MALAWI FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM (MFLP) FOR RESULTS

PUBLIC DISCLOSURE NOTICE - MALAWI FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM (MFLP) FOR RESULTS

PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF THE LABOUR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES (LMP) FOR THE MALAWI FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM (MFLP)

1.0 Introduction

The Government of Malawi (GoM), through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), with support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the World Bank, will soon implement the Malawi Foundational Learning Program (MFLP) for Results. The program will be financed to the tune of US$68.7 million and aims to strengthen foundational learning outcomes in Malawi.

The program will be implemented primarily through the Program-for-Results (PforR) modality, which utilizes government systems, and supported by an Investment Project Financing (IPF) component. The IPF provides technical assistance, project management support, fiduciary oversight, and safeguards compliance to ensure the achievement of the program’s results.

In line with the World Bank Environmental and Social Standard 2: Labour and Working Conditions (ESS2) and Malawi’s national labour laws, the Ministry has developed Labour Management Procedures (LMP) to guide the management of labour within the Program Implementation Unit (PIU).

2.0 Purpose of the Labour Management Procedures (LMP)

The LMP outlines the policies, systems, and procedures for the management of labour hired under the IPF component. Specifically, it seeks to:

• Ensure fair treatment and equal opportunity for all PIU workers.

• Provide clear terms and conditions of employment.

• Promote occupational health and safety (OHS).

• Prevent and address Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEA/SH).

• Establish a functional workers’ grievance mechanism.

• Ensure compliance with World Bank ESS2 and Malawi’s Employment and Labour laws.

3.0 Program Workers

The LMP applies to all PIU staff engaged under the IPF component. The PIU will comprise a Program Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Financial Management Specialist, Social and Gender Specialist, Works Supervision Engineer, Communication Specialist, Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, and other support staff as hired or seconded.

No community workers, contractors, or primary suppliers are expected under this component.

4.0 Labour Risks

Although the program does not involve large-scale civil works, several labour-related risks have been identified, including:

• Occupational health and safety risks related to office operations and field missions.

• Labour disputes related to contracts or performance management.

• Risks of discrimination, SEA/SH, or gender-based inequalities.

• Psychosocial stress and workload-related pressure.

• Exposure to communicable diseases during travel or field activities. Mitigation measures are detailed in the LMP.

5.0 National Labour Laws and Standards

The LMP aligns with Malawi’s Employment Act (2000), Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act (1997), Labour Relations Act (1996), Workers Compensation Act (2000), Gender Equality Act (2013), Malawi HIV and AIDS Policy (2003), and the World Bank Environmental and Social Standard 2 (ESS2).

6.0 Grievance Mechanism

A Workers’ Grievance Mechanism (WGM) has been established for the program to enable staff to raise concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation. A separate confidential channel is available for SEA/SH-related grievances, managed by the Social and Gender Specialist.

7.0 Disclosure

The Labour Management Procedures (LMP) for the Malawi Foundational Learning Program for Results (MFLP) have been cleared by the World Bank and are hereby publicly disclosed. The documents are accessible on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology website and facebook page and at the World Bank website. Hard copies will be available at MoEST offices.

Those interested in reviewing the LMP may access it online or request hard copies from the Ministry.

For further information, suggestions, and queries, please contact:

The Secretary for Education, Science and Technology
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Private Bag 328
Capital City
LILONGWE 3

Tel: +265 1 789 422
+265 1 788 184
Email: info-edu@education.gov.mw