Policy Advisor

OVERVIEWThe International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Policy Advisor, based in Lilongwe, Malawi.IFPRI is a research organisation focused on improving food security, nutrition, agricultural development, and economic transformation through evidence-based policies and research.The successful candidate will provide strategic policy analysis and advisory support on food systems, agriculture, nutrition, rural transformation, and economic development in Malawi.The role will strengthen the use of research evidence in policymaking, support policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement, develop partnerships, mobilise resources, and enhance policy capacity among government institutions and other stakeholders.JOB TYPE: Exempt Appointment – Two (2) YearsDate Posted: Thursday, 29th October 2026Application Deadline: Friday, 20th November 2026Duty Station: Lilongwe, MalawiPOSITION: POLICY ADVISORJOB SUMMARYThe Policy Advisor will provide strategic policy advice, conduct policy analysis, and facilitate engagement between policymakers, researchers, development partners, and other stakeholders.The successful candidate will help translate research findings into practical policy recommendations, strengthen institutional capacity for evidence-informed policymaking, and support the development of policy-relevant research and resource mobilisation initiatives.DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Policy Analytics and AdviceProvide strategic policy advice to government counterparts and development partners on policy opportunities, risks, trade-offs, and implementation challenges.Advise the Country Program Leader on emerging policy priorities, evidence needs, and opportunities to strengthen the policy relevance and impact of IFPRI's work in Malawi.Draft policy papers, briefing notes, and recommendations to support evidence-based decision-making.Track evolving policy priorities, reform processes, and regional policy initiatives.Assess the effectiveness of policies and programmes and identify opportunities to improve their design, implementation, and impact.2. Policy Engagement and Stakeholder RelationsSupport efforts to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking through policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge exchange.Build and maintain productive relationships with relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), development partners, research institutions, civil society organisations, and private-sector stakeholders.Consult stakeholders and incorporate diverse perspectives into policy analysis and recommendations.Represent IFPRI in policy dialogue platforms, technical working groups, regional forums, and international policy processes.Support engagement with regional and continental initiatives relevant to Malawi's policy priorities.Promote collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners.Design and support communication activities that strengthen stakeholder understanding and promote evidence-informed decision-making.3. Capacity StrengtheningDesign and support initiatives to strengthen policy analysis, evidence use, and policymaking capacity among government institutions and other policy stakeholders.Facilitate training, mentoring, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing activities.Promote mutual learning and exchange among policymakers, researchers, and development partners.Support institutional efforts to strengthen the long-term use of evidence in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.4. Research-to-Policy Engagement and Resource MobilisationInform the development of policy-relevant research agendas that respond to policymakers' needs.Support the translation of research findings into actionable policy recommendations and practical guidance.Contribute to the dissemination and uptake of research through policy briefs, stakeholder consultations, workshops, and other outreach activities.Identify funding opportunities and contribute to developing competitive proposals for policy-relevant research and engagement activities.Collaborate with partners within IFPRI, across CGIAR, and externally to expand research and funding partnerships.Support internal and external reporting, including donor reporting and workplan development.