Professional Experience:
Maxwell V Madzikanga is a globally recognised leader with over 25 years of experience driving transformative health, humanitarian, and development programmes in complex, high-stakes environments. His strategic vision, expertise in programme management, and ability to deliver equitable outcomes position him as an exceptional candidate for senior leadership roles in humanitarian, UN, or development contexts, such as Country Director or Regional Head.
As Project Director for the £21 million DAWAM project in Afghanistan (2023–2025), funded by the FCDO, Maxwell led a consortium of seven partners, delivering health and protection services to 1.5 million beneficiaries. He reduced maternal mortality by 15% and increased access for women and people with disabilities by 30%, authoring governance frameworks and securing £7 million for phase two. His leadership of an 87-staff team and negotiations with Afghan ministries ensured a sustainable impact in a volatile context. Similarly, as Country Programme Manager for the Touch Foundation’s USD 14 million m-mama programme in Lesotho (2021–2022), Maxwell scaled an emergency transport system to all ten districts, cutting maternal mortality by 25% and serving 100,000 women. His innovative dispatch centres and stakeholder coordination, including with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health, boosted patient satisfaction by 40%.
In the UK, Maxwell’s leadership at NHS England’s Thames Valley Cancer Alliance (2018–2019) transformed cancer pathways across six Trusts, serving 4 million people. By leveraging data analytics and PRINCE2 methodologies, he increased early cancer diagnoses by 15% and access for underserved groups by 20%. At Southwark’s Integrated Care Board (2016–2018), he supported 38 GP practices, reducing hospital admissions by 10% through evidence-based care pathways. His advocacy for culturally sensitive bereavement policies ensured compliance with the Equality Act 2010, aligning with equity-focused leadership.
Maxwell’s global expertise includes managing the GRID3 project (2019–2020) in Nigeria, South Sudan and Ghana, where he secured agreements with governments to enhance vaccination precision and financial inclusion using geospatial analytics. As International Health Advisor for the British Red Cross (2009–2011), he expanded South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme to 100,000 beneficiaries, overcoming resistance through strategic stakeholder engagement. His work in Zimbabwe, South Sudan, and other fragile contexts includes leading initiatives in nutrition, WATSAN, and HIV, demonstrating adaptability in crisis settings.
With an MSc in Disease Control (MPH), a European Master of Bioethics (Magna Cum Laude), and certifications in PRINCE2, Agile, and Harvard’s quantitative methods, Maxwell combines technical prowess with strategic insight. His Lancet publication (2007) and research on humanitarian policy underscore his thought leadership. Managing multi-million-pound budgets and teams of up to 87 staff, Maxwell excels in financial oversight, risk mitigation, and capacity building. His ability to foster partnerships with UN agencies, governments, and donors, coupled with a commitment to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion, ensures sustainable, inclusive outcomes. Maxwell’s proven legacy makes him an ideal leader for transformative roles in humanitarian and development sectors.