Social Protection Policy Mapping Consultancy

**Call for Expression of Interest**

**Social Protection Policy Mapping in Malawi: Strengthening Systems Through Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Consultancy**

Fee: To be negotiated

Location: Malawi

Consultancy length: 7-10 days

**Background**

In May 2025, the Government of Malawi launched the National Social Protection Policy (2024-2029) (NSPP), building on the 2012 National Social Support Policy. The new NSPP expands the scope from just social support to broader aspects of social protection. Central to this is the introduction of Social Security as a policy priority area. Malawi’s commitment to reducing poverty and vulnerability is anchored in this National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) 2024–2029 and the Malawi National Social Support Programme II (MNSSP II). These frameworks aim to build an inclusive, shock-sensitive, and resilient social protection system.

**Objectives of the Policy analysis**

The main objective of the consultancy is to undertake a comprehensive policy analysis that will inform efforts to improve the effectiveness, inclusivity, and the coherence required within Malawi’s social protection system to ensure it better responds to the diverse needs of vulnerable populations.

**Scope of Work**

The consultant will;

- Map and assess the spectrum of social protection mechanisms as included in the NSPP in Malawi including social safety nets, resilient livelihoods, nutrition-sensitive programs, shock-sensitive interventions, and social security schemes to understand their coverage, impact, and integration, with a specific focus on accessibility, adequacy, and responsiveness to the needs of persons with disabilities.
- Understand and discuss the status of Implementation, eligibility, funding and payment mechanisms in the current processes and how disability inclusion has been integrated.
- Identify key stakeholders and their roles across these social protection mechanisms to enhance coordination, accountability, and policy coherence.
- Benchmark the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) and its seven strategic pillars, against regional frameworks (e.g., African Union Social Policy Framework, SADC Protocols) and global standards (e.g., ILO Recommendation No. 202, SDGs).
- Evaluate the inclusivity of current programs and policies, particularly in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, women, and other marginalized groups.
- Highlight systemic gaps and opportunities for synergy to foster collaboration among government, development partners (including humanitarian organizations), and civil society, especially OPDs.

**Deliverables**

1. Comprehensive Social Protection Policy Inventory- A structured repository of all relevant policies, strategies, and legal frameworks in Malawi.
2. Policy Mapping Matrix (Malawi Context)- A matrix aligning policies against core social protection pillars.
3. Institutional and stakeholder mapping - Identification of key actors in Malawi’s social protection ecosystem
4. Policy coherence and alignment analysis – assessment of how policies align with major development agendas and international frameworks.
5. Coverage and targeting analysis - Evaluation of who is reached and who is left out.
6. Financing analysis - Review of how social protection is funded in Malawi.
7. Implementation and coordination analysis - Assessment of how policies work in practice.
8. Shock-Responsive Social Protection Mapping.
9. Visual policy programme maps - Clear visual representations.
10. Gap analysis and diagnostic report - Identification of major gaps in Malawi’s system.
11. Strategic Recommendations Framework.
12. Policy mapping report that clearly shows the generated evidence-based recommendations to inform policy and programming decisions that promote equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and shock-responsive social protection.

The next section is headed **Skills and Experience.** This is where you outline what the candidate would need to succeed in this role

**Skills and Experience**

As the ideal candidate, you will posses an advance degree in Social Policy, Development Studies, Law, Disability Studies, or related field. You will also have experience in policy analysis and review, especially in disability inclusion, and possess fluent/business level written and spoke English skills.

Further requirements include:

- Strong knowledge of international and regional frameworks (UNCRPD, SDGs, African Disability Protocol)
- Track record of advocacy and engagement with OPDs, CSOs, and government duty bearers
- Strong research, analytical, and report writing skills

This is a highly varied and involved consultancy position, and the above is not an exhaustive list