Anticipatory Action Programme Manager, Malawi Full Time

Danish Red Cross is looking for an Anticipatory Action Programme Manager to help manage our progamme, provide support to Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS), and support the development and growth of the portfolio in Malawi to ensure that vulnerable communities are protected and less affected by disasters and crisis.

Malawi is one of the world’s least developed and poorest countries. About 85% of the population live in the rural areas, and the majority of smallholders depend on rain fed agriculture. Vulnerability is thus widespread and not concentrated to any specific part of the country. Malawi is prone to recurrent flooding and droughts and, as a result of climate change, the frequency of these hazards is predicted to intensify, thus putting extra pressure on already vulnerable communities.

The Danish Red Cross is leading a consortium that supports Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) in the implementation of the ‘Community Resilience Programme’ which is implemented in the Southern Malawi. The programme has an integrated programming approach encompassing Health, WASH, Disaster Management, Youth Empowerment and National Society Development. We also support MRCS in Disaster Risk Reduction/Anticipatory Action and Emergency Response.

The Anticipatory Action Programme Manager is a team member of the International Department of Danish Red Cross (DRC). The overall purpose of this position is to support the Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) in management and successful implementation of the Anticipatory Action (AA) projects and related initiatives. As a core partner to MRCS, the Programme Manager will lead the further impact-based forecasting in Malawi by strengthening capacity within MRCS and engaging with relevant governmental and non-governmental institutions.

The Programme Manager reports to, and works in close coordination with, the Danish Red Cross Country Manager, also based in Lilongwe, who is responsible for the overall management of DRC’s programme portfolio in Malawi.

Main responsibilities of the Anticipatory Action Programme Manager include:

• Support the implementation of the AA project, including further establishing the use of electronic Contingency Plans (e-CPs).
• Support the development and operationalisation of the AA concept and approach within the MRCS Disaster Management (DM) unit.
• Support the integration and mainstreaming of intersectional approaches into AA in Malawi, including Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI).
• Support the implementation of the ECHO funded Anticipatory Action project in a consortium with WFP and FAO, with a specific focus on improved access to and use of data and information as well as anticipatory cash transfers.
• Support the establishment of AA mechanisms using impact-based forecasting models at national level by providing technical and programmatic assistance in the partnership between MRCS and all other relevant governmental and non-governmental institutions, and regional partners and networks.
• Support the process of expanding the scope of the AA approach and specifically Forecast-based Action in Malawi from floods to multi-hazards, in close collaboration with external technical experts.
• Support innovative financing initiatives in relation to AA in Malawi.
• Support improved use of data and information management in AA and Disaster Management at large in MRCS.
• Support emergency cash interventions as well as the identification of cash preparedness activities in coordination with DRC cash Delegates.

Experience and Qualifications

Required

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant field.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in project management cycle, reporting and financial management.
• Experience in project design and proposal writing.
• Proven technical experience and knowledge on Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Management.
• Experience in partnership building and inter-institutional coordination in the field of anticipatory action and/or disaster preparedness.
• Previous experience working in partnerships and implementing through a local partner.

Skills and knowledge:

• An excellent communicator with proven negotiation skills
• Ability to translate complex and technical concepts into clear, accessible guidance, strengthening the capacities of partners and stakeholders.
• Flexibility and a strong willingness to learn, with the ability to embrace and adopt innovative approaches.
• Pressure resistance, ability to work in complex environment
• Self-motivated, with good judgement and initiative skills
• Flexible, able to adapt to changing working conditions
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office package.
• Valid international driving license.

Languages:

• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Preferred

• Experience with innovative finance and/or humanitarian innovation is an asset.
• Previous working experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent is an advantage.
• Expertise and strong interest in Information Management and the use of data in humanitarian work.
• Experience developing and implementing EU/ECHO financed actions is an advantage.
• Knowledge about DRC strategies and partnership approach.
• Knowledge of international and regional agreements and strategies on climate-related disaster risk reduction.

You will become part of the World’s largest humanitarian organization

The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. We help people on both sides of a conflict regardless of their religion, race or political views.

International Department in the Danish Red Cross supports vulnerable people in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, in close cooperation with Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in more than 30 countries, and have an annual turnover of more than 750 million Danish kroner. We work specifically on building preparedness and response capacity. DRC works both with long term activities and short-term response particular within health, disaster preparedness and response.

Application, conditions, and further information

We look forward to receiving your application and CV no later than 27th of March 2025 21:59 CEST. Application and CV in English are accepted only through our online recruitment system.

The position reports to the Country Manager in Malawi. The duty station is Lilongwe, a duty station with no R&R. The classification of duty stations is revised yearly and is subject for change. The position in Malawi is an accompanying spouse position.

The ideal starting date is before 1st May 2025. There is a 3-month probationary period, and the total length of the initial contract is 12 months with the possibility of extension.

Issued contract is either local or international depending on final candidate. Term and Condition varies. For international contract please refer to the attached Terms & Conditions for information about annual leave, benefits, pension and insurances. In case you have any questions or might need more information please see further Job Description (link) or contact the Country Manager in Malawi Silvia Crespo Exposito [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you!

Tagged as: Danish Red Cross, Malawi