WORLD RELIEF

Position: Partnership Advisor (Seconded to the Ministry of Health)

Location: Lilongwe

Department: Department of Planning and Policy Control

Reports to: Director of Planning and Policy Control (with administrative accountability to Country Director-World Relief)

World Relief is an international Christian NGO working in health, economic development, disaster response, and refugee resettlement. World Relief’s mission is to boldly engage the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. World Relief invites applications from interested and qualified candidates to fill the following vacant position:

PARTNERSHIP ADVISOR-POLICY

Background and Context

Faith and Community Initiative (FCI) is a multi-country, integrated global health effort to strengthen and transition HIV/AIDS, maternal newborn and child health (MNCH), TB, and other essential health services to sustainable local leadership. World Relief in partnership Ministry of Health and Christian Health Association (CHAM) is implementing FCI aiming at improving health outcomes for communities, strengthen and better coordinate health services.

The project aims to work with the Malawi government to support integrated health services in standard primary care by supporting facilities with front line workers. The goal is to ensure that project interventions, particularly those related to Human Resources for Health (HRH), and health data are fully integrated into the government’s systems.

To achieve this, World Relief is seeking a highly qualified Partnership Advisor to be seconded to the Ministry of Health. This individual will act as a bridge between the project and the government, ensuring that the transition is government-led, sustainable, and effectively managed.

Purpose of the Role

The Partnership Advisor will serve as the primary advocate and technical advisor within the Ministry of Health, Planning and Policy Control Department for the project’s transition and sustainability agenda.

The role requires a strategic thinker who can navigate government systems, influence policy, and facilitate negotiations regarding the absorption of project staff and functions into the public sector.

The Advisor will ensure that the project’s exit strategy is aligned with national health priorities and that faith-based leadership remains an integral part of the governance structure.

Key Responsibilities

A. Advisory on Transition and Sustainability Planning

1. Work closely with MOH departments (Human Resources, Policy, Planning), Department of Human Resources and Development to identify gaps and develop strategies for the gradual absorption of project interventions.
2. Provide technical advice to FCI implementing partner in the implementation of the project’s
3. Transition and Sustainability Plan.
4. Support the MOH in planning to absorb key implementation areas post project-transition.

B. Human Resources for Health (HRH) Transition MOU Development

1. Facilitate the drafting, negotiation, and finalization of a Commitment document/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the project and government ministries (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, DHRMD). Specifically, required for transitioning project-supported health workers onto the government payroll.
2. Facilitate dialogue between MOH Human Resources departments and project management regarding retention strategies for transitioning staff.
3. Ensure all HRH transition processes comply with national civil service regulations and labour laws.

C. Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

1. Advise the Project Team on strategies for meaningful stakeholder engagement to ensure smooth implementation and government ownership.
2. Act as a champion for the inclusion of Faith-Based Leadership in the FCI project’s governance and steering structures.
3. Advocate for the project’s priorities within the MOH, ensuring that resource mobilization and policy decisions reflect the needs of the transitioning program.
4. Manage relationships with key external partners, including donor agencies, civil society, and religious health networks.

D. Governance and Monitoring

1. Facilitate and provide secretariat support for the FCI Coordination Committee meetings, ensuring that project progress, risks, and transition milestones are reviewed regularly.
2. Prepare meeting agenda and schedules for the coordination committee. Prepare meeting notes and make follow-ups on action points.

Qualifications and Experience

1. A Degree in Health Policy, Economics, Business Administration or a related field.
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in governance, transition planning, stakeholder engagement or partnership management.
3. Proven experience working directly with or within a Ministry of Health or government agency.
4. Demonstrated experience in drafting policy related documents.
5. Experience in facilitating high-level governance meetings and steering committees.

Method of application

Interested candidates should submit their applications to Hrmalawi@wr.org on or before 1 November 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

World Relief is an equal Opportunity Employer. World Relief considers all applications based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, tribe, marital status or disability. Prospective candidates should be willing to adhere to WR’s Child Protection Principles, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy.