This fully funded international volunteer opportunity provides qualified professionals with the chance to work directly with UN Women Malawi in supporting programmes focused on women’s empowerment, gender equality, donor coordination, programme reporting, and sustainable development implementation in Malawi.

The assignment is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, and is expected to begin in July 2026 for an initial duration of 12 months with the possibility of extension. Selected volunteers will receive a Volunteer Living Allowance, travel support, health insurance, relocation assistance, and access to professional development opportunities within the United Nations system. Applications close on 17 May 2026.

This opportunity is ideal for professionals seeking to build careers in:

• International development
• Gender equality programming
• UN system coordination
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Programme management
• Donor reporting
• Women’s empowerment initiatives
• Humanitarian and development cooperation

About UN Women

UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls worldwide. The organization was established to accelerate progress toward achieving equal rights, opportunities, and participation for women across all sectors of society.

The organization supports governments, civil society organizations, development partners, and UN agencies in creating laws, systems, policies, and programmes that ensure women and girls can fully participate in political, economic, and social life.

UN Women works globally to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The organization’s work is guided by several strategic priorities, including:

1. Women’s leadership and participation in governance systems
2. Women’s economic empowerment and decent work
3. Ending violence against women and girls
4. Peacebuilding, resilience, and humanitarian support
5. Coordination of gender equality efforts across the UN system

The Programme Support Officer in Malawi will contribute directly to these strategic objectives while supporting operational coordination and programme implementation activities.

About UN Women Malawi

The work of UN Women Malawi is guided by the organization’s Strategic Note 2024–2028, which aligns with:

• The United Nations Sustainable Cooperation Framework for Malawi
• Malawi Vision 2063
• Malawi’s First 10-Year Implementation Plan
• The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The country office focuses on promoting gender-transformative development approaches and ensuring women and girls benefit from national development priorities.

UN Women Malawi currently works across five major thematic areas:

1. Women’s Leadership and Governance

Supporting women’s participation in politics, governance systems, public decision-making, and leadership structures.

2. Women’s Economic Empowerment

Promoting income security, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, decent work, and economic opportunities for women.

3. Ending Violence Against Women

Implementing programmes that prevent gender-based violence and support survivors.

4. Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction

Ensuring women and girls participate equally in resilience-building and humanitarian response initiatives.

5. Gender Coordination Across the UN System

Strengthening coordination mechanisms among UN agencies and development partners to advance gender equality in Malawi.

The Programme Support Officer will contribute to programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, donor reporting, coordination mechanisms, and communication processes related to these thematic priorities.

Overview of the Programme Support Officer Assignment

Assignment Title

Programme Support Officer

Host Organization

UN Women Malawi

Duty Station

Lilongwe, Malawi

Assignment Type

International UN Volunteer Assignment

Modality

Onsite

Work Schedule

Full-time

Contract Duration

12 months with possibility of extension

Expected Start Date

15 July 2026

Number of Positions

1

Volunteer Category

International Specialist UCoS

Main Responsibilities of the Programme Support Officer

The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Coordination Specialist and provide both technical and administrative support to programme implementation and coordination efforts.

The role involves several critical responsibilities that contribute to the effective delivery of UN Women programmes in Malawi.

1. Programme Coordination and Operational Support

The Programme Support Officer will support programme implementation and ensure activities align with UN Women operational procedures and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting programme teams with day-to-day coordination
• Supporting implementation planning
• Ensuring compliance with UN Women operational guidelines
• Facilitating communication among stakeholders
• Supporting programme delivery processes

The selected volunteer will help ensure that activities are implemented efficiently and effectively while maintaining alignment with UN Women’s mission and standards.

2. Donor Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

One of the major aspects of the role involves supporting coordination mechanisms among donors, UN agencies, and programme stakeholders.

The volunteer will:

• Facilitate communication between development partners
• Support the Gender Theme Group coordination team
• Assist the United Nations Gender Theme Group
• Strengthen collaboration among stakeholders
• Support multi-partner engagement processes

This responsibility is particularly important because donor coordination and stakeholder engagement are essential to sustaining programme implementation and ensuring effective development cooperation.

3. Donor Reporting and Programme Documentation

The role requires extensive involvement in donor reporting and programme documentation processes.

The selected candidate will:

• Compile programme reports
• Analyze programme results
• Present financial updates
• Prepare impact narratives
• Ensure donor compliance standards are met
• Support accountability and transparency processes

The Programme Support Officer will also help document programme achievements, lessons learned, and progress toward gender equality goals.

This aspect of the assignment provides excellent exposure to international donor-funded programme management and reporting systems.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation Support

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a key component of development programming.

The volunteer will support:

• Evidence-based reporting
• Programme monitoring systems
• Data collection and analysis
• Accountability processes
• Evaluation coordination

The role emphasizes the importance of data-driven programme implementation and results-based management.

