Background

Malawi Airlines Limited is a registered partnership company with shareholding between Malawi Government and Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise. Malawi Airlines is the national flag carrier that operates B737-700, B737- 800 and Q400 Aircrafts having direct flights to regional cities of Johannesburg; Lusaka; Harare, Nairobi, Entebbe and Dar es Salaam; besides daily domestic flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre. The Airline offers warm and friendly service to make customers feel at home. It plays vital role in promoting tourism and trade by providing value for money services to all the destinations it operates. Malawi Airlines has excellent on-time performance and baggage handling services.

To keep our promise and in line with our growth strategy, the airline intends to recruit.

LEGAL AND SECRETARIAT MANAGER

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill in the position of Legal and Secretariat Manager based in Lilongwe. The role holder will be reporting to the Chief Executive Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Legal Services & Litigation Management

• Provide timely and sound legal advice to Management and the Board on all legal matters affecting the airline.
• Manage and oversee all litigation, disputes, and court cases for and against Malawi Airlines, including labour, commercial, contractual, and aviation-related claims.
• Represent the Airline or liaise with and manage external lawyers, ensuring cost-effective and favorable outcomes.
• Draft, review, vet contracts and agreements with suppliers, lessors, service providers, and partners.
• Manage legal risk, maintain litigation register, and provide regular litigation status reports to management.

B. Board Secretariat

• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors and Subcommittees.
• Plan and manage Board and Committee meetings including preparation of annual Board calendar, agendas, Board packs, and taking minutes.
• Ensure safe custody of Board and statutory records.
• Advise the Board on corporate governance best practices.
• Facilitate Board evaluations, Director induction and continuous development.

C. Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Malawi Companies Act and other applicable aviation laws.
• Act as liaison officer with Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Justice, Judiciary, and other regulators.
• Ensure timely statutory filings and renewal of licenses, permits and regulatory approvals.
• Custodian of the Company’s legal and compliance framework. including development of corporate policies.
• Perform any other duties assigned from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honours Degree from a recognized university. Must be admitted to the Malawi Bar.
• Master’s Degree in Business Law, Commercial Law or Corporate Law will be an added advantage.
• Possession of ICSA/Chartered Secretary qualification or training in Corporate Secretarial practice is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7-10 years post-qualification experience, with at least 3 years in a senior legal role.
• Experience in aviation, parastatal or listed company is an added advantage.
• Proven experience in handling court litigation and Board secretariat functions.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Excellent knowledge of Malawi contract law, labour law, commercial law and aviation law.
• Strong litigation and negotiation skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.
• Excellent drafting, minute-taking and report writing skills.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance under the Malawi Code II
• Ability to manage external counsel and work under pressure

• Provide timely and sound legal advice to Management and the Board on all legal matters affecting the airline.
• Manage and oversee all litigation, disputes, and court cases for and against Malawi Airlines, including labour, commercial, contractual, and aviation-related claims.
• Represent the Airline or liaise with and manage external lawyers, ensuring cost-effective and favorable outcomes.
• Draft, review, vet contracts and agreements with suppliers, lessors, service providers, and partners.
• Manage legal risk, maintain litigation register, and provide regular litigation status reports to management.
• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors and Subcommittees.
• Plan and manage Board and Committee meetings including preparation of annual Board calendar, agendas, Board packs, and taking minutes.
• Ensure safe custody of Board and statutory records.
• Advise the Board on corporate governance best practices.
• Facilitate Board evaluations, Director induction and continuous development.
• Ensure compliance with Malawi Companies Act and other applicable aviation laws.
• Act as liaison officer with Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Justice, Judiciary, and other regulators.
• Ensure timely statutory filings and renewal of licenses, permits and regulatory approvals.
• Custodian of the Company’s legal and compliance framework. including development of corporate policies.
• Perform any other duties assigned from time to time.

• Excellent knowledge of Malawi contract law, labour law, commercial law and aviation law.
• Strong litigation and negotiation skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.
• Excellent drafting, minute-taking and report writing skills.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance under the Malawi Code II
• Ability to manage external counsel and work under pressure

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honours Degree from a recognized university.
• Must be admitted to the Malawi Bar.
• Master’s Degree in Business Law, Commercial Law or Corporate Law will be an added advantage.
• Possession of ICSA/Chartered Secretary qualification or training in Corporate Secretarial practice is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7-10 years post-qualification experience, with at least 3 years in a senior legal role.
• Experience in aviation, parastatal or listed company is an added advantage.
• Proven experience in handling court litigation and Board secretariat functions.