Executive Director

Women Lawyers Association (WLA)

VACANCY – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Women Lawyers Association (WLA) is an independent non-profit organization that is made up of women lawyers from: the public sector; private practice; commercial and nongovernmental organizations; law students; paralegals, professional and lay magistrates and some honorary male lawyers mandated to empower women and girls and promote gender and human rights in Malawi. WLA utilizes the law as a tool for promoting, protecting and enforcing the rights of women and children by advocating for legal and systemic changes that address violence and discrimination against women and children in Malawi. In order to fulfil its mandate, WLA invites applications from qualified candidates to fill the position of Executive Director tenable at their office in Lilongwe:

Contract Duration: 12 Months
Contract Type: Full-time
Benefits: Access to institutional vehicle, subscription to WLA and MLS, payments for MLS CPDs.

Job Description

The successful candidate shall be reporting to WLA’s Executive Committee (Exco). The Executive Director (ED) shall supervise the development and implementation of WLA’s Strategic Plan in line with WLA’s mandate. The ED shall have the following responsibilities:

  • Supervising the daily operations of WLA and ensuring that WLA’s mandate is achieved.
  • Preparing comprehensive reports on WLA’s activities for the Exco, Board of Trustees, donors and general membership on WLA’s activities.
  • Developing and implementing relevant policies and standard operating procedures for WLA.
  • Fostering WLA’s relationships with its partners and stakeholders.
  • Supervising and conducting litigation and advocacy related to women and girls’ rights.
  • Ensuring proper management of WLA’s Safe House.
  • Implementing and supervising WLA’s active case management system.
  • Organizing capacity building trainings and conferences for the Secretariat and WLA members.
  • Carrying out any other duties as assigned from time to time by the Exco.

Requirements

  • A minimum of a Bachelor of Laws Degree obtained from a reputable institution. Those with an LLM will have an added advantage.
  • Admitted to practice law in Malawi and currently holding a valid practicing licence.
  • A minimum of five (5) years post-admission experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing sustainable strategies and plans in the protection of the rights of women and children in Malawi.
  • Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory standards and frameworks governing the rights of women and children in Malawi.
  • Demonstrated experience in leadership with an in-depth knowledge of corporate governance. Those with experience in governance of similar organizations will have an added advantage.

Mode of Application

WLA is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated workforce aimed at the promotion of the rights of women and children in Malawi. WLA does not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, age, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Interested candidates should submit in one (1) pdf their application letters together with a three (3) paged Curriculum Vitae with three (3) traceable referees and copies of professional certificates to the following email info@womenlawyersmalawi.org with a copy to president@womenlawyersmalawi.org and secretary@womenlawyersmalawi.org addressed to:

The President
Women Lawyers Association
Area 6, Plot 6/202
P.O. Box 30864
Capital City
LILONGWE 3

All applications should reach the President not later than 17:00 hours on Monday, 6th January 2025.

Applicants are urged to follow these instructions as applications which do not comply with the said instructions will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.