Social Protection Programme – National Intern
Brief Program Information
The Malawi Government’s dedication to eradicating poverty and vulnerability through social protection is evident in adopting and implementing the Malawi Social Support Programme II (MNSSP II). The Poverty Reduction and Social Protection (PRSP) Division, within the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DoEPD) and part of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA), collaborates with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to execute a three-year programme (April 2022 to March 2025) titled “Support for the Implementation of Social Protection for the Ultra-Poor in Malawi” (Social Protection Programme, SPP III). Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this programme aims to enhance the implementation of Malawi’s social protection system for the poor, focusing on performance, identification, and access.
The programme focuses on three key areas:
- Strengthening the capacities of the PRSP Division as the lead coordinating unit in the social protection sector.
- Supporting the institutionalization of the Unified Beneficiary Registry (UBR) as a crucial component of the social protection system in Malawi.
- Providing support at the decentralized level to manage complementary measures and the UBR in Balaka, Nkhotakota, and Thyolo Districts.
GIZ’s Social Protection Programme works at the district level to improve access to complementary measures, primarily benefiting Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) recipients, most of whom are women. The programme achieves this by providing training and developing and strengthening systems within district council structures to improve the coordination and quality of needs-based complementary measures. This approach addresses both the supply side (service providers) and the demand side (beneficiaries) through awareness and advocacy, maximizing the use of available community services. A significant community-level initiative is the promotion of Village Savings and Loans (VSLs) groups among beneficiaries, fostering financial inclusion and economic empowerment. These groups also serve as platforms for accessing other support measures, such as nutrition and gender interventions. Additionally, SPP supports the decentralization of UBR management processes, aligning with the UBR strategy.
Internship Opportunity
An internship opportunity is available at GIZ SPP for six months, from 1st September 2024 to 28th February 2025. The selected intern will assist the Technical Advisor with technical and administrative tasks focused on district coordination of complementary measures. This internship will offer practical experience in implementing social protection programs in Malawi, exposure to project management processes, technical advisory roles, and networking opportunities with professionals and stakeholders in the social protection field.
Objectives of the Assignment
The intern will support the Technical Advisors in achieving the goals of the Social Protection Programme by providing technical and administrative assistance. Specific objectives include:
- Assisting in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of programme interventions at the district level.
- Providing administrative support to ensure smooth operations of the programme in the partner districts.
Expected Tasks
Technical Support:
- Assist in planning and coordinating project activities at the district level.
- Supervise and monitor the progress of district-level activities.
- Prepare required reports, presentations, and other programme documentation.
- Conduct literature reviews and summarize findings relevant to ongoing project activities.
- Perform other duties as required by the Technical Advisors.
Administrative Support:
- Organize workshops, training sessions, stakeholder meetings, and other events by preparing meeting agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action points.
- Arrange field activities, including budgeting and logistical coordination with partners.
- Prepare travel requests, back-to-office reports, and travel settlements for project activities as needed.
- Maintain internal communication and document filing according to Programme and GIZ standards and knowledge management expectations.
Desired Qualifications and Competencies
- Fresh graduates with a University Degree in development studies, social sciences, community development, or related fields.
- Previous experience or interest in social protection, poverty alleviation, or related fields is highly desired.
- Proficiency in ICT technologies (email, internet) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong communication and facilitation skills in English and Chichewa.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and effective time management.
- Willingness to work in a multicultural environment and adapt to changes.
- Interest in learning and acquiring new skills.
Application Process
Interested candidates meeting the above requirements should submit their electronic detailed curriculum vitae (CV), copies of certificates, and a one-page cover letter demonstrating how they meet the above requirements to giz-malawi-hr@giz.de.
Please indicate the following reference code in the subject line of your email: SPP-2024/07-NATIONALINTERN/Nameofapplicant.
All applications should be addressed to:
The Head of HR
GIZ Malawi
P.O. Box 31131
Lilongwe 3.
The deadline for receiving applications is 30th July 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. We embrace diversity, believe that inclusivity in the workplace is essential to our success, and are committed to creating a work environment where all employees are valued and respected