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 position of Director of Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Management tenable at its secretariat situated in Mpico House opposite British Library, City Center Lilongwe.
DIRECTOR OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE (RE-ADVERTISED)
Grade: ME2
Department: Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Management
Reporting to : Director General
Responsible for : Biodiversity Conservation Manager
: Climate Change Manager
PURPOSE, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Purpose of the Job: To oversee biodiversity conservation and climate change management
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Provide overall technical advice, support and assistance to the Authority on biodiversity conservation and climate change management matters;
- Provide direction in the development, implementation, coordination of regulatory frameworks on climate change and biodiversity conservation
- Provide direction in the implementation of national and international commitments relating to biodiversity and climate change
- Contribute to the effective operations of the Biodiversity and Climate Change Division by participating in strategic planning processes and making recommendations on operational matters of the division;
- Supervise and lead management of biodiversity and climate change issues; being accountable for effectively managing budgets, work plans, resources and personnel that would influence the shape and direction of outcomes, and services for the Authority
- Develop regulatory framework for climate change management.
- Develop standards and guidelines for climate change management and climate proofing
- Provide direction in the development, implementation and coordination of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and legislation, regulations and policies related to biodiversity conservation;
- Build and maintain a cohesive and motivated biodiversity, and climate change management team through technical backstopping, coaching, mentoring and planning and implementation of capacity building activities on biodiversity conservation and management, and climate change issues targeting MEPA staff and partners;
- Support preparation of new funding concepts and proposals on biodiversity conservation and management related issues.
- Support Review of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments with a view of ensuring that adequate measures to ensure biodiversity and climate change management are incorporated in development programmes and projects;
- Provide specialist technical support in biodiversity and ecosystem services management as may be required by different Government sectors and institutions, NGOs/CBOs, the Private Sector, Academia and individuals;
- Provide technical support to ensure the integration of biodiversity and climate change management considerations into the District Environment Action Plans and Development plans;
- Monitor the management biodiversity and climate change interventions by sectors, institutions, private sector and individuals to ensure compliance with the Environment Act and other relevant laws;
- Develop and implement strategic plans and programs to address biodiversity conservation and climate change;
- Develop and manage budgets for biodiversity and climate change control programmes;
- Coordinate with stakeholders to develop and implement biodiversity and climate change programmes;
- Coordinate resource mobilization to implement biodiversity and climate change regulatory programmes;
- Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Director General.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE FACTORS
Qualifications and Experience
- Master of Science Degree in Biodiversity, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences or other Natural Resources related field,
- Those with PhD in the above fields will have an added advantage
- At least ten years’ experience in biodiversity and climate change
- Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization
- Ability to work with key stakeholders in biodiversity and climate change
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, NGOs, industry representatives, academia, and community organisation.
Skills:
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Knowledge:
- Strong knowledge of environmental policy, legislation, and regulations.
- Knowledge of biodiversity conservation and climate change principles and practices.
- Understanding of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems.
APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION
The successful candidates shall be offered a five (5) year contract which can be renewed once for another five years, with an attractive salary and gratuity package commensurate with seniority of the posts and qualifications of the candidates.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Applications including a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), photocopies of relevant certificates, names and addresses of three traceable referees, one of which must be from the most resent employer should be sent to the following address not later than 22ND FEBRUARY 2025.
Comptroller of Statutory Corporations
Department of Statutory Cooperation
Capital Hill, New Building, New Building, Ground Floor
P.O. Box 30061
Capital City, Lilongwe 3
NB: Candidates who previously applied for the position of Director of Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change can reapply.
MEPA is an equal opportunity employer and only short-listed applicants will be acknowledged and invited to the interviews