Thematic Lead – Health and Nutrition

Position Title: Thematic Lead – Health and Nutrition

Location: Lilongwe
Reports To: Head of Programs and Advocacy / Executive Director

Purpose of the Position:

The Thematic Lead – Health and Nutrition will be responsible for the strategic leadership, program development, resource mobilization, coordination, advocacy and technical oversight of the Health and Nutrition portfolio within the organization. This position plays a critical role in directing the Health and Nutrition Directorate, ensuring that interventions are high-quality, evidence-based, and aligned with national policies and international best practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Program Development

• Lead the development, implementation and review of the Health and Nutrition strategy.
• Provide health technical guidance to program teams and partners in line with national and international standards.
• Ensure that health and nutrition interventions are integrated into broader organizational programming.

1. Technical Support and Quality Assurance

• Provide high-quality technical support during program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Oversee the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), toolkits, and training materials.
• Lead the application of best practices and evidence-based approaches across all Health and Nutrition programs.

1. Resource Mobilization

• Identify new funding opportunities and lead proposal development for Health and Nutrition projects.
• Develop concept notes, technical proposals, and budgets in collaboration with the team members.

1. Partnership Building and Networking

• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with government agencies, line ministries donors, academic institutions and other civil society organizations.
• Represent the organization in national and international forums related to Health and Nutrition.

1. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• Collaborate with the MEAL team to ensure a clear M&E systems are in place for Health and Nutrition projects within the organisation.
• Lead the documentation of success stories, case studies, and lessons learned.

1. Team Management and Capacity Building

• Supervise and mentor health and nutrition program staff.
• Facilitate capacity development initiatives for staff, communities, and stakeholders.

1. Advocacy and Policy Engagement

• Develop and lead advocacy initiatives related to health and nutrition policies.
• Engage with national platforms, technical working groups, and relevant clusters.

Key Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or Master’s Degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in managing health and/or nutrition programs.
• Demonstrated experience in leading multi-sectoral programs and working with donors
• Strong knowledge of health systems strengthening, maternal and child health, and/or community-based nutrition programming.
• Proven skills in strategic planning, leadership, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working with community structures.
• Fluency in English and other local languages.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Innovation and Team Leadership.