Overview

A. 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 for sustainable socio-economic development. The MERA’s vision is to be a recognised global leader in Energy Regulation.

To fulfil the mandate and vision effectively and efficiently, an excellent and rare opportunity has arisen to engage a qualified person of Malawian origin to fill the position of Senior Legal Officer (Grade M4) on permanent basis tenable at MERA Head Office in Lilongwe. MERA therefore invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position on permanent basis.

B. POST: SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER

GRADE: M4

REPORTING TO: DIRECTOR OF LEGAL SERVICES

RESPONSIBLE FOR: N/A

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

a) Participating in developing directorate’s plans, monitoring strategies, programmes, projects,
procedural rules and budgets based on priorities within allocated resources.
b) Interpreting relevant laws in respect to the business transactions of the Authority;
c) Participating in the development and review of laws pertaining to the sector.
d) Attending to hearing processes and arbitrating energy regulatory related disputes, consumer, and
operator complaints.
e) 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;
f) Undertaking legal research and drafting bye laws pertaining to the sector.
g) Advocating the use of appropriate complaint handling procedures and stakeholder feedback
process.
h) Preparing, reviewing and drafting agreements including international conventions analysis.
i) Representing the Authority on legal matters including dispute resolution, contract negotiations and
litigation involving Government and other stakeholders.
j) Allocating and supervising work of the Legal Officer
k) Preparing periodic reports.
l) Any other legal related work.

C. MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATION, KEY ATTRIBUTES AND, EXPERIENCE

a) Master’s Degree in Law plus four (4) years’ experience at Senior Legal position.
b) Be a practising lawyer and with evidence of good standing with Malawi Law Society.
c) Be a person of impeccable character.
d) Have a valid practising licence.
e) Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Energy Sector in Malawi.
f) Be a Person with excellent interpersonal skills;
g) High level of professionalism and team spirit;
h) Self-starter and able to work independently to meet deadlines;
i) Computer literate.

D. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

MERA shall offer an attractive employee benefit in accordance with its emolument structure
(commensurate with qualifications and experience) which includes amongst others salary, life insurance, and membership to contributory Medical Scheme.

E. METHOD OF APPLICATION

Candidates should submit their applications with the following:

i) Updated Curriculum Vitae.
ii) Names and contacts of Three Traceable Referees, one of them should be the current or previous employer within the last three years.
iii) Copies of their Academic and Professional Qualifications.

The application should be sent to the address below:

The Chief Executive Officer,
Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA)
MERA Office Complex
Private Bag B- 496,
Capital City
LILONGWE 3

Closing date for receiving applications is not later than Tuesday, 5th March, 2024. Only short listed
candidates will be acknowledged.

MERA is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.