Maxwell Kamwendo
Lilongwe
Summary
A skilled and adaptable person with over 9 years' experience in large scale emergency programmes in Malawi . Proven track record in stakeholder engagement, strong networking and collaboration initiatives with government, UN agencies and various stakeholders. Committed to team work, critical thinking and ability to mainstream key issues that affect project performance.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Programme Policy Officer-Emergency
United Nations World Food Programme
11.2016 - Current
- Coordinated and supported implementation of large scale emergencies in Malawi, i.e. 2016 (lean season response), 2021 (Cyclone Ana flood response) and 2023 (cyclone Freddy flood response)
- Took lead in organising national level cluster coordination meetings with government, NGO partners and sister UN agencies to discuss emergency response plans
- Advised in country management coordination teams on the humanitarian situation and recommended appropriate response approaches
- Supported Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in developing and consolidating national contingency plans from 2019 to 2023
- Took lead in organising After Action Review (AAR) meetings to draw lessons from just ended emergency operations (2021-2023)
- contributed to setting up and operationalisation of the Emergency Operational Centre (EOC) in the southern region during the Cyclone Freddy flood response
- Participated in the emergency inter agency floods assessment in the southern region during the 2021 cyclone ANA floods
- Built capacity of 8 district councils in Emergency response planning and early warning systems
Development Officer
Community Energy Malawi
12.2015 - 10.2016
- Contributed to the development and design of climate change and food security project plans and process and ensured alignment with wider programme policies and guidance.
- Provided oversight to the implementation of all CEMs projects in 8 districts in the southern region.
- Facilitated cluster coordination meetings at national level with government and relevant stakeholders with the aim of developing and reviewing joint work plans.
- Supported 5 district councils in southern Malawi in mainstreaming climate change related issues in district development plans.
- Provided oversight and review of programme implementation and immediate troubleshooting support, and recommended strategies to achieve effective linkages between the activities to enhance synergy.
- Ensured timely reporting and consolidation of reports by implementing partners from all districts.
- Coordinated with district councils and other development partners at district level and represented CEM in coordinating forum such as district executive committee and district civil protection committee
Project Officer
Oyster Limited
01.2015 - 11.2015
- Delivered proposal reviews and assessments in a timely manner and assist with drafting policies and procedures
- Facilitated development of surveys of impacts climate change on women and children
- Collected success stories and best practices on climate action activities by women and communities
- Supported government in strengthening linkages and integration of issues of gender and child rights within the interventions of environment and climate change
- Developed technical and financial reports on funds utilization and programme implementation
Education
Master of Science - Management
Malawi School of Government
Malawi11.2023
Bachelor of Science - Energy And Climate Change
Mzuzu University
Malawi08.2015
Skills
- Data analysis
- Good leadership and interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills and Team work
Languages
Fluent: English, Chichewa
Referees
Elton Mgalamadzi
Programme Policy Officer-World Food Programme
0999984401
elton.mgalamadzi@wfp.org
Madalo Thombozi
Programme Coordinator-World Food Programme
0999984407
madalo.thombozi@wfp.org
Berias Unyolo
Snr Development Officer-Community Energy Malawi
0882730881
unyoloberias@gmail.com
Timeline
Programme Policy Officer-Emergency
United Nations World Food Programme
11.2016 - Current
Development Officer
Community Energy Malawi
12.2015 - 10.2016
Project Officer
Oyster Limited
01.2015 - 11.2015
Master of Science - Management
Malawi School of Government
Bachelor of Science - Energy And Climate Change
Mzuzu University
Similar Profiles
Rossella BottoneRossella Bottone
Deputy Country Director at United Nations World Food ProgrammeDeputy Country Director at United Nations World Food Programme
Hedley TahHedley Tah
Head of External Relations, WFP Aviation at United Nations World Food ProgrammeHead of External Relations, WFP Aviation at United Nations World Food Programme
Ali Ahmad KhaliliAli Ahmad Khalili
IT Field Support Technician at United Nations World Food ProgrammeIT Field Support Technician at United Nations World Food Programme