Country director – malawi

OVERVIEWInternational Justice Mission (IJM) is a global organisation dedicated to protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. With more than 1,200 professionals working across over 30 offices, IJM partners with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to rescue people from violence, strengthen justice systems, and protect vulnerable populations.IJM invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Country Director – Malawi, based in Lilongwe.The successful candidate will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for IJM's Malawi Country Office, advancing the organisation's mission of protecting vulnerable women and children from violence through justice system strengthening, partnership development, and organisational excellence.JOB TYPE: Full TimeDate Posted: Thursday, 29th October 2026Application Deadline: Sunday, 15th November 2026Duty Station: Lilongwe, MalawiReports to: Regional President, AfricaPOSITION: COUNTRY DIRECTOR – MALAWIJOB SUMMARYThe Country Director will be responsible for the overall execution of operations for IJM's Malawi Country Office.The role involves developing and driving national strategies, cultivating high-impact relationships, and ensuring operational, financial, and cultural alignment with IJM's global goals.The successful candidate will lead collaboration with government stakeholders, cultural and community leaders, survivors, civil society organisations, and other partners to strengthen the enforcement of laws protecting women and children from violence.The Country Director will also oversee staff development, organisational performance, budget management, programme implementation, safety and security, and strategic partnerships.DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Leadership and ManagementEnsure programmes, services, and methodologies deliver measurable progress towards IJM's protection objectives.Develop the leadership capacity of country office leaders and staff in strategy development, project and programme management, budget management, staff care, and training.Ensure all staff, interns, fellows, and volunteers understand IJM's mission, operational values, global vision, programme objectives, and strategic goals.Build team capacity through high-calibre external recruitment and ensure office structures and teams operate efficiently.Collaborate with IJM subject-matter experts and Global Programme leaders to align country operations with regional and global strategies.Ensure staff engage in appropriate goal setting, performance reviews, and conflict resolution.Monitor programme and staff performance and ensure regular feedback is provided.Foster an effective, efficient, and resilient team culture that promotes excellence.Promote IJM's brand and organisational culture by modelling and reinforcing its core values.2. Strategy, Knowledge Development and ImplementationEnsure projects are designed and implemented in alignment with IJM's vision, Theory of Change, global and regional strategies, and justice policy and protection programme framework.Ensure the development of innovative programme designs that address major obstacles to protecting vulnerable populations, including migrants.Oversee the development of programme concept notes, proposals, baseline Terms of Reference (ToRs), and budgets.Ensure the Country Office has a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) plan to assess and document programme impact.Establish partnerships to access relevant programme data and ensure staff implement MERL plans.Ensure programme data is used to strengthen investment in IJM's source-country model.Monitor programme Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and ensure projects remain on track to achieve protection targets.3. Networking and Partnership DevelopmentEstablish cooperative relationships with local, national, and international public justice professionals, including police and prosecution personnel, government leaders, and NGO leaders.Equip strategic government and civil society partners with IJM's model and best practices for justice system strengthening.Represent IJM before government organisations, NGOs, media outlets, and other stakeholders.Participate actively in regional activation and advancement activities.Host visits for IJM guests, teams, and volunteers and provide context on IJM's work.Support efforts to secure adequate programme funding from private and institutional donors.4. Policies and ProceduresEnsure the Country Office adheres to organisational policies, procedures, and timelines.Oversee compliance in areas including staff care, aftercare, security, IT, data, finance and budgeting, human resource management, communications, storytelling, child protection, strategy, and programme development.Promote accountability and adherence to IJM's organisational standards.5. Communication and RepresentationPromote IJM's Theory of Change to internal and external stakeholders.Monitor the communicatio