Professional Experience:
Gender Equality, Policy and Development Specialist with over 20 years of progressive experience in gender equality, social development, safeguarding, policy advocacy, and institutional capacity strengthening in Malawi. Extensive experience supporting government institutions, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to advance gender-responsive policies, programmes, and accountability mechanisms that promote the rights, protection, and empowerment of women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
Currently serving with the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in Malawi, where responsibilities include coordinating inter-agency Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) initiatives, facilitating collaboration among UN entities and partners, strengthening safeguarding systems, and supporting the integration of protection and accountability standards across programmes and operations. Contributes to national policy processes, including the development of the National Plan of Action to End Gender-Based Violence 2026-2030, and supports the establishment of complaint referral procedures and survivor-centred response mechanisms.
Demonstrated expertise in policy analysis and development, stakeholder engagement, institutional assessments, capacity development, and evidence-informed advocacy. Has played a key role in developing context-specific guidelines, action plans, and inter-agency procedures, while supporting policy dialogue and consultations involving government ministries, regulatory bodies, UN agencies, NGOs, development partners, academia, and community leadership structures.
Strong background in gender mainstreaming and integrating gender equality, safeguarding, and protection considerations into organizational policies, systems, programmes, and monitoring frameworks. Experienced in identifying institutional gaps, designing capacity-strengthening interventions, facilitating training and learning initiatives, and supporting organizational change processes to improve compliance with international standards and best practices.
Proven ability to conduct and oversee gender-responsive research, evaluations, and assessments, translating evidence into practical recommendations for policy and programme improvement. Skilled in coordinating multi-stakeholder partnerships, building consensus, and managing complex initiatives in diverse and evolving development contexts.
Combines strategic policy expertise with strong operational experience, enabling effective translation of global commitments and national priorities into practical, sustainable, and locally owned solutions. Recognized for fostering collaboration, influencing policy and practice, and delivering results that strengthen protection, accountability, gender equality, and inclusive development outcomes.