HEAD OF PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT

MARY'S MEALS

POSITION: HEAD OF PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT

Location: Blantyre

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JOB DESCRIPTION Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We continue to change the lives of 3 million children who today will receive a Mary’s Meals. Mary’s Meals Malawi is our largest school feeding programme, and we work closely with schools and community volunteers who help prepare and serve the nutritious meals every school day.

Mary’s Meals Malawi is looking to recruit energetic and motivated individuals for the position of:

Head of Programme Development: 2 Year FTC Based in Blantyre

Job purpose

Reporting to the Country Director, the Head of Programme Development will provide strategic leadership for the country’s programme development portfolio. The role will ensure that the programme pipeline, design and learning agenda are forward‑looking, evidence‑driven and aligned with both national priorities and the organisation’s global strategy.

This position will lead innovation, design of new programme initiatives, institutional donor, government and stakeholder engagement, research, impact assessment and learning while ensuring cross‑sector collaboration. The role will also steward responsible programme transitions ensuring that handovers to government or partners are deliberate, evidence‑based and geared toward long‑term national ownership.

The role is accountable for building a high‑performing programme development team, strengthening partnerships and positioning the organisation as a thought leader in school feeding.

Qualifications, skills and experience

Master’s degree in international development, Public Policy, Education, Nutrition, Social Sciences, or a related field. Training in monitoring and evaluation or project management is an added advantage 5+ years of experience in programme development, research, or strategy preferably in education, nutrition, or social protection sectors. Proven leadership in designing large‑scale, multi‑year programmes funded by institutional donors (e.g., FCDO, USAID, EU, UN, foundations). Demonstrated experience working with government at senior levels, including policy engagement and systems strengthening. Experience managing teams and building organisational capability. Track record of developing and leading successful proposal and resource mobilisation processes. Experience leading programme transitions or sustainability processes is highly desirable. Strong interpersonal skills, forward‑thinking, collaborative and adaptable. Ability to drive 4X4 manual vehicle with a valid motor vehicle driving licence Mary’s Meals is a value driven organisation, we believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Our selection process therefore includes rigorous background checks to ensure our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

If you would like to join our global family and would relish the chance to make a difference to the lives of thousands of children across the world, we’d love to hear from you.

If this role sounds like a good fit, please apply via our Workable application link:

Link

Hard copy applications will NOT be accepted. Deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday 22nd April 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

For full job descriptions please visit www.marysmeals.org