5. Communication and Visibility Support

The Programme Support Officer will also assist in communication and outreach activities designed to increase visibility of programme results and ensure consistent messaging across stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing communication briefs
• Preparing presentations
• Supporting programme updates
• Drafting visibility materials
• Assisting in dissemination of outcomes

The selected candidate will help strengthen communication around UN Women Malawi’s achievements and programme impact.

6. Meeting and Workshop Coordination

The assignment also involves supporting the organization of meetings, workshops, and consultations.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating logistics
• Preparing documentation
• Following up on action points
• Supporting workshop implementation
• Facilitating dissemination of outcomes

This provides valuable experience in international meeting coordination and programme administration.

Benefits of the UN Women Malawi Programme Support Officer Opportunity

This assignment offers substantial financial, professional, and relocation support through the United Nations Volunteers programme.

Financial Benefits

Selected volunteers receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which includes:

• Monthly Living Allowance (MLA)
• Family Allowance for eligible dependents

The allowance is intended to cover:

• Housing
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Communications
• Basic living expenses

Travel and Relocation Benefits

UNV provides several travel-related benefits, including:

• Assignment travel support
• Relocation assistance
• Repatriation travel support
• Periodic home visit flights (where applicable)

Additionally:

• Temporary accommodation is arranged upon arrival
• Assistance is provided for securing long-term housing

Health and Insurance Coverage

Selected volunteers receive:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Permanent disability insurance
• Security-related support

UN Volunteers are also integrated into the UN security framework.

Additional Benefits

Participants may also receive:

• Annual leave
• Daily Subsistence Allowance during official travel
• Re-settlement allowance after successful completion
• Professional networking opportunities
• UN system exposure
• International career development experience

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet educational, professional, language, and nationality requirements.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must possess either:

Option 1

A Master’s degree with at least three years of relevant experience

OR

Option 2

A Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of relevant experience

Relevant academic fields include:

• Gender Studies
• International Relations
• Development Studies
• Public Administration
• Social Sciences
• Related disciplines

Professional Experience Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate professional experience in:

• Programme coordination
• Development cooperation
• Donor reporting
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Stakeholder engagement
• Multi-partner coordination
• Programme administration
• Communication and reporting

Experience within:

• International organizations
• The UN system
• NGOs
• Development agencies

is considered highly advantageous.

Experience related to gender equality or women’s empowerment is strongly preferred.

Required Skills and Competencies

The assignment requires strong technical and interpersonal competencies, including:

• Communication skills
• Organizational skills
• Planning and coordination
• Professionalism
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Integrity
• Respect for diversity
• Teamwork
• Knowledge sharing
• Technological awareness

The selected candidate should also demonstrate:

• Attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical skills
• Drafting and reporting abilities

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Fluent English proficiency

This is a mandatory requirement.

Special Nationality and Age Requirements

This assignment is funded by the Government of Luxembourg, meaning special eligibility criteria apply.

Applicants must:

• Be Luxembourg nationals, OR
• Have lived in Luxembourg for at least five years

Non-Luxembourg nationals must upload:

• Proof of residency
• Residence certificate

Additionally:

• Applicants for Specialist assignments must not exceed 35 years of age at the time of application

Living Conditions in Malawi

The assignment is based in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city.

According to the official assignment description:

• Malawi is politically stable and democratic
• Major cities have modest but functional infrastructure
• Public and private healthcare services are available
• International schools exist in major cities
• Housing is available in secure neighborhoods

Housing costs typically begin around USD 500 per month depending on location and type of accommodation.

Malaria is prevalent throughout the country, and volunteers are encouraged to take appropriate health precautions.

UN Women and UNV support selected volunteers with:

• Visa processing
• Work permits
• Temporary accommodation
• Security guidance

Important Application Dates

Application Deadline

17 May 2026

Interview Period

June 2026

Expected Assignment Start Date

15 July 2026

Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to prepare:

1. Updated CV or résumé
2. Academic certificates
3. Passport copy
4. Residency certificate (if applicable)
5. Supporting professional documents

Candidates may apply for up to three assignments under the same advertisement.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews conducted by UN Host Entities.

Click HERE to submit an application.

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity is ideal for professionals who want to:

• Build a career within the United Nations system
• Gain international development experience
• Work on gender equality initiatives
• Develop expertise in donor coordination
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation skills
• Expand global professional networks
• Contribute to meaningful social impact

The assignment combines operational coordination, development programming, donor engagement, and international exposure, making it an excellent opportunity for emerging professionals in the development sector.

Opportunity Category

• Fellowship
• International Volunteer Opportunity
• Development Job

Eligible Applicants Category

Eligible Applicants

• Young professionals
• International development practitioners
• Gender specialists
• Programme officers
• Researchers
• Policy and development professionals

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• Relevant programme coordination or development experience
• English fluency
• Luxembourg nationality or residency eligibility

Eligible Regions

• Luxembourg nationals
• Residents of Luxembourg with at least five years residency
• Assignment location: Malawi, Africa

Click HERE to learn more about the UN Women Malawi Programme Support Officer 2026.

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