Organisation: SOS Children’s Villages Malawi

Position: Programme Director

Location: Ngabu, Chikwawa District

Employment Type: Full-Time Fixed Contract

Contract Duration: Two (2) Years (Renewable subject to funding availability and performance)

Reports To: Head of Programmes

Application Deadline: 30th July 2026

OVERVIEW

SOS Children’s Villages Malawi is a non-governmental child protection and development organisation established in Malawi in 1991. The organisation works to ensure that every child grows up with love, respect, security, and family care.

SOS Children’s Villages Malawi is seeking a qualified and experienced Programme Director to lead the overall development and implementation of the SOS Children’s Villages Programme (CVP) in Ngabu, Chikwawa District.

The Programme Director will provide strategic leadership in programme management, child protection, partnership development, financial management, quality assurance, and staff supervision while ensuring alignment with SOS policies, strategies, and standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Development, Management and Implementation

• Lead the development and implementation of programmes and projects in line with SOS policies, strategies, quality standards, and guidelines.

• Coordinate the programme management cycle, including annual and strategic planning.

• Ensure interventions respond to local needs and contribute to sustainable social support systems.

• Coordinate cooperation between specialised and support programme areas.

• Ensure efficient use and sharing of programme resources.

• Monitor and report programme progress and achievements to relevant National Office functions.

Human Resource Management and Organisational Development

• Establish appropriate staffing structures and ensure adequate staffing levels.

• Lead and supervise programme staff and support effective teamwork.

• Ensure effective implementation of HR processes in line with organisational policies and labour laws.

• Establish and lead an effective programme management team.

• Promote cooperation and information sharing between programme staff and National Office teams.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Ensure effective financial and administrative systems are implemented.

• Lead the programme budgeting process.

• Monitor budget expenditure and ensure proper use of funds.

• Promote cost-effective delivery of quality services.

• Ensure proper safeguarding and maintenance of organisational assets.

• Ensure compliance with financial and procurement policies and procedures.

Quality Management, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Provide overall leadership in quality management of the programme.

• Ensure implementation of national and international quality standards.

• Ensure compliance with Child Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policies.

• Monitor implementation of audit and evaluation recommendations.

• Ensure high-quality project reporting and documentation.

Partnership Building, Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Negotiate agreements and partnerships with government authorities and other organisations.

• Lead networking and collaboration with local and national stakeholders.

• Represent SOS Children’s Villages Malawi in relevant forums, platforms, and working groups.

• Advocate for child rights and improved services for vulnerable children.

Fund Development and Public Relations

• Promote the organisation and identify potential funding opportunities.

• Support resource mobilisation initiatives with the National Office.

• Strengthen partnerships with government, corporate organisations, and donors.

• Support proposal development for funding opportunities.

Child Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in implementing child safeguarding policies and procedures.

• Conduct safeguarding risk assessments and ensure mitigation measures are implemented.

• Support staff development and accountability in child safeguarding.

• Ensure partners, contractors, consultants, and service providers comply with child protection policies.

• Promote a culture of collective responsibility for child safeguarding.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants should possess:

• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Project Management, or a related field.

• At least five (5) years’ experience in a senior management position.

• Proven experience working with vulnerable children and communities.

• Strong understanding of child rights and safeguarding issues.

• Excellent programme planning, coordination, and reporting skills.

• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and project financial reporting.

• Ability to work independently and under pressure with minimum supervision.

• High level of integrity and professionalism.

• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strong people management and leadership abilities.

• Ability to adapt to changing situations and meet deadline

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the organisation’s recruitment portal.

To apply for this job, please visit:

https://careers-sos-kd.icims.com

Applicants should include:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Full contact details, including telephone numbers.

• Three traceable referees.

Applications should be submitted before 30th July 2026.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may close earlier if enough suitable applications are received.

SOS Children’s Villages Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

The organisation does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.