Are you based in Malawi and passionate about Action and Innovative Finance? Danish Red Cross is looking for a Programme Manager to help manage our progammes, 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 Anticipatory Action and Innovative Finance 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 development, management and successful implementation of the Anticipatory Action (AA) and Innovative Finance initiatives.
The Anticipatory Action and Innovative Finance 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 and Innovative Finance Programme Manager include:
- Work closely with the MRCS counterparts and Consortia partners to establish and maintain an effective programme management system and to ensure progress of the projects as per project document, logframe, budget, action plans and donor requirements.
- Support the further development of innovative financing solutions for Disaster Risk Management in Malawi.
- Work close with MRCS Finance team and DRC Finance staff to ensure effective and timely budget follow up, and on time forecasts.
- Provide programme management support to MRCS in planning, revisions and implementation of programme action plans and activities
- Support MRCS in coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the different AA initiatives.
- Support MRCS in coordinating and implementation of the ongoing innovative financing project, InsuResilience Flood Insurance Project, in close collaboration with DRC HQ and consortium partners.
- Support MRCS in relevant Government engagement and recurrent briefing, including key relevant governmental bodies (DCCMS, DWR, DoDMA) (specially related to Malawi Risk Watch coordinated structures and data agreements)
- Contribute to regular contact and engagement with relevant working groups and governmental and non-governmental institutions together with MRCS to strengthen the national level coordination on AA and Disaster Risk Technical Working Group, this also includes relevant Movement working groups and technical coordination with the IFRC Cluster Office on the related domains
- 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, as well as regional partners and networks.
- Support the development and monitoring of Early Action Protocols in collaboration with IFRC.
- Support improved use of data and Information Management in AA and Disaster Risk Management at large in MRCS.
- Support the development and implementation of new innovative finance initiatives in close collaboration with the DRC Country Office and DRC HQ
- Support the integration and mainstreaming of intersectional approaches into AA in Malawi, including Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI).
- Coordinate and monitor emergency interventions whenever requested by DRC
Experience and Qualifications
Required
- The right to work within the territory of Malawi (Malawian work permit, nationality or similar)
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
Application, conditions, and further information
We look forward to receiving your application and CV no later than 14 June, 2026 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 in Malawi. The ideal starting date is before 1st August, 2026. 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 on local terms and conditions. In case you have any questions or contact Anaïs Dufberg Suh anduf@rodekors.dk.
For more information about the position: JD – Anticipatory Action Programme Manager
We look forward to hearing from you!
How to apply
Apply through the following link: Anticipatory Action and Innovative Finance Programme Manager I Røde Kors