Extended Term Consultant (ETC)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, the WBG has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in more than 120 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on providing funding and knowledge to developing countries, helping them tackle their most pressing development challenges. The WBG's mission is to reduce poverty and improve living standards by promoting sustainable economic growth and development.

Job Overview:
The Extended Term Consultant (ETC) will play a crucial role within the Malawi Social Policy task team, providing technical assistance, implementation support, and coordination across the World Bank’s social protection portfolio. This position is particularly focused on the Jobs Now for the Poor and Vulnerable agenda, which aims to strengthen the connections between public works, economic inclusion, livelihoods, and job interventions. The ETC will work closely with government counterparts and development partners to ensure effective delivery of project activities and the achievement of intended results. The consultant will also be responsible for project monitoring and evaluation (M&E), tracking implementation progress, identifying bottlenecks, and supporting evidence generation and learning. This role is essential for promoting coherence across interventions and ensuring effective implementation of both the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP) and the Integrated Social Protection for Resilience and Opportunity (INSPIRE-O) project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implementation Support for Jobs Now for the Poor and Vulnerable Agenda: Lead technical support for the design, operationalization, and implementation of the Jobs Now for the Poor and Vulnerable component under INSPIRE-O. Support the development of implementation manuals, operational guidelines, targeting approaches, and beneficiary pathways linking public works, economic inclusion, livelihoods, and jobs interventions. Facilitate coordination between various stakeholders to strengthen pathways to productive employment and income generation. Identify, pilot, and document innovative approaches that strengthen transitions from safety nets to sustainable livelihoods and jobs. Prepare technical briefs, analytical notes, presentations, and implementation updates to inform decision-making.
• Implementation Support for Economic Inclusion: Support implementation readiness for the Economic Inclusion program, including operational systems, capacity building, and sequencing of interventions. Provide technical support to implementing agencies on business development services, productive grants, savings promotion, and livelihoods strengthening. Monitor implementation progress and recommend corrective actions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implementation Support for Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP): Provide day-to-day implementation support to district-level teams in planning, execution, and monitoring of CS-EPWP activities. Monitor progress against annual work plans and budgets, and assist in developing innovative climate-smart public works models.
• Support Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Evidence Generation: Track implementation performance and results indicators, contribute to impact evaluations, and develop dashboards and performance briefs to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Support World Bank Operational and Country Partnership Framework (CPF): Participate in implementation support missions, prepare Aide-Memoires, and monitor implementation risks. Provide technical inputs for MDTF donor engagements and support the development and implementation of the Malawi CPF, particularly on social protection, jobs, resilience, and economic inclusion.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in social protection, economic development, or a related field. They should have experience in project management, particularly in the context of social programs and economic inclusion initiatives. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders are essential. The candidate should also demonstrate a commitment to poverty reduction and sustainable development, with a focus on vulnerable populations.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in social sciences, economics, public policy, or a related field is required. A Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree is preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in social protection or economic development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5-7 years of relevant experience in social protection, economic development, or related fields. Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, or NGOs in developing countries is highly desirable. Familiarity with the social protection landscape in Malawi or similar contexts will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Malawi would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to last for an initial period of ten (10) months, from September 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension based on performance and business needs. The ETC will report directly to the Senior Social Protection Specialist and Task Team Leader, and will work closely with the Malawi Social Policy team and other relevant task teams across various sectors. This position is full-time and may involve collaboration with international and national stakeholders.