• Demonstrable skills in online media content management.
• Demonstrable skills in developing and implementing communications, PR, Media relations and community stakeholder relations strategies.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the Malawi media and PR landscape.
• Knowledge and experience in accountability and oversight functions will be an added advantage.
• Accredited Master's Degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Humanities, Media and Development, and Media and Culture will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Team Player.
• Public presentation and interaction (effective communication).
• Technical writing.
• Excellent market and customer care skills.
• Public Relations skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Confidentiality.
• Integrity.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategy for the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Serving as an official spokesperson for the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Serving as a link between the institution and the media to ensure that information about programs, plans, events and activities, are fully covered in requisite media houses.
• Pitching news with and responding to queries from various media houses.
• Developing and regularly reviewing public relations and communications.
• Preparing and Circulating relevant information through newsletters, circulars, and online platforms including social media and website.
• Disseminating on behalf of Ombudsman, official statements and information to stakeholders.
• Maintaining, Updating and Reviewing internal and external communication portals, such as website, newsletters and social media pages.
• Maintaining digital media archives including photos and videos.
• Monitoring trends in social media tools, applications, channels, designs and strategy to ensure that the Office is well informed.
• Advising management and staff on all matters relating to communication.
• Managing media events such as press conferences, outreach activities and media briefings.
• Liaising with relevant departments in the production of publicity materials such as brochures, in-house magazine and handouts.
• Editing, managing and delivering the quarterly bulletins and newsletters and related communications for the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Designing and organizing a variety of inter-personal public relations programmes or events including press conferences, exhibitions, open days and press tours.
• Coordinating drafting of annual report for the Office of the Ombudsman.

POSITION 8: PRINCIPAL DOCUMENTATION OFFICER

Grade: OMB5

Reporting to: Deputy Director of Information, Documentation and Civic Education Officer (OMB3)

Duty Station: Headquarters-Lilongwe

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Bachelor's Degree in library science, information management Computer Sciences or Information Technology with at least four (4) years' post qualification work experience.
• Accredited Master's Degree in library science, information management Computer Sciences or Information Technology will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Have adequate knowledge in documentation policies.
• Be able to lead teams.
• Be result-oriented.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Have adequate knowledge in Computer using Microsoft Office such as word, excel, access and other related packages.
• Be a self-starter.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitating development and review of policies, strategies, guidelines and best practices for proper storage, archiving and disposal of obsolete documents and knowledge management materials.
• Designing and implementing retrieval systems to meet user requirements.
• Facilitating documentation of knowledge to be used for further advocacy and learning purposes and put in place a standard filing system for easy and quick document assess and retrieval.
• Ensuring that the Ombudsman's determinations are well catalogued and bound.
• Scheduling the documentation of materials consistent with established international, national best practices and relevant policy.
• Facilitating the development and maintenance of an efficient record-keeping systems that enable fast and easy access to needed information.
• Implementing data privacy laws.
• Training end user in record management software.
• Providing technical documentation support to other Department/Divisions or Units.
• Supervising and appraising Documentation Officer and other officers under his/her charge.

POSITION 9: SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER

Grade: OMB6

Reporting to: Principal Legal Officer (OMB5)

Duty Station: Blantyre and Zomba/Balaka

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Law.
• Admission to the Malawi Bar.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Have proven track records in law and management.
• Be able to lead and motivate teams in law.
• Have good leadership and negotiation skills.
• Be result-oriented, innovative and a self-starter.
• Be persuasive with good interpersonal skills.
• Have adequate knowledge in Computer using Microsoft Office such as word, excel, access and other related packages.
• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drafting of legal opinions and other legal documents.
• Providing legal support during implementation activities and events organized by the office.
• Follow-up on non-complied determinations by the Ombudsman.
• Drafting quarterly and annual reports on the activities of the Department.
• Any other responsibility assigned.

POSITION 10: INFORMATION COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Grade: OMB7

Responsible to: Deputy Director of Information, Documentation and Civic Education

Duty Station: Headquarters-Lilongwe

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor of Computer Sciences, Information Technology, Communication Technology with at least two (2) years' practical and post-qualification experience in IT.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Have good leadership and team building skills.
• Be result-oriented, innovative and a self-starter.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to deal with diverse work force.
• Have adequate knowledge in Computer using Microsoft Office such as word, excel, access and other related packages.
• Results focus.
• Strategic thinking.
• Driving and managing change.
• Demonstrate excellent negotiating and analytical skills.
• High level of integrity, sense of maturity and ability to meet deadlines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyzing, designing, implementing, maintaining and monitoring technological solutions according to the requirements of Government.
• Facilitating acquisition of IT equipment and ensuring that staff have functional and well maintained computers acquired as per specifications and that staff adhere to IT policies and procedures including maintaining an up to date inventory to facilitate IT charges.
• Monitoring information technology and information systems and developing recommendations to management to support the overall IT and documentation strategy.
• Monitoring and maintaining computer systems, database and networks in the Office of the Ombudsman to ensure minimal down times.
• Troubleshooting system and network problems and diagnosing and solving hardware or software faults.
• Installing systems and applications and in providing technical user support services to members of staff.
• Providing technical IT support in video conferencing as per user requirements, following established and standard procedures.
• Monitoring traffic and information flow on systems to ensure systems run effectively.
• Maintaining security of data, LAN and WLAN as well as all computer hardware and software systems.
• Monitoring compliance with the ICT Network policy and procedures manuals and software licensing.
• Supervising and appraising Assistant Information, Communication and Technology Officer and other officers under his/her charge.

POSITION 11: INVESTIGATIONS AND RESEARCH OFFICER

Grade: OMB7

Responsible to: Principal Investigations and Research Officer

Duty Station: Lilongwe/Blantyre/Zomba/Balaka/Mzuzu

JOB TYPE: Full Time

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Social Science, Political Science, Public Policy or Human Rights and Governance.
• At least two (2) years' post-qualification work experience in a related field.
• OR Serving officers with an accredited Bachelor's Degree in any relevant field with at least four (4) years' work experience.

Required Competencies and Attributes:

• Be of high integrity.
• Working experience in accountability and oversight functions.
• Team builder and ability to work without supervision.
• Good track record of interpersonal skills.
• Sufficient knowledge in Human rights and Governance.
• Have excellent negotiation and analytical skills.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Computer knowledge in Microsoft Office (word, excel, access) and other computer packages.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigating complaints of alleged maladministration.
• Following-up on compliance of Ombudsman's Determinations and recommending appropriate action.
• Participating in systemic investigations.
• Conducting research in areas identified in the course of investigations or reported maladministration.
• Coordinating safe custody of all investigative records and evidence.
• Analyzing statistics from the case load management system and submitting reports to the Principal Investigations Officer.
• Compiling, producing and submitting investigations and research reports.
• Drafting activity, quarterly and annual department/section reports.
• Supervising the work of the registry on cases received, referred, investigated and resolved.
• Supervising and appraising Assistant Investigations and Research Officer and other officers under his/her charge.

HOW TO APPLY (FOR ALL POSITIONS)

Interested candidates should submit applications attaching a Curriculum Vitae, including three traceable referees and copies of certificates, to reach the undersigned not later than 21st September 2026.

The Ombudsman

Office of the Ombudsman

St. Martin's House

City Centre

Private Bag 348

LILONGWE 3

The applications should be emailed to: vacancy@ombudsmanmalawi.org

PLEASE INDICATE ON THE ENVELOPE THE POSITION BEING APPLIED FOR.

THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR THE POSITIONS MUST RE-APPLY.

ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.

"THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"