Background

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) stands at a pivotal moment in the nation’s digital evolution. As the statutory regulator for telecommunications, postal and broadcasting services, MACRA is mandated to foster an inclusive and innovative communications sector that drives socio-economic development. Rapid technological convergence, the expansion of digital broadcasting and the emergence of new media platforms present both significant opportunities and increasingly complex regulatory challenges. To navigate this dynamic environment effectively, ensure regulatory compliance, protect consumers and strengthen Malawi’s regional competitiveness, MACRA requires strategic leadership at the executive level. The Authority is therefore seeking to fill three critical roles: Director of Legal Services, Director of Finance and Director of Broadcasting Services. The Director of Legal Services is vital to maintaining a legally sound regulatory framework and safeguarding good governance. The Director of Broadcasting Services is essential for steering sector regulation, promoting diversity and upholding content standards in a rapidly evolving broadcasting landscape. While Finance is vital for providing strategic leadership in managing the Authority’s financial resources and ensuring that funds are used efficiently, transparently and in support of its regulatory mandate. Filling these positions is a strategic imperative. The successful candidates will provide the vision, leadership and expertise required to advance MACRA’s regulatory agenda and strengthen the communications sector as a cornerstone of national development. MACRA invites applications from accomplished professionals who are ready to drive regulatory excellence and contribute to the continued development of Malawi’s communications sector.

Job Purpose

The Director of Legal Services is responsible for providing high-level strategic legal counsel and governance support to the Authority. This role ensures the delivery of comprehensive, proactive and efficient legal services, safeguarding MACRA’s interests while navigating a dynamic regulatory and legislative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Secretary to the Board, offering expert legal guidance on governance matters.
• Provide strategic legal advice to the Board, Director General and senior management on regulatory, corporate and administrative issues.
• Oversee the drafting, review and amendment of regulations, policies, legal opinions and subsidiary legislation.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness and statutory compliance of all corporate legal records, including Board minutes and official documents.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal instruments, including international contracts and agreements.
• Manage the engagement of external legal counsel for litigation and specialized legal services.
• Represent MACRA in court proceedings, arbitration and other dispute resolution forums.
• Lead the preparation and drafting of licences for postal, telecommunications and broadcasting operators.
• Build and sustain effective stakeholder relationships with the Board, management, regulators and other key partners.
• Provide leadership, mentorship and professional development to staff within the Legal Services Directorate.
• Develop and manage the Directorate’s strategic plans, work programmes and budgets, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Promote a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement through effective performance management and succession planning.

Qualifications, Work Experience and Competencies

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Master of Laws (LLM) Degrees from a recognised university.
• Must be admitted to the Bar and hold a valid Practising Certificate in good standing.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive post-qualification legal experience, including at least five (5) years in a senior management or leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in corporate, commercial, administrative, labour and regulatory law as well as legislative drafting, litigation management and contract negotiation.
• Proven track record of providing strategic legal advice to senior management and governing boards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, corporate governance principles, public sector legal frameworks and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in policy formulation, legal risk management and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong project management, negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and legal research tools.

• Serve as Secretary to the Board, offering expert legal guidance on governance matters.
• Provide strategic legal advice to the Board, Director General and senior management on regulatory, corporate and administrative issues.
• Oversee the drafting, review and amendment of regulations, policies, legal opinions and subsidiary legislation.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness and statutory compliance of all corporate legal records, including Board minutes and official documents.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal instruments, including international contracts and agreements.
• Manage the engagement of external legal counsel for litigation and specialized legal services.
• Represent MACRA in court proceedings, arbitration and other dispute resolution forums.
• Lead the preparation and drafting of licences for postal, telecommunications and broadcasting operators.
• Build and sustain effective stakeholder relationships with the Board, management, regulators and other key partners.
• Provide leadership, mentorship and professional development to staff within the Legal Services Directorate.
• Develop and manage the Directorate’s strategic plans, work programmes and budgets, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Promote a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement through effective performance management and succession planning.

• Legislative drafting
• Litigation management
• Contract negotiation
• Policy formulation
• Legal risk management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Project management
• Negotiation
• Dispute resolution
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Proficiency in legal research tools

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Master of Laws (LLM) Degrees from a recognised university
• Admitted to the Bar
• Valid Practising Certificate in good standing