University Chaplain

About the role

The University of Malawi is recruiting a University Chaplain to provide spiritual leadership, pastoral care, counselling and guidance to students, academic staff, administrative personnel and the wider university community. The successful candidate will promote spiritual growth, ethical leadership, compassion, unity and peaceful coexistence in a diverse academic environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide spiritual leadership, pastoral care and counselling to students and staff
• Organise and run worship services, prayer meetings, Bible studies and other spiritual activities
• Offer emotional and spiritual support during grief, illness, stress and personal challenges
• Promote moral values, ethical conduct, discipline, peace, reconciliation and responsible citizenship
• Coordinate chaplaincy programmes, religious activities, retreats, seminars and spiritual conferences
• Support students' spiritual, emotional, social and moral wellbeing
• Work with student organisations, university management, staff associations and religious groups
• Promote interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance and respect for different beliefs
• Visit sick, bereaved or struggling students and staff
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in pastoral counselling
• Prepare work plans, activity reports and budgets, and carry out other duties assigned by management

Required profile

• Recognised degree in Theology, Divinity, Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry or a related field
• Ordination, commissioning or formal recognition by a recognised religious denomination, where applicable
• Experience in pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, counselling or religious leadership
• Demonstrated ability to provide pastoral care to people from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership and organisational skills
• Integrity, confidentiality, professionalism and high personal standards
• Ability to work with students, staff, management and external religious organisations
• Compassionate, approachable, prayerful, trustworthy, emotionally mature and culturally sensitive

Required skills

• Basic computer skills and ability to prepare reports and manage programmes
• Additional training in counselling, psychology, youth ministry or student welfare is an added advantage

To apply, submit a detailed CV, application letter, copies of academic and professional certificates, contact details of three referees and evidence of ordination or denominational endorsement, by 13 November 2026 to the Registrar, University of Malawi, Zomba, or by e-mail.