INTRODUCTION

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.Geographic Reference

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.

DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING SERVICES

Reports to: Director General

Job Purpose

The Director of Broadcasting Services is responsible for strategic regulation, licensing, monitoring and development of Malawi’s broadcasting sector. This role ensures compliance with the Communications Act, broadcasting regulations and the Broadcasting Code of Conduct, while fostering a competitive, diverse and responsible industry.Jobs

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy and Regulatory Framework

• Lead the formulation, review and implementation of broadcasting regulations, policies and standards, aligned with international best practices.
• Oversee the enforcement of the Broadcasting Code of Conduct and other applicable regulatory instruments.
• Provide strategic policy advice to the Director General on broadcasting matters.

2. Licensing and Authorization

• Supervise the processing, evaluation and analysis of broadcasting licence applications in collaboration with the Frequency Management Directorate.
• Formulate recommendations for the issuance, renewal, amendment, suspension or revocation of broadcasting licences.
• Ensure licensing processes are transparent, efficient and legally compliant.

3. Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement

• Direct the monitoring of broadcasters to ensure adherence to licence conditions, the Communications Act and relevant regulations.
• Lead investigations into regulatory breaches and recommend appropriate enforcement actions, including corrective measures and sanctions.

4. Market Analysis and Industry Development

• Monitor trends, developments and competitive dynamics within the broadcasting sector.
• Assess sector performance and recommend regulatory interventions to promote innovation, diversity and sustainable growth.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate strong relationships with broadcasters, government bodies, industry associations, consumers and other stakeholders.
• Represent MACRA at national, regional and international forums on broadcasting regulation.
• Coordinate consultations on broadcasting policy and regulatory reform.

6. Strategic Planning and Performance Management

• Develop and implement the Directorate’s strategic plans, annual work plans and budgets.
• Monitor performance against targets and ensure the efficient use of resources.
• Prepare and present regular reports, briefing papers and management information to the Director General and the Board.

7. Leadership and People Management

• Provide effective leadership, guidance and supervision to Directorate staff.
• Foster a professional environment characterised by integrity and accountability.
• Identify capacity-building needs and facilitate staff development initiatives.

8. Management Reporting

• Produce timely, accurate and analytical reports on broadcasting activities, sector performance and emerging issues.
• Maintain robust records and databases to support evidence-based decision-making.

Qualifications, Work Experience, and Competencies

• Master’s Degree in Broadcasting, Media Studies, Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering or a closely related field from a recognised institution.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting, Mass Communication, Media Studies, Journalism, Communications or a related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional body is an added advantage.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-qualification experience in broadcasting regulation, media management, communications or telecommunications, including at least five (5) years at a senior management level.
• Demonstrated experience in broadcasting licensing, compliance monitoring, enforcement and regulatory policy development.
• Proven ability to develop and implement broadcasting standards and guidelines.
• In-depth knowledge of broadcasting technologies, digital migration, content regulation and emerging media platforms.
• Strong understanding of the Communications Act and other relevant national and international regulatory frameworks.
• Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration with government agencies, industry bodies and regional/international regulators.
• Proven experience in budget preparation, resource management and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant digital tools.

• Lead the formulation, review and implementation of broadcasting regulations, policies and standards, aligned with international best practices.
• Oversee the enforcement of the Broadcasting Code of Conduct and other applicable regulatory instruments.
• Provide strategic policy advice to the Director General on broadcasting matters.
• Supervise the processing, evaluation and analysis of broadcasting licence applications in collaboration with the Frequency Management Directorate.
• Formulate recommendations for the issuance, renewal, amendment, suspension or revocation of broadcasting licences.
• Ensure licensing processes are transparent, efficient and legally compliant.
• Direct the monitoring of broadcasters to ensure adherence to licence conditions, the Communications Act and relevant regulations.
• Lead investigations into regulatory breaches and recommend appropriate enforcement actions, including corrective measures and sanctions.
• Monitor trends, developments and competitive dynamics within the broadcasting sector.
• Assess sector performance and recommend regulatory interventions to promote innovation, diversity and sustainable growth.
• Cultivate strong relationships with broadcasters, government bodies, industry associations, consumers and other stakeholders.
• Represent MACRA at national, regional and international forums on broadcasting regulation.
• Coordinate consultations on broadcasting policy and regulatory reform.
• Develop and implement the Directorate’s strategic plans, annual work plans and budgets.
• Monitor performance against targets and ensure the efficient use of resources.
• Prepare and present regular reports, briefing papers and management information to the Director General and the Board.
• Provide effective leadership, guidance and supervision to Directorate staff.
• Foster a professional environment characterised by integrity and accountability.
• Identify capacity-building needs and facilitate staff development initiatives.
• Produce timely, accurate and analytical reports on broadcasting activities, sector performance and emerging issues.
• Maintain robust records and databases to support evidence-based decision-making.

• Excellent report writing, presentation, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant digital tools.

• Master’s Degree in Broadcasting, Media Studies, Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering or a closely related field from a recognised institution.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting, Mass Communication, Media Studies, Journalism, Communications or a related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional body is an added advantage.