PAWEM

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Title: Health Volunteer Journalists – CHRWI Initiative

Organization: Patient & Community Welfare Foundation of Malawi (PAWEM)

MapsLocation: Machinga, Thyolo, Chikwawa, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Mwanza, Neno, Phalombe, Salima, Karonga, Likoma, Nsanje, Mzimba South, Rumphi, Nkhotakota, Ntcheu, Ntchisi.

Employment Type: Volunteer

Application Deadline: 21 July 2026

About PAWEM

The Patient & Community Welfare Foundation of Malawi (PAWEM) is a community-focused civil society organization committed to advancing patient rights, strengthening health system accountability, and amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities across all 28 districts in Malawi. PAWEM believes that communities are not merely recipients of health services—they are active rights holders who must be empowered to monitor, document, and advocate for the services they deserve.

As Malawi’s lead implementing organization for the Community Health Rights Watch Initiative (CHRWI), PAWEM brings together community structures, civil society networks, government partners, and development partners in a unified national effort.

When PAWEM recently appeared before the Parliamentary Health Committee to discuss the growing problem of drug theft in public health facilities, one message stood out clearly: communities must be part of the solution. During the meeting, Members of Parliament emphasized the importance of strengthening community participation in protecting public health resources. PAWEM used the opportunity to advocate for stronger whistleblower protection policies and highlighted the need to create safe channels for citizens to report drug theft, corruption, and other health rights violations without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

Building on these discussions, PAWEM is now rolling out the Community Health Rights Watch Initiative (CHRWI), a nationwide community-based program that will operate in all 28 districts of Malawi.

The initiative will establish a network of Health Volunteer Journalists who will work closely with communities to identify, document, and report health rights concerns. Through community dialogues, health rights committees, and digital reporting systems, citizens will have a stronger voice in protecting healthcare services and ensuring that essential medicines reach the people who need them most.

Available Position

Health Volunteer Journalist

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, document, and report health rights concerns within their communities.
• Write and disseminate human-interest stories and reports on health system accountability issues.
• Support community whistleblowers by documenting suspected drug theft, diversion of medicines, corruption, discrimination, or other abuses within the health system.
• Participate in community dialogues and health rights committees.
• Use digital reporting systems to submit verified reports to PAWEM.

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education

• Health Volunteer Journalists: Diploma/Certificate in Journalism, Media Studies, or Mass Communication.

Residency

• Must be a resident of the district where you are applying to work.

Equipment

• Must possess an Android smartphone capable of taking photos, recording videos, and accessing the internet.

Values & Commitment

• Must demonstrate a passion for social justice, patient rights, and health equity.
• Must be committed to advocating for patient rights and health system accountability.
• Willing to work in your community and serve vulnerable populations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the online application form via the link below. Please have the following documents ready to upload:

• National ID.
• Cover Letter.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Academic Certificates/Diplomas.

Apply through:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdARylleDA2zxFpPOyFtYB7w-k7ACQYuFHm4cDFEMkCHX5mtw/viewform?usp=dialog

Application Deadline: 21 July, 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Why Join PAWEM?

• Be part of a nationwide movement to strengthen health system accountability and patient rights.
• Work directly with communities to protect public health resources.
• Gain experience in community advocacy, health monitoring, and reporting.
• Contribute to the fight against drug theft and corruption in Malawi’s health system.
• Psychology

PAWEM is an equal opportunity organization. Women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.