OVERVIEW

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) stands at a pivotal moment in the nation's digital evolution. As the statutory regulator for telecommunications, postal and broadcasting services, MACRA is mandated to foster an inclusive and innovative communications sector that drives socio-economic development. Rapid technological convergence, the expansion of digital broadcasting and the emergence of new media platforms present both significant opportunities and increasingly complex regulatory challenges. To navigate this dynamic environment effectively, ensure regulatory compliance, protect consumers and strengthen Malawi's regional competitiveness, MACRA requires strategic leadership at the executive level.

The Authority is therefore seeking to fill three critical roles: Director of Legal Services, Director of Finance and Director of Broadcasting Services. The successful candidates will provide the vision, leadership and expertise required to advance MACRA's regulatory agenda and strengthen the communications sector as a cornerstone of national development.

MACRA invites applications from accomplished professionals who are ready to drive regulatory excellence and contribute to the continued development of Malawi's communications sector.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, 15th September 2026

POSITION 1: DIRECTOR OF LEGAL SERVICES

Reports to: Director General

JOB TYPE: Fixed Contract

JOB PURPOSE

The Director of Legal Services is responsible for providing high-level strategic legal counsel and governance support to the Authority. This role ensures the delivery of comprehensive, proactive and efficient legal services, safeguarding MACRA's interests while navigating a dynamic regulatory and legislative environment.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Master of Laws (LLM) Degrees from a recognised university.
• Must be admitted to the Bar and hold a valid Practising Certificate in good standing.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive post-qualification legal experience, including at least five (5) years in a senior management or leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in corporate, commercial, administrative, labour and regulatory law as well as legislative drafting, litigation management and contract negotiation.
• Proven track record of providing strategic legal advice to senior management and governing boards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, corporate governance principles, public sector legal frameworks and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in policy formulation, legal risk management and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong project management, negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and legal research tools.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as Secretary to the Board, offering expert legal guidance on governance matters.
• Provide strategic legal advice to the Board, Director General and senior management on regulatory, corporate and administrative issues.
• Oversee the drafting, review and amendment of regulations, policies, legal opinions and subsidiary legislation.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness and statutory compliance of all corporate legal records, including Board minutes and official documents.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal instruments, including international contracts and agreements.
• Manage the engagement of external legal counsel for litigation and specialized legal services.
• Represent MACRA in court proceedings, arbitration and other dispute resolution forums.
• Lead the preparation and drafting of licences for postal, telecommunications and broadcasting operators.
• Build and sustain effective stakeholder relationships with the Board, management, regulators and other key partners.
• Provide leadership, mentorship and professional development to staff within the Legal Services Directorate.
• Develop and manage the Directorate's strategic plans, work programmes and budgets, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Promote a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement through effective performance management and succession planning.

POSITION 2: DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING SERVICES

Reports to: Director General

JOB TYPE: Fixed Contract

JOB PURPOSE

The Director of Broadcasting Services is responsible for strategic regulation, licensing, monitoring and development of Malawi's broadcasting sector. This role ensures compliance with the Communications Act, broadcasting regulations and the Broadcasting Code of Conduct, while fostering a competitive, diverse and responsible industry.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Broadcasting, Media Studies, Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering or a closely related field from a recognised institution.
• Bachelor's Degree in Broadcasting, Mass Communication, Media Studies, Journalism, Communications or a related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional body is an added advantage.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-qualification experience in broadcasting regulation, media management, communications or telecommunications, including at least five (5) years at a senior management level.
• Demonstrated experience in broadcasting licensing, compliance monitoring, enforcement and regulatory policy development.
• Proven ability to develop and implement broadcasting standards and guidelines.
• In-depth knowledge of broadcasting technologies, digital migration, content regulation and emerging media platforms.
• Strong understanding of the Communications Act and other relevant national and international regulatory frameworks.
• Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration with government agencies, industry bodies and regional/international regulators.
• Proven experience in budget preparation, resource management and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant digital tools.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Policy and Regulatory Framework:

• Lead the formulation, review and implementation of broadcasting regulations, policies and standards, aligned with international best practices.
• Oversee the enforcement of the Broadcasting Code of Conduct and other applicable regulatory instruments.
• Provide strategic policy advice to the Director General on broadcasting matters.

2. Licensing and Authorization:

• Supervise the processing, evaluation and analysis of broadcasting licence applications in collaboration with the Frequency Management Directorate.
• Formulate recommendations for the issuance, renewal, amendment, suspension or revocation of broadcasting licences.
• Ensure licensing processes are transparent, efficient and legally compliant.

3. Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement:

• Direct the monitoring of broadcasters to ensure adherence to licence conditions, the Communications Act and relevant regulations.
• Lead investigations into regulatory breaches and recommend appropriate enforcement actions, including corrective measures and sanctions.

4. Market Analysis and Industry Development:

• Monitor trends, developments and competitive dynamics within the broadcasting sector.
• Assess sector performance and recommend regulatory interventions to promote innovation, diversity and sustainable growth.

5. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Cultivate strong relationships with broadcasters, government bodies, industry associations, consumers and other stakeholders.
• Represent MACRA at national, regional and international forums on broadcasting regulation.
• Coordinate consultations on broadcasting policy and regulatory reform.

6. Strategic Planning and Performance Management:

• Develop and implement the Directorate's strategic plans, annual work plans and budgets.
• Monitor performance against targets and ensure the efficient use of resources.
• Prepare and present regular reports, briefing papers and management information to the Director General and the Board.

7. Leadership and People Management:

• Provide effective leadership, guidance and supervision to Directorate staff.
• Foster a professional environment characterised by integrity and accountability.
• Identify capacity-building needs and facilitate staff development initiatives.

8. Management Reporting:

• Produce timely, accurate and analytical reports on broadcasting activities, sector performance and emerging issues.
• Maintain robust records and databases to support evidence-based decision-making.

POSITION 3: DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Reports to: Director General

JOB TYPE: Fixed Contract

JOB PURPOSE

To provide strategic leadership and direction in the planning, management and control of the Authority's financial resources by ensuring sound fiscal management, statutory compliance, effective budgeting, financial reporting, revenue management and implementation of appropriate financial systems that support the achievement of the Authority's strategic objectives.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in finance and professional qualification in finance like ACCA and CIMA from recognized institutions of higher learning.
• Bachelor's degree in accountancy.
• Membership with relevant professional body (ICAM, MAB) is a must.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-qualification experience in finance, including at least five (5) years at a senior management level.
• Proven ability to develop and implement budgets and budgetary control measures.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting package technologies.
• Strong understanding of the Communications Act and other relevant national and international regulatory frameworks.
• Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration with government agencies, industry bodies and regional/international regulators.
• Proven experience in budget preparation, resource management and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant digital tools.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, coordinate and oversee the preparation of the Authority's annual budgets, medium-term financial plans and expenditure forecasts in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act and other applicable financial regulations.
• Monitor budget implementation through periodic financial analysis, identify budget variances and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
• Provide strategic leadership in the preparation, review and presentation of monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts and financial reports.
• Develop, implement and monitor the Authority's financial management policies, accounting systems, internal controls and financial procedures to ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Advise the Director General, Management and the Board on financial planning, investment decisions, financial risks and all matters relating to the Authority's financial performance.
• Coordinate the preparation and consolidation of departmental budgets into the Authority's overall budget and monitor budget execution.
• Ensure prudent financial management and effective utilization of financial resources by monitoring expenditure and ensuring that spending remains within approved budgetary limits.
• Oversee the preparation of statutory financial statements and ensure timely submission to relevant oversight institutions.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors, coordinate audit processes, respond to audit findings and ensure implementation of agreed audit recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory financial obligations, including taxation, public finance regulations and reporting requirements.
• Oversee treasury management, cash flow planning, investment of surplus funds and management of the Authority's financial assets and liabilities.
• Develop and implement strategies for revenue optimization, financial sustainability and efficient resource mobilization.
• Ensure the Authority maintains good financial standing with regional and international organizations within the ICT regulatory sector through timely settlement of subscriptions and financial obligations.
• Collaborate with the Technical Directorates in the determination and review of regulatory tariffs, licence fees and other charges to ensure financial sustainability and compliance with applicable legislation.
• Provide strategic leadership in the development, implementation and continuous improvement of financial management information systems.
• Lead, supervise, mentor and evaluate the performance of staff within the Finance Directorate to ensure high levels of productivity and professional development.
• Prepare Board papers, management reports and financial analyses to support strategic decision-making.
• Promote good corporate governance, accountability, transparency and sound financial stewardship throughout the Authority.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Director General from time to time.

HOW TO APPLY (FOR ALL POSITIONS)

Interested candidates who meet the specified qualifications and experience requirements are invited to submit the following documents:

1. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) including comprehensive information on qualifications, professional experience and contact details for three traceable referees.
2. A covering letter clearly articulating your suitability for the role and demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the key responsibilities.

Applications must be submitted by 15th September 2026 and addressed to:

The Comptroller of Statutory Corporations

P.O. Box 30061

Lilongwe 3

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. MACRA is an equal opportunity employer.