Senior Development Advisor (SC10, Lilongwe)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: 

Malawi is a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa, ranking 172nd out of 193 countries on the 2025 Human Development Index. With most livelihoods dependent on agriculture, Malawians are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate-related shocks and stresses. Most rural families experience poverty, with those headed by women suffering the most. Climate-induced shocks, the lingering effects of COVID-19, the impact of the conflict in Ukraine and Iran, rapidly rising inflation and an overall difficult economic landscape threaten food and nutrition security for the foreseeable future. Food and fuel prices have been on the rise, reaching record highs for the post-harvest period and eroding the limited purchasing power of Malawi’s poor and ultra-poor households, who already survive on less than US$165 per person, per year.  

The World Food Programme (WFP) Malawi is undergoing a strategic repositioning aimed at strengthening its alignment with national priorities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and supporting the Government of Malawi in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, with a particular emphasis on reaching Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and aligning with Government strategies, particularly its Vision 2063. achieving sustainable development goals. 

To advance this agenda, WFP Malawi seeks to recruit a Senior Development Adviser who will provide strategic, analytical and coordination support to the Office of the Country Director. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

The position reports directly to the Country Director (CD) and will be responsible for the following: 

Strategic Analysis, Policy Engagement and Government Relations 

• Monitor and analyze political, social, economic, and humanitarian developments with potential implications for WFP operations, providing concise briefs and recommendations to the Country Director. 

• Conduct policy research and analysis to broadly guide WFP Malawi’s decision-making and strategic planning. 

• Drive engagement with senior government officials, development partners and regional organizations and assist the Country Director in strategic policy dialogues.  

• Ensure all WFP interventions are well aligned with Malawi’s national priorities and policy frameworks through consistent follow-up.  

• Monitor national policy developments and advise the Country Director on implications for WFP programs and positioning. 

• Gather socio-political insights to support WFP’s effective positioning vis-à-vis national governments, regional and international institutions with the aim to influence the policy agenda. 

Inter-Agency Coordination and Representation 

• Represent WFP in inter-agency working groups, task forces, and policy-level discussions, ensuring coordinated engagement and follow-through. 

• Coordinate and manage inter-agency issues, circulate information to relevant units, and ensure consistent participation. 

Partnerships, External Relations, and Resource Mobilization 

• Support WFP Malawi partnerships team with identification, preparation, and submission of new funding opportunities in close coordination with the Government of Malawi.  

• Strengthen WFP’s relationship with key donors and financial institutions, including the World Bank, Global Fund, African Development Bank, and others, by facilitating regular communication and joint engagement with government stakeholders.  

• Contribute to building trust and collaboration between WFP, the Government of Malawi, and development partners to enhance long-term financing for resilience and food security initiatives. 

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE: 

Education: Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Studies, International Relations, Law, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses 

Experience:  

• At least 10 or more years of relevant professional work experience in policy analysis, strategy development, inter-agency coordination, partnership building, or related fields. 

• Experience as a senior government official (e.g., former Minister, Principal Secretary, or equivalent) is highly desirable. 

Knowledge & Skills 

• Strong analytical and political economy analysis skills.  

• Good understanding of government and corporate strategies.  

• Solid grasp of Malawi’s political and development landscape including key national institutions, policy processes, and strategic frameworks.  

• Experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships.  

• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation abilities.  

• Ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP processes and systems.  

• High level of discretion and diplomacy.  

• Good interpersonal and diplomatic skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.  

• Experience working with UN agencies, government institutions, and/or international organizations. 

Languages 

• Fluency in (level C) in English language and Chichewa. 

​Contract Duration: 6 months (with possible extension)