INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), the Energy Sector Regulator in Malawi, was established under the Energy Regulation Act No 20 of 2004 with the mandate to regulate the energy sector in Malawi in a fair, transparent, efficient, and cost-effective manner for the benefit of consumers and operators. MERA's vision is to be an innovative and effective energy regulator.

To fulfil the mandate and vision effectively and efficiently with strategic leadership and management, an excellent and rare opportunity has arisen to engage qualified persons of Malawian origin to fill various strategic and leadership positions tenable at MERA Head Office in Lilongwe. The Board of Directors of MERA therefore invites applications from suitable candidates to fill the positions on three (3) year employment contracts.

These are highly demanding positions that require persons who have demonstrable capacity to initiate strategic leadership, administrative, and managerial innovations geared at making MERA a vibrant and competitive public institution.

DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC REGULATION (DER)

2. Post: Director of Economic Regulation (DER)

Grade: M2

Reporting to: CEO

Responsible for: Economic Regulation Manager

Purpose of the Job

To ensure development and maintenance of a favorable business environment for the energy sector conducive for open and fair competition among operators and consumers.

Key Duties

• Developing Directorate's plans, programmes, projects and budgets based on priorities within resources allocated.
• Formulating, implementing and monitoring short-term and long-term economic strategies for energy regulation.
• Analyzing, setting and reviewing energy tariffs including taking full responsibility with the controls and management of pricing models including the Automatic Pricing Model (APM).
• Developing, implementing and maintaining licensing criteria/guidelines on economic aspects.
• Undertaking economic evaluation in respect of licence applications and monitoring compliance.
• Taking lead in introducing and maintaining economic mechanisms to facilitate smooth entry of potential investors, eliminating monopolistic tendencies in the sector.
• Promoting open and fair competition for investors to operate profitably without compromising on quality of services.
• Developing and implementing economic monitoring mechanisms to ensure that players in the sector comply with standards set by the authority.
• Liaising with Government of Malawi and other key stakeholders and representing the Authority on matters relating to economic energy regulation.
• Allocating and supervising work of the Senior Economic Regulation Specialist.
• Coordinating and analyzing regulatory audits, investigations and survey reports in the energy sector and recommending appropriate action to management and Board of Directors.
• Monitoring and evaluating the economic efficiency and performance of energy operators in respect of agreed key performance indicators.
• Developing incentives for efficiency and improvements in the provision of services by licensees.
• Consolidating and analysing data on economic indices, consumer statistics and associated demand profiles for consumers' information.
• Representing the authority at meetings.

Minimum Academic and Professional Qualification and Experience.

The ideal candidate for the position must:

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Economics from an accredited institution or a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Certified/Certified Accountant.
• Possess a Master's degree in Economics or a Master's degree in Finance from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Have seven (7) years' experience with three (3) years at senior or middle management level in a highly reputable institution.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the Energy Sector.
• Be a registered member with a relevant professional body.

Competencies and personal attributes

The ideal candidate must:

• Have a proven track record in strategic management.
• Demonstrate exceptional leadership and high-level managerial skills.
• Possess a high level of integrity and strong team-building skills.
• Be results oriented.
• Be decisive, self-motivated, and assertive.
• Have advanced level practical experience with Microsoft Excel and financial models development

In addition to the above, MERA requires the ideal candidate to demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and computer systems, particularly in price modelling and regulatory analysis. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be required to undertake a practical proficiency assessment as part of the selection process.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

MERA shall offer an attractive employee benefits package to the successful candidates in accordance with its emolument structure (commensurate with qualifications and experience) which includes salary, medical insurance, and membership to contributory Medical Scheme.

• Developing Directorate's plans, programmes, projects and budgets based on priorities within resources allocated.
• Formulating, implementing and monitoring short-term and long-term economic strategies for energy regulation.
• Analyzing, setting and reviewing energy tariffs including taking full responsibility with the controls and management of pricing models including the Automatic Pricing Model (APM).
• Developing, implementing and maintaining licensing criteria/guidelines on economic aspects.
• Undertaking economic evaluation in respect of licence applications and monitoring compliance.
• Taking lead in introducing and maintaining economic mechanisms to facilitate smooth entry of potential investors, eliminating monopolistic tendencies in the sector.
• Promoting open and fair competition for investors to operate profitably without compromising on quality of services.
• Developing and implementing economic monitoring mechanisms to ensure that players in the sector comply with standards set by the authority.
• Liaising with Government of Malawi and other key stakeholders and representing the Authority on matters relating to economic energy regulation.
• Allocating and supervising work of the Senior Economic Regulation Specialist.
• Coordinating and analyzing regulatory audits, investigations and survey reports in the energy sector and recommending appropriate action to management and Board of Directors.
• Monitoring and evaluating the economic efficiency and performance of energy operators in respect of agreed key performance indicators.
• Developing incentives for efficiency and improvements in the provision of services by licensees.
• Consolidating and analysing data on economic indices, consumer statistics and associated demand profiles for consumers' information.
• Representing the authority at meetings.

• Proven track record in strategic management.
• Exceptional leadership and high-level managerial skills.
• High level of integrity and strong team-building skills.
• Results oriented.
• Decisive, self-motivated, and assertive.
• Advanced level practical experience with Microsoft Excel and financial models development.
• Advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and computer systems, particularly in price modelling and regulatory analysis.

• Bachelor's degree in Economics from an accredited institution or a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Certified/Certified Accountant.
• Master's degree in Economics or a Master's degree in Finance from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Registered member with a relevant professional body.