Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA)
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 post of Director General tenable at its secretariat situated in Arwa House, City Center Lilongwe.
THE POST
The Director General shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for the efficient and effective management
of MEPA. The successful candidate shall have overall responsibility for managing the Authority for the achievement of its objectives and ensuring that its performance is in line with the policies of Government and
the Board.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
The Director General shall be responsible, but not limited, for the following:
1. Leadership and Management.
Provide innovative leadership to the Secretariat geared at achieving MEPA’s objectives of promoting
environmental management and its overall performance and progress;
Lead in the regulation of environment and natural resources management activities in the country and issuing overall related reports to MEPA;
Provide technical advice in the formulation of environment and natural resources policies, strategies and operation programs of action to ensure that they contribute effectively and efficiently to the goal of the Authority.
Develop and recommend to the board; policies, long term strategies, business plans, work-plans and budgets ensuring that implementation of programmes in the Authority are in line with government development policies, goals, objectives and initiatives while responding to the needs of Malawi;
Represent the Authority in public forums, conferences, and meetings, articulating the organization’s position on environmental matters.
Provide overall day-to-day leadership and administration of the Authority in ensuring effective functioning of the Authority.
Prepare and present appropriate reports to the Authority and government as required from time to time.
Initiate and participate in scouting for new and strengthening existing partnerships in environment and natural resources.
Attend to queries and requests related to environmental management operations.
Allocate work and supervise heads of Directorates in the Authority.
Ensure quality service, cost effective management of resources and promoting institutional accountability in compliance with public finance management act, public procurement and disposal of assets act and other relevant legislation.
Ensure reports on the exercise and performance of the environment and natural resources management functions and status of the environment including financial reports are submitted to the Minister.
2. Visibility and Publicity
Maintain liaison with national and international bodies and organizations to provide input and lobby for support to the Authority to achieve its objective
Provide leadership for the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic plan to advance the Authority’s position, reputation and brand;
Engage with local and international communities on sustainable management of the environment by raising awareness on environment and natural resources management for sustainable development.
3. Financial/Business Management
Ensure that MEPA operates a proper and efficient accounting system and maintains books of accounts to reflect true and fair financial position of the Authority and in conformity with the public finance and procurement legislation and other relevant legislations;
Engage in resource mobilization and ensuring funds raised by the Authority and those provided by government are properly managed;
4. Quality Assurance
Monitor the implementation of environment and natural resources management standards so that the practice is consistent with both regional and international standards and best practices.
Ensure the Authority develops and maintains a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement and accountability and professional development.
Ensure lead agencies functions comply with all relevant laws
5. Human Resource Management
Lead in implementation of responsive Conditions of Service including Performance Management System (PMS) and staff development plans.
Exercise disciplinary control over the staff appointed by the DG.
Identify organizational structure changes and staff skill requirements and put in place required management systems and processes to manage the motivation of staff;
REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate must have the following:
Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the fields of environmental sciences, environmental law, natural resource management or any relevant environmental degree;
All the applicants must possess a Bachelor Degree in the same fields from an accredited institution;
At least ten (10) years of experience in a relevant field of environmental management;
A PhD in environmental sciences, law, natural resource management or a relevant social science degree will be an added advantage.
Additional Skills and Abilities
Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative solutions to
complex environmental challenges.
Demonstrated experience in organizational management, including budgeting, resource allocation, and staff supervision.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government agencies, NGOs, industry representatives, and community organisations.
Strong advocacy and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the organisation in public forums.
Passion for environmental conservation and sustainability, and a commitment to promoting environmental stewardship
APPOINTMENT AND RENUMERATION
The successful candidate shall be offered a five (5) year contract which can be renewed once for another 5
years, with an attractive salary and gratuity packages commensurate with seniority of the post and qualifications of the candidate.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Applications including a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), photocopies of relevant certificates and 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 11th August, 2023:
The Comptroller of Statutory Corporations
Department of Statutory Corporations
Capital Hill, New Building, Ground Floor
P. O Box 30061
Capital City
LILONGWE 3.
MEPA is an equal opportunities employer and only short-listed applicants will be acknowledged and invited to the interviews.