The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is supporting the Government of Malawi and development partners in strengthening water security, climate resilience, irrigation governance, monitoring and evaluation systems, evidence-based planning, and sector coordination.

As part of its engagement under initiatives such as the Just Transitions for Water Security (JTWS), the Water Resilience Tracker (WRT), Joint Sector Reviews (JSRs), irrigation monitoring and learning systems, and related policy and governance processes, IWMI provides technical assistance, evidence generation, policy support, stakeholder engagement, and learning services to national partners.

To strengthen implementation support and follow-up of these initiatives, IWMI seeks to engage a National Consultant to provide technical, analytical, stakeholder engagement, learning, and programme support services in Malawi.

The ideal consultant will combine strong analytical, writing, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills with a solid understanding of Malawi's policy and institutional environment. The individual should be proactive in identifying areas where IWMI's research, technical expertise, and convening power can help strengthen implementation, learning, accountability, and sector performance.

Type: Consultancy

Duration: 12 months

Application Deadline: 7th July 2026 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Objective of the Assignment:

The objective of this consultancy is to provide in-country technical and programme support to IWMI's Malawi portfolio through evidence generation, stakeholder engagement, documentation of progress and lessons, follow-up of agreed actions, identification of implementation bottlenecks, and support to policy and sector coordination processes.

The consultant will serve as an important link between IWMI, government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders, while contributing to the production of high-quality technical and knowledge products.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Water Resilience and Governance Support:

• Support the implementation of activities related to the Water Resilience Tracker (WRT) and Just Transitions for Water Security (JTWS) initiatives
• Support assessments, consultations, workshops, and technical discussions aimed at strengthening water resilience governance
• Assist in documenting implementation progress, challenges, lessons, and opportunities emerging from water resilience initiatives
• Support the preparation of technical notes, briefing papers, workshop reports, policy briefs, and presentations

Joint Sector Review and Sector Coordination Support:

• Support the strengthening of Joint Sector Review processes and related sector coordination mechanisms
• Assist in reviewing sector performance information and synthesizing evidence from multiple sources
• Support the preparation of background papers, briefing notes, workshop reports, and consultation summaries
• Support the tracking of actions, recommendations, and commitments emerging from sector review processes
• Identify implementation bottlenecks and opportunities requiring follow-up by sector stakeholders

Learning, Accountability, and Follow-Up Support:

• Maintain action trackers and follow-up matrices arising from workshops, consultations, technical meetings, and sector review processes
• Support the documentation of progress against agreed actions and commitments
• Identify emerging implementation challenges, risks, and opportunities
• Prepare periodic implementation progress summaries and learning notes
• Support learning and adaptive management processes across the portfolio

Research, Policy, and Evidence Support:

• Conduct literature reviews and evidence synthesis
• Support policy reviews, institutional assessments, and thematic studies
• Analyse information generated through assessments, consultations, and stakeholder engagements
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, evidence summaries, presentations, and knowledge products
• Support the identification of opportunities where IWMI can provide technical assistance, evidence support, and policy engagement

Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Intelligence:

• Maintain productive working relationships with relevant government ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector actors
• Monitor emerging government priorities, sector initiatives, policy reforms, investment plans, and institutional developments relevant to IWMI's work
• Provide periodic updates on developments, opportunities, and areas where technical support may be required
• Support IWMI's engagement with technical working groups, consultations, workshops, and stakeholder platforms
• Facilitate communication and follow-up between IWMI and key stakeholders, where appropriate

Programme Coordination and Knowledge Management:

• Support the planning and coordination of programme activities in Malawi
• Prepare meeting reports, workshop reports, briefing notes, and presentations
• Maintain records of key decisions, actions, commitments, and follow-up requirements
• Support the organization and management of programme documentation and knowledge products

Deliverables:

• Technical reports and evidence summaries
• Policy briefs and briefing notes
• Workshop and consultation reports
• Stakeholder engagement summaries
• Progress tracking and action follow-up reports
• Learning notes and implementation support products
• Presentations and communication materials
• Inputs into sector review and water resilience processes
• Quarterly consultancy progress reports

Minimum Educational Qualifications and Experience Required:

Educational Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Water Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Irrigation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Geography, Agribusiness, or a related discipline
• A master's degree in one of the above fields

Experience:

Essential:

• Minimum of three years' experience in the relevant profession
• Experience in water, climate resilience, agriculture, governance, policy, monitoring and evaluation, or development programming
• Demonstrated experience in preparing technical reports, workshop reports, policy briefs, or other analytical products
• Experience supporting development programmes, research activities, policy processes, sector reviews, or stakeholder engagement initiatives
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, or research institutions

Desirable:

• Experience supporting sector coordination processes
• Experience supporting policy dialogue and stakeholder consultation processes
• Familiarity with Malawi's public sector planning and implementation systems
• Experience working in water, agriculture, climate resilience, natural resources, food systems, or related sectors

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Ability to prepare high-quality outputs with minimal supervision
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills
• Ability to translate discussions, consultations, and evidence into practical recommendations and actionable outputs
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills
• Good understanding of Malawi's institutional, policy, and development landscape
• Ability to engage effectively with government officials, development partners, researchers, and other stakeholders
• Ability to identify emerging priorities, opportunities, implementation bottlenecks, and areas where technical support may be required
• Professional maturity, initiative, discretion, and sound judgement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint
• Experience with KoboToolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO, STATA, SPSS, R or Power BI, GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS will be an advantage

Benefits:

This is a nationally hired consultancy; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities are encouraged to apply. IWMI offers a competitive monthly rate for this assignment. The duration of the contract will be for a period of twelve (12) months.

Application Procedure:

Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted.

Deadline: 7th July 2026 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis)

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.