Social Policy Specialist (Fixed‑Term)

About the role

The Social Policy Specialist will provide technical guidance, operational support and coordination to strengthen the Government of Malawi’s planning, financing, budgeting and expenditure management. The role focuses on improving accountability of public financial resources to achieve better outcomes for children and vulnerable populations.

Key responsibilities

• Strengthen public financial management, budget analysis and social sector financing at national and sub‑national levels.
• Enhance transparency, accountability and oversight of public finances, including decentralisation processes.
• Produce evidence‑based analysis on social sector financing, child‑focused service coverage and impact.
• Lead coordination with government counterparts, development partners and contractors to meet programme outcomes.
• Drive advocacy, analysis and coordination on child poverty and equitable public investments.

Required profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science or a related field.
• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience in upstream public financial management and budget analysis.
• Experience working in complex, risk‑prone environments.
• Strong analytical and communication abilities.

Required skills

• Public Financial Management
• Budget analysis
• Social sector financing
• Data analysis for child‑focused services
• Stakeholder coordination
• Knowledge of decentralisation processes