Principal Legal Officer

OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN

EXTERNAL VACANCY ADVERT

The Office of the Ombudsman is a public body established under the Republic of Malawi Constitution. Section 123 of the Constitution accords the Office of the Ombudsman the mandate to investigate any and all cases where it is alleged that a person or a group of persons have suffered an injustice and there appears to be no any remedy reasonably available by way of proceedings in a court or by way of appeal from court or where there is no other practicable remedy.

The Office of the Ombudsman is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the following vacant positions:

Job title: Principal Legal Officer
Grade : OMB5
Reporting to: Chief Legal Officer
Duty Station: Blantyre

Key duties and responsibilities:

1. Drafting of legal opinions, determinations and other legal documents;
2. Representing the Ombudsman in litigation and all related court processes;
3. Assist in the coordination and conducting of Inquiries
4. Providing legal support during implementation activities and events organized by the office;
5. Follow-up on non-complied determinations by the Ombudsman;
6. Coordinating implementation of legal activities at the region level;
7. Compiling quarterly and annual reports for the section at region level;
8. Providing legal advice to the Ombudsman; and
9. Appraising and supervising Senior Legal Officer (s) and other officers working under the post of Principal Legal Officer.

Qualifications and Experience

• Accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Law.
• At least four (4) years’ post-qualification experience.
• Admission to the Malawi Bar.
• Accredited Master’s Degree in Law will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies and Attributes

• Have proven track records in law and management;
• Be able to lead and motivate teams in law;
• Have good leadership and negotiation skills;
• Be result-oriented, innovative and a self-starter;
• Be persuasive with good interpersonal skills;
• Have adequate knowledge in Computer using Microsoft Office such as word, excel, access and other related packages; and
• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills.

Method of application:

Interested candidates should submit applications attaching a Curriculum Vitae, including three traceable referees and copies of certificates, to reach the undersigned not later than 21st September 2026.

The Ombudsman
Office of the Ombudsman
St. Martin’s House
City Centre
Private Bag 348
LILONGWE 3

The applications should be emailed to vacancy@ombudsmanmalawi.org

PLEASE INDICATE ON THE ENVELOPE THE POSITION BEING APPLIED FOR.

ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.

THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR THE POSITIONS MUST RE-APPLY.

“THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER”