POSITION: HEALTH VOLUNTEER JOURNALISTS & DISTRICT PUBLIC HEALTH VOLUNTEERS

Job Type/Location: Volunteer, All 28 Districts of Malawi

Recruiting Organisation: Patient & Community Welfare Foundation of Malawi (PAWEM)

About PAWEM

The Patient & Community Welfare Foundation of Malawi (PAWEM) is a community-focused civil society organization committed to advancing patient rights, strengthening health system accountability, and amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities across all 28 districts in Malawi. PAWEM believes that communities are not merely recipients of health services—they are active rights holders who must be empowered to monitor, document, and advocate for the services they deserve.

As Malawi's lead implementing organization for the Community Health Rights Watch Initiative (CHRWI), PAWEM brings together community structures, civil society networks, government partners, and development partners in a unified national effort.

When PAWEM recently appeared before the Parliamentary Health Committee to discuss the growing problem of drug theft in public health facilities, one message stood out clearly: communities must be part of the solution. Members of Parliament emphasized the importance of strengthening community participation in protecting public health resources.

Building on these discussions, PAWEM is now rolling out the Community Health Rights Watch Initiative (CHRWI), a nationwide community-based program that will operate in all 28 districts of Malawi.

The initiative will establish a network of 56 Health Volunteer Journalists and 28 District Public Health Volunteers who will work closely with communities to identify, document, and report health rights concerns. Through community dialogues, health rights committees, and digital reporting systems, citizens will have a stronger voice in protecting healthcare services and ensuring that essential medicines reach the people who need them most.

Available Positions

Health Volunteer Journalists

Number of Positions: 56

District Public Health Volunteers

Number of Positions: 28

Key Responsibilities

Health Volunteer Journalists will:

Identify, document, and report health rights concerns within their communities

Write and disseminate human-interest stories and reports on health system accountability issues

Support community whistleblowers by documenting suspected drug theft, diversion of medicines, corruption, discrimination, or other abuses within the health system

Participate in community dialogues and health rights committees

Use digital reporting systems to submit verified reports to PAWEM

District Public Health Volunteers will:

Work closely with community health structures, health surveillance assistants (HSAs), and community-based organizations (CBOs)

Facilitate community dialogues on patient rights and health system accountability

Monitor health facilities and document health rights violations

Support the establishment and functioning of Community Health Rights Committees

Liaise with traditional leaders, youth groups, women's organizations, faith leaders, and organizations of persons with disabilities

Eligibility Requirements

Education:

Health Volunteer Journalists: Diploma in Journalism, Media Studies, or Mass Communication

District Public Health Volunteers: Diploma in Public Health, Community Development, Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Environmental Health, or any other Health-related field

Residency:

Must be a resident of the district where you are applying to work

Equipment:

Must possess an Android smartphone capable of taking photos, recording videos, and accessing the internet

Values and Commitment:

Must demonstrate a passion for social justice, patient rights, and health equity

Must be committed to advocating for patient rights and health system accountability

Willing to work in your community and serve vulnerable populations

Interested persons who meet the required qualifications should complete the online application form via the link below.

Please have the following documents ready to upload:

National ID

Cover Letter

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Academic Certificates/Diplomas

Application Link: https://forms.gle/gCmCp7xaYhZBt3ja7

Closing date for receipt of applications is 24th June 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Why Join PAWEM?

Be part of a nationwide movement to strengthen health system accountability and patient rights

Work directly with communities to protect public health resources

Gain experience in community advocacy, health monitoring, and reporting

Contribute to the fight against drug theft and corruption in Malawi's health system

PAWEM is an equal opportunity organization. Women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.