Legal Assistant at Millennium Challenge Account-Malawi II

About Millennium Challenge Account-Malawi II

The Government of Malawi signed a five-year agreement (‘Compact) with the Millennium Chaffenge Corporation (“MCC”) to fund specific programs targeted at reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth. MCC is a U.S. government agency focused on assisting countries dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. An Accountable Entity called the Millennium Challenge Account-Malawi II (“MCA-Malawi II”) has been created and designated by the Government of Malawi to implement the Compact.

Malawi Compact

The Compact consists of three projects, namely:

1. The Accelerated Growth Corridors Project (AGC) will focus on reducing transport costs in targeted rural areas. Under the AGC Project, the Road Corridor Improvement (RCI) Activity will target investment in physical upgrades and improvements across different classes of roads within four selected Accelerated Growth Corridors (AGCs) to improve rural access by addressing road conditions and reducing transport costs. The Policy and Institutional Reform and Capacity Building (PIR) Activity will focus on assisting the Government to address policy, legislative, institutional, and funding issues to ensure that road transport in AGC areas is well-maintained and managed.
2. The Increased Land Productivity Project will focus on improving land services, strengthening conditions for increased investment in land and better-functioning land markets through two main activities: the Land Administration Resourcing and Institutions Activity – which will support development, adoption, and implementation of reforms to expand national land-based revenues and address institutional change – and the City Council Land-Based Revenue Modernization Activity, which will expand coverage and collection of land-based revenues, to increase resources for key services and increase investment in land and finally.
   The American Catalyst Facility for Development Project will focus on facilitating U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) investment in Malawi to catalyse increased private investment consistent with Compact objectives and increase the scale and impact of the Compact.

Legal Assistant

Position Objective

The Legal Assistant at MCA-Malawi Il will proactively analyze and assess the legal implications of MCA-Malawi Il policies, systems, and practices, identifying and addressing any potential vulnerabilities. By staying abreast of evolving legal and regulatory landscapes, the Legal Assistant will play a crucial role in safeguarding the MCA-Malawi’s interests, facilitating informed decision-making, and ensuring the successful implementation of Compact objectives while maintaining the highest standards of legal integrity and transparency.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assisting the Director in analyzing the legal frameworks and requirements applicable to the MCA-Malawi II to determine and create strategies, policies, and recommendations for avoiding or mitigating legal and regulatory risks or to ensure compliance with relevant statutes throughout all MCA-Malawi Il’s programmatic and operational activities.
• Managing internal and external legal counsel services for contract reviews and agreement evaluations with stakeholders, aligning with fiscal law and governance standards.
• Advising on legal aspects of employment, procurement, and financial activities in project design and implementation.
• Helping the Director monitor MCA-Malawi Il activities for legal compliance and risk management.
• Assist in the Development of policies and practices to promote an ethical, transparent, and accountable organizational culture.
• Provide specialized legal expertise and guidance on all legal aspects of the Increased Land Productivity Project and the Accelerated Growth Corridors Project under the MCA-Malawi lI Compact, including land tenure, property rights, taxation, and regulatory compliance
• Collaborating with project teams to ensure legal requirements are integrated into project planning and execution phases.
• Conducting regular legal training sessions for MCA-Malawi Il staff to enhance legal awareness and ensure compliance across all departments.
• Participating in negotiation sessions involving MCA-Malawi Il contracts to provide legal insights and safeguard MCA-Malawi Il interests
• Reviewing and advising on intellectual property issues, ensuring the MCA-Malawi Il’s assets and innovations are legally protected
• Liaising with regulatory bodies to stay abreast of changes in laws that may impact MCA-Malawi Il’s operations and strategies.
• Supporting the legal aspects of environmental and social governance within MCA-Malawi I projects, ensuring sustainability and compliance with international standards.
• Providing support in resolving disputes through mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods before escalating to litigation.
• Assist in resolving legal disputes and conflicts, providing legal representation and negotiation
• Assisting in the preparation and submission of legal documents required by government agencies or partners.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in law or equivalent legal qualification.
• Valid practicing licence.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years’ post qualification experience in practicing law including provision of legal advice and legal representation.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, both international law and the laws of Malawi encompassing a diverse range of legal issues, including contract, corporate, construction, employment, tax, and procurement laws and regulations.
• Fluency in English and Chichewa (both written and spoken) is required.

Method Of Application

Applications for these positions should be sent to: [email protected]

Applications should be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience.
2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability.
3. Soft copies of education and professional certificates (if available).

The closing date for receiving applications is 28th June 2024. Please note that only applications received through [email protected] will be considered. Any applications received through other channels will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews. Interested applicants should indicate the position title in the subject line of the email.