Job Description

Timotheos Foundation is a local Malawian Christian Charity whose main objective is to support and care for orphans and other vulnerable children in Malawi. It was established on 1^st September 2011 and officially registered under the Trustees incorporation act of Malawi on 3^rd July 2012. We are affiliated to CONGOMA as well as the NGO Regulatory Authority. The organization is seeking to recruit a competent, committed, self-motivated, enthusiastic and Godfearing candidate of Malawian nationality for the position as detailed below;

Position: Manager Welfare

Reporting to: General Manager

Location: Head Office, Blantyre

Status of Employment: 1 year contract renewable depending on performance and conduct

Overall responsibilities#

• To ensure the well-being of the children under our care. This position is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects related to the health, nutrition, hygiene, and overall welfare of the children. The Manager Welfare will supervise matrons and boarding masters, ensuring that all welfare services meet the highest standards. The Manager Welfare is a trained nurse and plays a key role in the health processes at the locations. This role also involves the management of new intakes and the management of the foster homes and other welfare programs like agogo feeding.

Key roles and responsibilities#

Strategic Planning and Implementation

• Contribute to the strategic development of welfare programs and initiatives within the organisation in alignment with the mission and objectives.
• Ensure proper implementation of new initiatives and programs with recommendation of the manager Monitoring and Development of Programs.
• Monitor and evaluate the day-to-day effectiveness of welfare programs and initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement and adherence to best practices.
• Develop and implement policies with regard to Welfare.
• Report on a quarterly base about activities.
• Submit HR monthly reports by the 3^rd working day of every month.
• Prepare a yearly plan of activities (including observations).
• Participate in management team meetings.

Management of matrons, boarding master and assistant Welfare

• Provide leadership and support to the matrons, boarding master and assistant Welfare, fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment with eye for the wellbeing of employees.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, professional development sessions, and (in cooperation with HR) training and workshops for matrons, boarding master, foster home mothers and cooking staff.
• Handling disciplinary measures for staff in close cooperation with HR.
• Being involved in recruitment processes of matrons, foster home mothers and cooking staff.
• Conduct regular meetings with matrons/boarding master.
• Visit the matrons and other (senior) staff at the centres on a regular basis.

Health and Nutrition

• Ensure that all children receive appropriate medical care, including regular health check-ups and timely medical interventions.
• Available for all health and illness-related queries.
• Advising staff what to do in case of health emergencies.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of nutritional plans and menu’s, including special diets for children with specific health needs.
• Monitor the food supply chain to ensure quality and safety, and manage the kitchen staff to maintain high standards of food preparation and hygiene.
• Manage the agogo-feeding program.

Hygiene and Sanitation

• Ensure that the matrons take care that all living areas, including dormitories, kitchen, and common areas, are clean and hygienic.
• Implement and monitor sanitation protocols to prevent the spread of diseases and infections.
• Ensure that the children are educated on personal hygiene practices.

Welfare and Emotional Support

• Foster a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, emotional, and social development of the children.
• Develop and implement recreational and social programs to enhance the children’s overall well-being.

New Intakes

• Manage the intake process for new children, including planning of assessments and admission meetings and oversee proper documentation.
• Take part in the intake process him or herself.
• Collaborate with child protection workers, community leaders other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for new arrivals.

Quality Assurance and Monitoring

• Conduct regular centre visits and observations and ensure compliance with the standards (health and nutrition, hygiene and sanitation) and policies (like disciplinary policy) and a good emotional climate with specific attention for foster home children.
• Provide feedback and coaching to foster mothers, cooking mothers and others to ensure a healthy, safe and nurturing environment.
• Oversee the follow up on absenteeism and disciplinary procedures regarding the Welfare department.
• Prepare reports on the progress and impact of evangelism activities in cooperation with the manager Monitoring and Development of Programs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, welfare institutions, hospitals, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the NGO at welfare conferences, and meetings, promoting the organization’s vision and achievements.

Resource Management

• Oversee the allocation and utilization of resources, including food, cooking and cleaning materials, clothes, nets, mats and other facilities.
• Prepare and manage budgets for welfare programs, ensuring effective and efficient use of funds.
• Prepare Local Purchase Orders for local suppliers.
• Any other duties as assigned by the general manager.

Competences#

1. Leadership and Management Skills
   • Strong leadership abilities with a track record of managing and motivating teams.
   • Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
   • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement effective welfare programs and policies.

2. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
   • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
   • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
   • Strong social skills to coach, motivate and be mindful of people’s well-being.
   • Culturally sensitive and respectful, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

3. Health Expertise
   • Strong knowledge of health issues.
   • Experience in acting appropriately in the event of medical problems

4. Problem-Solving Skills
   • Ability to address and resolve issues promptly and efficiently.
   • Creative and innovative thinker, with the ability to drive continuous improvement in welfare practices.
   • Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to navigate challenges and find effective solutions.

5. Empathy
   • A deep understanding and compassion for the needs and challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children.

Personal attributes#

1. Subscribe to the Christian foundation and purpose of the organization.
2. Be a faithful and active Christian.
3. Integrity and Ethics: Demonstrates high ethical standards and integrity in all professional activities.
4. Compassion: A caring and nurturing attitude towards children.
5. Resilience: Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure under pressure.
6. Initiative and Drive: Proactive in identifying opportunities and challenges, and takes initiative to address them effectively.
7. Patience and Perseverance: Maintains patience and perseverance in the face of obstacles and long-term challenges.

Education & work qualification#

1. Minimum qualification: Bachelor’s degree in nursing & midwifery, Health & Nutrition, Child Development or a related field.
2. A minimum of 5 years of experience of nursing work, social services, or a similar role, with at least two years in a supervisory or managerial position.
3. Training: Certification in child protection, first aid, and nutrition is an advantage.
4. In-depth understanding of child welfare principles, health and nutrition standards, and hygiene practices.
5. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications.

How to apply#

All qualified and interested candidates who meet the stated requirements must submit or send their application letters and current Curriculum Vitae, including copies of relevant certificates indicating one traceable referee and their telephone numbers to the below post or email address; 

Timotheos Foundation

P.O.BOX 30221,

Chichiri, Blantyre 3.

Email: recruitment@timotheos.org

Note: Closing date for the receipt of completed application letters is Midnight of Wednesday 14^th August, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the interview.