The Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) was established by Section 7 (1) of the Environment Management Act (EMA) of 2017 as the principal agency for the protection and management of the environment and sustainable utilization of natural resources. MEPA coordinates, monitors, supervises and consults with all relevant stakeholders on all activities relating to the utilization and management of the environment and natural resources.

The MEPA is inviting applications from suitable, highly qualified, experienced and motivated candidates to fill the position of: Biodiversity Conservation Manager tenable at its secretariat situated in Arwa House, City Center, Lilongwe.

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION MANAGER

Grade: ME3
Directorate : Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Management
Reporting to : Director of Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change

Job Summary

To provide technical leadership in the regulation of biodiversity conservation, protection and management

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide technical leadership in planning, management, and implementation of biodiversity conservation and management programs.
2. Facilitate the development, implementation and enforcement of measures for access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits arising from its utilisation.
3. Support and promote the enforcement of legislation, regulations and guidelines on Biodiversity.
4. Provide technical advice and support on the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for the benefits of local communities.
5. Enforce compliance with related measures on Invasive Alien Species Management including coordination and implementation of programs for the prevention, control or eradication of listed alien and invasive species.
6. Provide technical guidance on ensuring that biodiversity aspects of environment are integrated in social impact assessments to ensure the conservation and sustainable utilization of biological diversity.
7. Support the applications of biotechnologies in order to comply with the Biosafety Act.
8. Lead in the implementation of strategies, plans and programmes for the protection, conservation and management of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
9. Provide expert advice and support to officers investigating illegal activities that may have resulted on impacts on biodiversity.
10. Identify regulatory gaps and propose amendments to existing biodiversity standards and requirements.
11. Provide secretarial services to specialist biodiversity committees including the National Red Data List Working Group, Biodiversity Advisory Committee and Invasive Alien Species Committee among others.
12. Perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Biodiversity, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences or other Natural Resources related field.
• At least Five years’ experience in biodiversity conservation and management and/or biosafety.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills
• People management skills.
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel and Access).
• High integrity, honesty personality, strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Applications including a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), signed letters, photocopies of relevant certificates, names and addresses of three traceable referees, one of which must be from the most recent employer should be sent to the following address not later than 27th September, 2024:

Director General
Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA)
Private Bag 317
LILONGWE

MEPA is an equal opportunities employer and only short-listed applicants will be acknowledged and invited to the interviews.