Call for Expression of Interest
Social Protection Policy Mapping in Malawi: Strengthening Systems Through Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Consultancy
Fee: To be negotiated
Location: Malawi
Consultancy length: 7-10 days
Background
In May 2025, the Government of Malawi launched the National Social Protection Policy (2024-2029) (NSPP), building on the 2012 National Social Support Policy. The new NSPP expands the scope from just social support to broader aspects of social protection. Central to this is the introduction of Social Security as a policy priority area. Malawi’s commitment to reducing poverty and vulnerability is anchored in this National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) 2024–2029 and the Malawi National Social Support Programme II (MNSSP II). These frameworks aim to build an inclusive, shock-sensitive, and resilient social protection system.
Objectives of the Policy analysis
The main objective of the consultancy is to undertake a comprehensive policy analysis that will inform efforts to improve the effectiveness, inclusivity, and the coherence required within Malawi’s social protection system to ensure it better responds to the diverse needs of vulnerable populations.
Scope of Work
The consultant will;
- Map and assess the spectrum of social protection mechanisms as included in the NSPP in Malawi including social safety nets, resilient livelihoods, nutrition-sensitive programs, shock-sensitive interventions, and social security schemes to understand their coverage, impact, and integration, with a specific focus on accessibility, adequacy, and responsiveness to the needs of persons with disabilities.
- Understand and discuss the status of Implementation, eligibility, funding and payment mechanisms in the current processes and how disability inclusion has been integrated.
- Identify key stakeholders and their roles across these social protection mechanisms to enhance coordination, accountability, and policy coherence.
- Benchmark the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) and its seven strategic pillars, against regional frameworks (e.g., African Union Social Policy Framework, SADC Protocols) and global standards (e.g., ILO Recommendation No. 202, SDGs).
- Evaluate the inclusivity of current programs and policies, particularly in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, women, and other marginalized groups.
- Highlight systemic gaps and opportunities for synergy to foster collaboration among government, development partners (including humanitarian organizations), and civil society, especially OPDs.
Deliverables
- Comprehensive Social Protection Policy Inventory- A structured repository of all relevant policies, strategies, and legal frameworks in Malawi.
- Policy Mapping Matrix (Malawi Context)- A matrix aligning policies against core social protection pillars.
- Institutional and stakeholder mapping – Identification of key actors in Malawi’s social protection ecosystem
- Policy coherence and alignment analysis – assessment of how policies align with major development agendas and international frameworks.
- Coverage and targeting analysis – Evaluation of who is reached and who is left out.
- Financing analysis – Review of how social protection is funded in Malawi.
- Implementation and coordination analysis – Assessment of how policies work in practice.
- Shock-Responsive Social Protection Mapping.
- Visual policy programme maps – Clear visual representations.
- Gap analysis and diagnostic report – Identification of major gaps in Malawi’s system.
- Strategic Recommendations Framework.
- Policy mapping report that clearly shows the generated evidence-based recommendations to inform policy and programming decisions that promote equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and shock-responsive social protection.
The next section is headed Skills and Experience. This is where you outline what the candidate would need to succeed in this role
Skills and Experience
As the ideal candidate, you will posses an advance degree in Social Policy, Development Studies, Law, Disability Studies, or related field. You will also have experience in policy analysis and review, especially in disability inclusion, and possess fluent/business level written and spoke English skills.
Further requirements include:
- Strong knowledge of international and regional frameworks (UNCRPD, SDGs, African Disability Protocol)
- Track record of advocacy and engagement with OPDs, CSOs, and government duty bearers
- Strong research, analytical, and report writing skills
This is a highly varied and involved consultancy position, and the above is not an exhaustive list of deliverables or required professional skills. Please see the Terms of Reference for full details.
Candidates are welcome to demonstrate their ability to match the person specification by expanding on how their experience, training and/or qualifications might have provided them with the knowledge or skills required for the role. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.
Next Steps
To apply for this exciting new opportunity, please submit your CV, examples previous relevant work, complete our online Expression of Interest form (EOI), and answer the application questions, all within our recruitment portal.
The EOI form will contain your financial proposal, and technical proposal outlining approach and methodology, so you do not need to submit these separately.
We anticipate that remote interviews will take place on the 16th or 17th of July.
Closing date: 5 July 2026
As a global equal opportunities employer, Sightsavers is committed to embracing diversity throughout our workforce by creating an inclusive environment that reflects the many cultures and locations where we work. Our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and we will actively promote the inclusion of individuals with a disability. Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and qualified people with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply.
Sightsavers is an employer that does not tolerate any form of harassment and has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All potential candidates will be subjected to rigorous background checks and controls.