Director of Regulatory Services

EXECUTIVE PLACEMENTS

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA), the Mining Sector Regulator in Malawi, was established under the Mines and Minerals Act of 2019 and the enactment of the Mines and Minerals Act No. 25 of 2023. Its mandate is to regulate the mineral sector and the development and utilization of mineral resources in line with sustainable development principles and practices for the benefit of Malawians.

MMRA’s Vision is to be a steward of mineral resources for sustainable national prosperity. To fulfill its mandate and vision effectively and efficiently, MMRA seeks to engage the services of the following positions for a period of three (3) years, renewable once, subject to satisfactory performance. MMRA therefore invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill these positions. MMRA wishes to emphasize the urgent need to fill these positions. The Authority is at a critical stage in implementing its mandate under the Mines and Minerals Act No. 25 of 2023, and the absence of substantive leadership in these directorates poses a significant risk to the effective regulation of Malawi’s mining sector. The successful filling of these positions is essential to:

• Strengthen Regulatory Oversight: The mining sector requires immediate and decisive regulatory leadership to ensure compliance, safety, and environmental protection across all operations.
• Accelerate Service Delivery: Delays in registration, licensing, inspection, and enforcement directly impact industry players and the general public. Filling these positions will restore efficiency and responsiveness.
• Enhance Resource Mobilisation and Financial Accountability: The Director of Finance is urgently needed to ensure prudent financial management, timely reporting, and compliance with IPSAS and Government financial regulations.
• Support National Development Goals: The mining sector is a key pillar of Malawi’s economic growth agenda. These positions are critical to ensuring that mineral resources are developed sustainably and for the benefit of all Malawians.
• Meet Statutory and Governance Obligations: The Authority has a legal obligation to maintain a fully functional regulatory framework. The appointment of these directors is necessary for MMRA to meet its statutory obligations and to provide the Board and Management with the strategic support required.

Qualified and experienced professionals are therefore strongly encouraged to apply without delay. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Malawi’s mining sector at a pivotal moment in its history.

POSITION – DIRECTOR OF REGULATION SERVICES
Grade: MR2
Reporting to: Director General
Location: Regulatory Services Directorate
Responsible for: Registration and Licensing Manager

Purpose of the Job

To provide strategic leadership, oversight, guidance, and direction for registration, licensing, and data management services.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Developing, reviewing and implementing policies, regulations, standards, plans, programmes and guidelines related to management of data, registration and licensing of entities in the mining and minerals sector.
2. Monitoring and verifying that all departmental strategies, programmes and activities are developed and implemented in alignment with the Authority’s approved Strategic Plan and policies.
3. Compiling and managing the development and maintenance of a comprehensive databank of mineral cadaster and register for registered entities.
4. Reviewing the assessment and recommendation of applications for registration, renewal of registration, or deregistration of entities/players.
5. Overseeing the provision of registration and licensing services to ensure compliance with regulations and operational efficiency.
6. Monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of regulatory processes and recommending improvements.
7. Coordinating the review and updating of regulatory frameworks to align with industry trends and best practices.
8. Liaising with stakeholders, including government agencies and industry players, to enhance regulatory collaboration and compliance.
9. Overseeing the physical assessment and verification of industry players/entities engaged in the mining and minerals for licensing and registration purposes.
10. Vetting registration applications and preparing reports for Board decision.
11. Liaising with the Information Technology staff for the development and maintenance of the licensing and registration database.
12. Representing the Department in various fora on issues of registration and licensing of industry players.
13. Preparing appropriate periodic and ad-hoc reports as required by the Authority.
14. Monitoring performance of the Directorate and appraising staff.

Minimum Education Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing engineering, Geological/ Geomechanical Engineering/Resources Engineering, Mining Law, Environmental Science, or land surveying from a reputable university.
• Eight (8) years of post-graduate work experience, of which five (5) years’ experience must be at senior management level in the mining industry.
• Strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and compliance management skills.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Interested persons should submit ONE COPY of their application letter, together with copies of relevant certificates, National Identity, and Curriculum Vitae with phone numbers and addresses of three traceable referees to: NOT LATER THAN 9th OCTOBER,2026

The Comptroller,
Department of Statutory Corporations,
P.O. Box 30061,
LILONGWE 3.

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