Clinical Program Officer – Newborn Health

Job description

NEST360 is a multi-country alliance committed to reducing neonatal mortality through innovative technologies and health systems strengthening. With new funding from the Beginnings Fund, the program is expanding its proven quality improvement (QI) strategies to include maternal health, ensuring integrated care for mothers and newborns. In Malawi, NEST360, implemented by Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), continues to support the Ministry of Health (MoH) by scaling up lifesaving maternal and newborn interventions. This includes deploying innovative technologies, strengthening clinical and technical capacity, and establishing a sustainable supply chain and distribution network. The Beginnings Fund focuses on enhancing maternal and newborn care at secondary and tertiary healthcare levels in Malawi, with extension to immediate newborn care at Primary level BeMONC sites.To drive this mission, KUHeS NEST360/BEGINNINGS FUND intends to recruit a suitably qualified candidate to fill the position of Clinical Program Officer – Newborn Health.POSITION DETAILSDepartment             :          ClinicalLocation                  :          Lilongwe, MalawiReports to               :          Clinical Director, NewbornContract Type        :          1 year Fixed-Term (renewable on availability of funding)POSITION SUMMARYThe Clinical Program Officer – Newborn Health will leverage expert clinical expertise and health programming skills to support the execution of integrated maternal and newborn health interventions across targeted healthcare levels in Malawi. The incumbent will serve as a bridge between frontline clinical delivery and national health programming, driving clinical mentorship, quality improvement, data-driven decision-making, and system-level capacity building to optimize neonatal survival.The position requires active field engagement and technical collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including tertiary/secondary hospitals, MoH officials, supply chain distributors, and medical training institutions. Includes regular travel to BF implementation districts and, at times international travel.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESCapacity Building & Stakeholder Engagement:Lead hands-on clinical training, mentorship, and continuous quality improvement (QI) initiatives for healthcare workers at secondary, tertiary, and BeMONC facilities.Direct clinical workflow integration for new neonatal medical devices and evidence-based interventions.Build strong collaborative partnerships with MoH officials, hospital leadership, professional associations, and training institutions.Data Analysis & Performance Monitoring:Interpret routine health facility data, clinical audits, and MNH program indicators to identify performance trends and service delivery gaps.Utilize data-driven insights to guide quality improvement plans, optimize clinical protocol adherence, and inform health programProject Management & Compliance:Oversee health program implementation, ensuring alignment with national MNH guidelines, project deliverables, and donor complianceManage clinical outreach schedules, facility support visits, and program operations in fast-paced healthcare environments.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEEducation & Certifications:Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, or a related field.Master’s degree in Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH), Public Health, or Global Health will be an added advantage.Active clinical registration and background in midwifery, neonatal, or maternal clinical care (essential).Professional Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in public or private health programs, with a focus on MNH program design, execution, and facility-level clinical governance.3+ years of direct experience leading specialized MNH initiatives, including hands-on neonatal care, clinical mentorship, bedside teaching, and facility QI cycles.Proven track record in health systems strengthening (HSS), health facility mentorship, and data-informed clinical program

Requirements

Apply by email: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw