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:  Legal Services Manager tenable at its secretariat situated in Arwa House, City Center, Lilongwe.

LEGAL SERVICES MANAGER

Grade: ME3
Division : Legal Services
Reporting to : Director General

Job Summary

To ensure the authority’s business is transacted according to the laws of Malawi and other relevant legal frameworks.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide legal advice, interpretation, and guidance on environmental laws, regulations, and policies to the Authority, government departments, and relevant stakeholders.
2. Develop Division’s plans, monitoring strategic documents, programmes, projects, and budgets based on priorities within allocated resources.
3. Assist in the development and review of environmental legislation, guidelines standards and policies to address environmental challenges and alignment with national, international standards and relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements.
4. Prepare legal documents, including summons, notices, and legal opinions, and represent the Authority in legal proceedings at Court, the Environmental Tribunal or any alternative dispute resolution fora.
5. Conduct legal research on relevant environmental issues and prepare findings to inform the Authority’s decision-making.
6. Review and negotiate contracts or agreements and advise the Authority on compliance and mitigation of risks.
7. Collaborate with internal directorates, other enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and relevant stakeholders to develop measures for effective enforcement.
8. Provide legal advice on ratification, accession and implementation of conventions, and agreements related to environmental issues.
9. Allocate and supervise work of Senior Legal Officer and lawyers on retainer.
10. Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Director General.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Law
• At least five years’ experience in a legal matters position
• Relevant experience in environment and/or natural resources law is an added advantage.

Skills and Abilities

• Valid practicing licence
• Familiarity with administrative law and contract law;
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Integrity, honesty and confidentiality.

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.