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.

POSITION: DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AFFAIRS AND BOARD SECRETARY (DLABS)

1. Post: Director of Legal Affairs and Board Secretary (DLABS)

Grade: M2

Reporting to: CEO

Responsible for: Legal Services Manager

Purpose of the Job

To ensure the Authority's business is transacted according to the laws of Malawi and other relevant legal frameworks.

Key Duties

• Developing Directorate's plans, monitoring strategies, programmes, projects, procedural rules and budgets based on priorities within allocated resources.
• Interpreting relevant laws with respect to the business transactions of the Authority;
• Initiating the development and review of laws pertaining to energy regulation
• Attending to hearing processes and arbitrating energy regulatory related disputes, consumer and operator complaints.
• Processing and evaluating the legality of codes, orders, and other documents for the Authority, including licence applications and issuing, special reports from licensees, and relevant letters from the public and Government.
• Developing, implementing and maintaining licensing criteria/guidelines on legal aspects.
• Undertaking legal research and drafting bye laws pertaining to the energy sector.
• Developing and advocating the use of appropriate complaint handling procedures and stakeholder feedback process.
• Preparing, reviewing and drafting agreements including international conventions analysis.
• Representing the Authority on legal matters including dispute resolution, contract negotiations and litigation involving Government and other stakeholders.
• Allocating and supervising work of the Legal Services Manager.
• Preparing periodic reports.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement Business Board and keep its record.

Minimum Academic, Professional Qualification and Experience

1. Possess a Bachelor's degree in Law from an accredited institution.
2. Possess a Master's degree in Law, Corporate Governance or Business Administration from an accredited institution of higher learning.
3. Be admitted to the bar, and a good standing registered licensed member of the Malawi Law Society and have been so standing the previous consecutive five (5) years (not been under sanctions, suspension, penalty, or related decision of the Society within this period) and not currently under the Society's disciplinary process or court's process related to personal or professional disciplinary matters.
4. Have seven (7) years' experience with three (3) years at senior or middle management level in a highly reputable and busy working environment.
5. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the Energy sector.
6. Demonstrate ability to resolve practical legal problems.

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.

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, monitoring strategies, programmes, projects, procedural rules and budgets based on priorities within allocated resources.
• Interpreting relevant laws with respect to the business transactions of the Authority;
• Initiating the development and review of laws pertaining to energy regulation
• Attending to hearing processes and arbitrating energy regulatory related disputes, consumer and operator complaints.
• Processing and evaluating the legality of codes, orders, and other documents for the Authority, including licence applications and issuing, special reports from licensees, and relevant letters from the public and Government.
• Developing, implementing and maintaining licensing criteria/guidelines on legal aspects.
• Undertaking legal research and drafting bye laws pertaining to the energy sector.
• Developing and advocating the use of appropriate complaint handling procedures and stakeholder feedback process.
• Preparing, reviewing and drafting agreements including international conventions analysis.
• Representing the Authority on legal matters including dispute resolution, contract negotiations and litigation involving Government and other stakeholders.
• Allocating and supervising work of the Legal Services Manager.
• Preparing periodic reports.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement Business Board and keep its record.

• 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.
• Thorough knowledge of the Energy sector.
• Ability to resolve practical legal problems.

• Bachelor's degree in Law from an accredited institution.
• Master's degree in Law, Corporate Governance or Business Administration from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Admitted to the bar, and a good standing registered licensed member of the Malawi Law Society and have been so standing the previous consecutive five (5) years (not been under sanctions, suspension, penalty, or related decision of the Society within this period) and not currently under the Society's disciplinary process or court's process related to personal or professional disciplinary matters.