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Job vacancies in Malawi

Blantyre, Malawi

posted. 4d ago

mode: Full-time

close date: March 01, 2026

Vacancy at Leadership and Socio-Economic Development Study (Malawi)

Position: Research Assistant

Project Overview

This study examines how leadership styles within Religious Institutions (RIs) in Malawi influence their capacity to contribute to the country's socio‑economic development. Since independence, Ris have played a major role in providing education, health services and social support. However, there is limited empirical evidence on how internal leadership practices shape the effectiveness of these contributions.

The study explores the leadership styles currently employed within RIs and assesses how these approaches affect institutional governance, decision‑making, community engagement, and development outcomes. Guided by leadership and development theory, particularly Transformational Leadership Theory, the research conceptualises RIs as both spiritual organisations and key socio‑economic actors.

Using a mixed‑methods approach, the project investigates the historical and current roles of RIs in Malawi's development, the leadership styles they employ, and the organisational factors that enable or constrain effective leadership. Findings will inform leadership training, policy engagement, and stronger collaboration between RIs and government to enhance socio‑economic impact.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Data Collection

Support the translation and contextualisation of research tools into Malawi's local languages.
Assist with and lead quantitative and qualitative data collection, including key informant interviews and in‑depth interviews.

Data Management and Analysis

Manage and organise quantitative and qualitative datasets, including data cleaning and documentation.
Support preliminary quantitative analysis (e.g., descriptive statistics, reliability analysis) using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or Stata).
Assist with qualitative data management and analysis (e.g., transcription coordination, coding, thematic analysis).
Maintain clear and accurate records to support transparency and reproducibility.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
Experience supporting research projects.
Familiarity with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks to deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Chichewa.
Working knowledge of statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata).
Experience with qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo).

Desirable Criteria

Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Reporting and Supervision

The Research Assistant will report to the Principal Investigator, and work closely with other members of the research and development team.

Location

This is an in‑person role. The Research Assistant will be expected to:

Be based primarily in Blantyre for desk‑based research, data management, and analysis.
Undertake fieldwork across various districts in Malawi.
Demonstrate flexibility in working arrangements to accommodate fieldwork schedules.

How to Apply

Candidates should complete the online application form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. The deadline for applications is 5:00 pm CAT on 01 March 2026.

Apply now: copy the link https://link.unicaf.org/jpcw

Or https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVaMJ0GubXfxn6UlEGvamS8IBRr8RaC6T7JeGoUirIU7h6kA/viewform

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.