Distribution Assistants and Standby Drivers

Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organisation dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries

Founded in 1968, Concern works in 25 countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean with its headquarters in Ireland.

Concern started working in Malawi in 2002. Our Country Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 focuses on climate and environment, social protection, gender and social inclusion, sustainable food systems for food security and partnerships. For sustainability and lasting change, our advocacy and influence, people centred and evidence based approaches focus on system strengthening and resilience building as we seek to address the root causes of poverty.

Concern invites applications from interested candidates qualified for the following positions;

Distribution Assistants (12 Vacancies) 

Contract: Five (5) Months Temporary Contract

Location: Nsanje District

The Distribution Assistant will support the implementation of the 2024/2025 lean season response in Nsanje District between October 2024 and February 2025. This role focuses on the effective and timely delivery of food assistance to food-insecure populations, ensuring smooth operations at Food Distribution Points (FDPs) and collaborating with key stakeholders such as district authorities, the World Food Programme (WFP) and local community structures.

Responsibilities and Tasks 

• With support from Team Leader, facilitate the identification and registration of food-insecure households based on the criteria set by the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) and Unified Beneficiary Registry (UBR).
• Conduct the verification of beneficiary lists through door-to-door visits and community-based targeting approaches.
• Ensure accurate data collection during beneficiary registration and targeting processes, including disaggregation by gender, age, and disability.
• Conduct community awareness campaigns regarding food distribution schedules, beneficiary selection criteria, and complaints mechanisms.
• Provide technical support to local committees (e.g., Food Distribution Committees, Village Disaster Risk Management Committees – VDRMCs) in planning and managing food distributions.
• Promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and people with disabilities, during the distribution process.
• Facilitate the setup and management of Food Distribution Points (FDPs), ensuring a safe and efficient distribution process.
• Ensure the allocation of food rations at the distribution site to registered beneficiaries, adhering to approved ration scales.
• Assist with crowd control and coordination during distribution days to prevent delays, fraud, and duplication.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive periodic progress reports.
• Monitor the distribution process to ensure that all targeted beneficiaries receive their rations and that distribution protocols are strictly followed.
• Record and report any discrepancies, challenges or feedback from beneficiaries during or after the distribution. Assist with post-distribution monitoring and submit reports to supervisors as required.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of distribution activities, including the number of beneficiaries served, food quantities distributed, and any issues encountered.
• Ensure the establishment and management of Complaints and Feedback Response Mechanisms (CFRMs) at distribution sites ensuring timely resolution of complaints.
• Ensure that all complaints related to distribution are documented and escalated appropriately if unresolved at the site level.
• Ensure that all food distributions are conducted in line with Concern’s Protection and Safeguarding policies, with special attention to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
• Ensure that vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and people with disabilities, are prioritized and protected during distributions.
• Participate and contribute towards Concern’s Emergency response and Comply with Concern’s health, safety and security guidelines during emergencies
• Adhere to, support and promote the standards of conduct outlined in the Concern Code of Conduct & its Associated Policies
• Uphold and promote Concern’s values, including our workplace equality, diversity and inclusion values
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Line Manager

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Minimum a Diploma in Social Work, Community Development or related field
• At least one (1) year experience in humanitarian food distribution, community mobilization or project implementation
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively with local communities, government authorities, and other stakeholders
• Knowledge of Nsanje District and its social, economic and cultural context is an advantage
• Excellent communication skills in both Chichewa and English
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Commitment to gender equality, protection, and accountability

Standby Driver (2 Vacancies) 

Contract: One (1) Year Part Time Contract

Location: Nsanje and Lilongwe Districts

Reporting to the Transport Officer, the Standby Driver will be responsible for driving Concern vehicles to transport passengers and cargo throughout Malawi on a needs basis. S/he will ensure that the vehicle is in good condition at all times and that they adhere to all traffic, transport and fleet requirements in place by the Malawi Government and Concern Worldwide. The Standby Driver shall be on call to fill gaps or to support during times of high workload from time to time as needed.

Responsibilities and Tasks 

• Ensure the safety and security of passengers and cargo in observance of Concern Worldwide policies and abide to all traffic and other relevant laws, including speed limits, documentation etc.
• Ensure that passengers observe all safety and security measures established by Concern Worldwide, including the requirement of wearing seat belts at all times. Complete vehicle check sheets.
• Correctly complete all requirement documents, including the vehicle logbooks, fuel supply sheets and the requested reports on time.
• Ensure that loads and cargo are secure and transported safely, will all necessary delivery documents correctly completed.
• Ensure any vehicle management issues are reported immediately.
• Ensure cleanness of the assigned vehicle inside and outside.
• Ensure the assigned vehicle have all the relevant documentation including COF and insurance, and is road worthy at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum a Malawi School Certificate of Education
• A valid driving license, trained in defensive driving
• At least four (4) years of experience in similar role in an NGO and experience in basic vehicle maintenance •Excellent knowledge of the road network and conditions, distances, travel times, Traffic ACT requirements etc.
• Basic computer skills in MS Word and MS Excel
• Excellent physical ability
• Good communication skills in English and Chichewa
• A team player with high integrity, trustworthy, honest and reliable

How to Apply

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, should send their CV (3 pages maximum including contacts of 3 referees) and Cover Letter to malawi.hr@concern.net with the subject of the email as “Distribution Assistant or ‘’ Standby Driver’’ depending on the position they are applying for. The deadline for applications is Friday, 27^th September, 2024. Due to the urgency to fill these positions, applications will be shortlisted on a rolling basis. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.  

Concern is an equal opportunities employer.