University of Malawi is hiring for the position of University Chaplain, based in Zomba. It is a full-time position. Applications close on Friday, 20 November 2026. Applications go directly to the employer; see how to apply below.

Location: Zomba
Employer: University of Malawi (UNIMA)
Department: Directorate of Student Affairs
Closing date: 20 November 2026

About the University of Malawi

The University of Malawi (UNIMA), based in Zomba, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following post.

About the position

The University of Malawi invites applications from suitably qualified, committed, and spiritually mature individuals for the position of University Chaplain. The successful candidate will provide spiritual leadership, pastoral care, counselling, and guidance to students, academic staff, administrative personnel, and the wider university community.

The University seeks a person of integrity who can promote spiritual growth, ethical leadership, compassion, unity, and peaceful coexistence in a diverse academic environment.

Key duties and responsibilities

The Chaplain will be responsible for:

Providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and counselling to students and staff.
Organising and conducting worship services, prayer meetings, Bible studies, and other spiritual activities.
Offering emotional and spiritual support to members of the university community during times of grief, illness, stress, and personal challenges.
Promoting moral values, ethical conduct, discipline, peace, reconciliation, and responsible citizenship.
Coordinating chaplaincy programmes, religious activities, retreats, seminars, and spiritual conferences.
Supporting students’ holistic development, including their spiritual, emotional, social, and moral wellbeing.
Working collaboratively with student organisations, university management, staff associations, and religious groups.
Promoting interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, inclusion, and respect for different beliefs.
Visiting students and staff who are sick, bereaved, or experiencing personal difficulties.
Maintaining appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries in pastoral counselling.
Preparing chaplaincy work plans, activity reports, and budgets as required.
Performing any other duties reasonably assigned by university management.

Qualifications and requirements

Applicants should possess the following qualifications and attributes:

A recognised degree in Theology, Divinity, Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry, or a related field.
Ordination, commissioning, or formal recognition by a recognised religious denomination, where applicable.
Relevant experience in pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, counselling, or religious leadership.
Demonstrated ability to provide pastoral care and spiritual guidance to people from diverse backgrounds.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership, and organisational skills.
High standards of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and personal conduct.
Ability to work collaboratively with students, academic staff, university management, and external religious organisations.
Basic computer skills and the ability to prepare reports and manage programmes.
Additional training in counselling, psychology, youth ministry, or student welfare will be an added advantage.
Developing and maintaining rapport between the University and religious bodies

Personal attributes

The ideal candidate should be compassionate, approachable, prayerful, trustworthy, emotionally mature, culturally sensitive, and committed to the spiritual and holistic development of the university community.

How to apply

Send a detailed CV, copies of certificates, your National ID and the names of three traceable referees by email to [email protected], or by post to:
The Registrar
University of Malawi
P.O. Box 280
Zomba
Malawi

Closing date: 20 November 2026.

Applications go directly to the employer, not to Malawi24.

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