Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) is a wholly owned Government of Malawi company established under the Companies Act of 1984 on 10 December 2010. The Company commenced operations in 2012 with the primary objective of ensuring security of fuel supply in Malawi.

NOCMA is responsible for the importation of petroleum products and serves as Government’s agent in managing the Country’s Strategic Fuel Reserves (SFRs) located in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu, as well as other depots in Chilumba, Chipoka, and Mchinji.

Over the past fourteen (14) years, the Company has grown significantly in national strategic importance. Its fuel importation market share increased from ten percent (10%) in 2015 to an average of seventy-seven (77%) in the 2025/2026 financial year. This growth has been matched by strengthened institutional capacity and strategic investments to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

In pursuit of sustained performance and excellence in delivering its mandate, NOCMA invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the following positions.

An attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications will be offered to the successful candidates, with an opportunity to build a meaningful executive career within the oil and gas industry.

Responsibilities or duties

The Legal Services Manager oversees and manages all legal affairs of the Company, ensuring compliance with laws, mitigating legal risks, and providing expert legal guidance to leadership, management, and staff to safeguard NOCMA’s interests.

• Oversee and manage the activities of the Company’s legal section.
• Provide legal advice, opinions, and interpretations on contracts and regulatory frameworks.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage agreements, MOUs, and other legal instruments.
• Coordinate and manage external legal counsel as required.
• Handle litigation involving the Company and represent it in court or arbitration.
• Interpret laws and regulations relevant to the Company’s operations and business transactions.
• Review Company policies to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct legal research to support decision-making and risk management.
• Advise on and promote effective complaint handling and stakeholder feedback procedures.
• Provide guidance and support to leadership and staff on all legal matters.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

The required candidate should have the following competences, skills, and attributes:

• Planning and organizing – ability in planning and organizing for delivery of required outputs
• Performance management – ability to set Key Performance Indicators (KPls) and oversee their achievement.
• Communication and reporting – ability to prepare and present professionally researched papers that comply with standard policies and other requirements.
• Building and maintaining partnerships – ability to build a network of external stakeholders and alliances with government counterparts, and other stakeholders to promote and advance the work of the Company.
• Thinking and acting strategically – ability to understand the big picture and to identify potential opportunities for action and challenges that exist.

Experience needed

• A Bachelor of Laws [LLB (Hons)) from an accredited institution. Possession of a master’s degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
• At least five (5) years of full & current membership of the Malawi Law Society.
• A minimum of eight (8) years’ cumulative work experience in corporate, commercial, or regulatory legal practice, five (5) of which should have been spent in a comparable role.
• Proven experience in litigation, contract negotiation, and legal advisory at a senior level.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

The Legal Services Manager reports to the Director of Corporate Services and is responsible for supervising the Legal Services Officer.

In line with the Gender Equality Act of 2013, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. NOCMA is committed to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants.

• Oversee and manage the activities of the Company’s legal section.
• Provide legal advice, opinions, and interpretations on contracts and regulatory frameworks.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage agreements, MOUs, and other legal instruments.
• Coordinate and manage external legal counsel as required.
• Handle litigation involving the Company and represent it in court or arbitration.
• Interpret laws and regulations relevant to the Company’s operations and business transactions.
• Review Company policies to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct legal research to support decision-making and risk management.
• Advise on and promote effective complaint handling and stakeholder feedback procedures.
• Provide guidance and support to leadership and staff on all legal matters.

• Planning and organizing – ability in planning and organizing for delivery of required outputs
• Performance management – ability to set Key Performance Indicators (KPls) and oversee their achievement.
• Communication and reporting – ability to prepare and present professionally researched papers that comply with standard policies and other requirements.
• Building and maintaining partnerships – ability to build a network of external stakeholders and alliances with government counterparts, and other stakeholders to promote and advance the work of the Company.
• Thinking and acting strategically – ability to understand the big picture and to identify potential opportunities for action and challenges that exist.

• A Bachelor of Laws [LLB (Hons)) from an accredited institution. Possession of a master’s degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
• At least five (5) years of full & current membership of the Malawi Law Society.
• A minimum of eight (8) years’ cumulative work experience in corporate, commercial, or regulatory legal practice, five (5) of which should have been spent in a comparable role.
• Proven experience in litigation, contract negotiation, and legal advisory at a senior level.