TECHNICAL ADVISOR - PROJECT SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME & STEP UP

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT@ GIZ

POSITION: TECHNICAL ADVISOR - PROJECT SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME & STEP UP

Location: Lilongwe

Send your application via this link: Link

Duty Station Lilongwe (with extensive travel to project districts) Reporting Team Leader Application Deadline 19 April 2026

As a federal enterprise, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objective in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ operates in more than 130 countries around the globe. In Malawi, GIZ has been working for more than 50 years. Malawi is a priority for German international cooperation and currently focuses on health and social protection, private sector development, good governance, and food security and nutrition.

Background

German Development Cooperation through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is committed to support the Government of Malawi through focusing on nutrition actions for the poor population in Malawi. With the adoption of the new National Social Protection Policy in 2025, Malawi is emphasizing on nutrition as a key area of social protection.

In Malawi, this approach will be implemented through a new global programme on Modular Nutrition Actions Programme (MoNA). In Malawi this programmes action will be anchored in the existing Social Protection Programme (SPP) and work closely with the programme on Sustainable Transformation of Food Empowering Pathways Bottom Up (STEP UP!).

A balanced, adequate, and diverse diet throughout the lifecycle is essential for a healthy start in life and to prevent diseases. This is particularly important for women as inadequate nutrition not only impacts their own health but also the health of their children. Ensuring regular access to diverse, affordable foods through sufficient local availability as well as basic knowledge to enhance desirability of healthy diets is a prerequisite for adequate nutrition. As nutrition needs to be addressed through coordinated action across sectors, it is of multisectoral concern. Well-functioning health systems, supportive social systems and a healthy food environment will contribute to improved health and nutrition outcomes.

Hence, the goal of this engagement is to improve especially the nutritional situation of women of reproductive age. This should be achieved through the integration of nutrition-sensitive social protection at district and community level as well as through policy advise and cooperation at central level.

Responsibilities

The advisor will be responsible followings:

Work in a small team with shared personal between the MoNa project, SPP as well as STEP UP! Support the team leader (based in Malawi) in general project management. Support the global steering unit (based in headquarters in Germany) in the monitoring and communication of MoNa results. Support the integration of nutrition actions across social protection measures ensuring alignment with national nutrition priorities, the MoNA results framework, and relevant bilateral programmes. Support the overall action of the project in alignment with the GIZ implemented Social Protection Programme (SPP), STEP UP! and other relevant technical cooperation interventions. Support the development of joint intervention strategies, particularly in the context of healthy diets, gender-transformative approaches and nutrition sensitive social protection governance mechanisms. Organize the roll-out, the design, coordination, and implementation of nutrition-relevant activities targeting women of reproductive age within selected districts. Provide linkage amongst key national level stakeholders and ensure close cooperation with the partners at district as well as at national level. Management of grant agreement(s). Tasks

The advisor will be responsible for the following specific tasks:

Support the planning of MoNA activities in line with the national social protection policy and strategy and based on existing learnings and experience in the country. Contribute to integrate nutrition awareness raising, behaviour change, and systems strengthening activities in the context of social protection measures by utilizing existing experience that improve diet quality and nutrition outcomes at household and community levels. Support the development of interventions that strengthen the target group towards enhanced women’s agency and decision making around nutrition, food choices, and household resource use, in collaboration with communities and district support structures. Engage in networking and cooperation with relevant partners, actors, institutions, and organization of the nutrition landscape in Malawi especially at national level (attending technical working groups etc.). Support a smooth flow of information between the different partners of the project (Government of Malawi as well as and other involved stakeholders). Collaborate with other Technical Advisors within GIZ to ensure smooth information flow, facilitate the successful translation of national-level activities to district-level implementation, and contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity strengthening in the social protection sector. Support M&E with the development and implementation of tools for results-based monitoring of the programme progress and achievements based on the global M&E framework for MoNA. Other duties and tasks at the request of management. Required qualifications, competences and experience

Qualifications

Masters/ MSc degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Food Security, Nutrition Sensitive Social Protection or related fields Professional experience

Minimum of seven (7) years professional experience in nutrition, food security, public health, nutrition sensitive social protection or related fields, with demonstrated experience integrating nutrition objectives into social protection interventions. At least five (5) years of professional experience providing technical advisory support to government or institutional partners, preferably at federal or national level including engagement with policy processes, coordination mechanisms, and multi-stakeholder dialogue. Experience working at district level – preferably with District with District Councils is an add on. Minimum of three (3) years professional experience in project management, including results-based planning and monitoring, coordination with partners and service providers, and support to implementation and reporting. Proven professional expertise in gender transformative project design and implementation, particularly in integrating women’s empowerment and equity for the benefit of improving nutrition security for women. Demonstrated experience in technical coordination, sensitization, or behavior related interventions that support social protection and/or improved nutrition outcomes, food choices, or utilization of food systems services among women and households. Additional Competences

High level of enthusiasm, team spirit, reliability, and willingness to work in intercultural work environments. Strong ability to work independently, take initiative, and apply creative problem-solving, while also demonstrating effective teamwork and collaboration. Excellent communication, facilitation, and knowledge transfer skills in English and Chichewa; proficiency in German is not required but will be considered an added advantage. Solid proficiency GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. We embrace diversity and believe that inclusivity in the workplace is essential to our success, and we are committed to creating a work environment where all employees are valued and respected.

Send your application via this link: Link