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Newborn Technical Officer

  • Company

    Jhpiego

  • Location

    MW-Lilongwe

  • Employment Type

    Full-Time

  • Functional Category

    Programme Management & Implementation

  • Experience

    7 - 8 years

  • Date Posted

    04-Nov-2025

About Jhpiego

Jhpiego is a nonprofit global leader in the creation and delivery of transformative health care solutions for the developing world. In partnership with national governments health experts and local communities we build health providers’ skills and develop systems that save lives now and guarantee healthier futures for women and their families. Our aim is revolutionizing health care for the planet’s most disadvantaged people. Jhpiego a Johns Hopkins University Affiliate translates decades of program experience and in-depth technical knowledge into moments of care that can mean the difference between life and death for women and families. The moment a woman gives birth; the moment a midwife helps a newborn to breath; the moment a nurse screens for cervical cancer with a simple vinegar swab; the moment a community health worker tests a man for HIV and reports he is HIV free. By embedding the know-how and skills into everyday practice we are able to increase access to quality health services and create a healthier future for generations to come. Access to lifesaving health care for all people whoever they are wherever they live that’s our mission.

Overview of the Role

Jhpiego, is seeking a highly qualified Newborn Technical Officer to provide technical expertise and leadership in the design, implementation and oversight of advanced newborn, including small and sick newborn (SSNB) health activities, as part of comprehensive maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition (MNCH-N) program in Malawi. In close collaboration with partners, the small and sick newborn program activities will focus heavily on increasing coverage and quality of a family-centered package of care for hospitalized small and sick newborns in level 2 or secondary care facilities. The Newborn Technical Officer will be based in one of the Jhpiego 's operating districts in , Malawi, reporting directly to the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Nutrition (MNCH-N) Technical Advisor

Job Description

Technical Leadership
• Provide technical assistance for the design and implementation of context-appropriate SSNB interventions, primarily focusing on hospitalized SSNB populations in secondary (level 2) facilities.
• Support implementation of essential elements of small and sick newborn care at level 2 facilities working in close collaboration with partners and districts.
• Support the implementation and strengthening of KMC across multiple levels of the system in supported sites.
• Guide introduction, procurement and optimization of essential SSNB equipment (e.g., bubble CPAP systems, oxygen sources/concentrators, phototherapy, radiant warmers/incubators, etc.) and ensure usability, safety, and maintenance systems are in place.
• Strengthen stabilization at birth, neonatal resuscitation and immediate post-resuscitation care in maternity/newborn corners and newborn units, ensuring seamless linkage with intrapartum services and referral pathways.
• Foster cross-program integration with maternal health, intrapartum/newborn care, child health, nutrition (including breastfeeding and feeding of small infants), and infection prevention and control.

Capacity-strengthening and Quality Improvement
• Oversee the development and/or revision and rollout of competency-based SSNB trainings, mentorship and clinical coaching for nurses, midwives, medical officers, pediatricians, and biomedical technicians.
• Collaborate with MEL and Quality Improvement teams at global, regional and country levels to improve and monitor quality of small and sick newborn health services, using routine health information data as feasible.
• Represent Jhpiego in strategic engagement with Ministries of Health, professional associations, UN agencies, donors, and implementing partners to align SSNB strategies and resources.
• Oversee preparation of technical reports, case studies, learning briefs, and presentations of project SSNB health activities and results.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Skill

• Direct clinical experience and expertise in the provision of specialized neonatal services, as part of interprofessional caregiving teams, at secondary care hospitals (Level 2/district level).
• Updated knowledge of global SSNB evidence and guidance.
• Excellent knowledge of the public and private health system in Malawi and implementation environment 
• Strong skills in data use for decision making and QI.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and coach technical staff, and model respectful and compassionate communication and care.
• Ability to work independently and with team members and partners at all levels; strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to travel up to 40% to districts
• Neonatal and advanced neonatal subspecialty training and certification, optimally as a trainer (e.g., Essential Newborn Care/Helping Babies Breathe, S.T.A.B.L.E., ETAT+, NRP, KMC, infant feeding, IFCDC, etc.).
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Professional proficiency in Chichewa is required.

Education

Advanced clinical degree (e.g., Pediatrician/Neonatologist; Medical Doctor with neonatal experience; Registered Nurse/Midwife with advanced neonatal training and experience).

Experience

7-8 years of experience in neonatal/SSNB programs, including ≥5 years providing clinical specialized newborn care in LMIC settings (preferably secondary hospitals/Level 2 neonatal units).