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.
Job Summary
- Employer: Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Regulatory Affairs
- Closing Date: 2026-10-09
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Compiling and managing the development and maintenance of a comprehensive databank of mineral cadaster and register for registered entities.
- Reviewing the assessment and recommendation of applications for registration, renewal of registration, or deregistration of entities/players.
- Overseeing the provision of registration and licensing services to ensure compliance with regulations and operational efficiency.
- Monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of regulatory processes and recommending improvements.
- Coordinating the review and updating of regulatory frameworks to align with industry trends and best practices.
- Liaising with stakeholders, including government agencies and industry players, to enhance regulatory collaboration and compliance.
- Overseeing the physical assessment and verification of industry players/entities engaged in the mining and minerals for licensing and registration purposes.
- Vetting registration applications and preparing reports for Board decision.
- Liaising with the Information Technology staff for the development and maintenance of the licensing and registration database.
- Representing the Department in various fora on issues of registration and licensing of industry players.
- Preparing appropriate periodic and ad-hoc reports as required by the Authority.
- Monitoring performance of the Directorate and appraising staff.
Requirements
- 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.
How to Apply
About the Company
The Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) is the principal government agency responsible for overseeing Malawi's mining and minerals sector. Established under the Mines and Minerals Act, the MMRA regulates exploration, extraction, and processing activities across the country, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. The authority manages licensing, monitors mining operations, and facilitates the sustainable development of Malawi's mineral resources, including rare earth elements, uranium, and coal. Based in Lilongwe with regional offices, the MMRA plays a critical role in attracting responsible investment while safeguarding community interests and national revenue from mineral wealth.
Regulating Malawi's mining sector for sustainable development
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Director of Regulatory Services role at MMRA?
Candidates usually need a minimum of a Master's degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, Law, or a related field, plus at least 10-15 years of progressive experience in mining regulation or policy. Professional certifications such as those from the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) or legal qualifications strengthen applications. Experience with regional bodies like the African Union or SADC mining frameworks is highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Director of Regulatory Services at MMRA?
Daily duties include overseeing licensing processes for mining operations, reviewing environmental compliance reports, and coordinating inspections of mine sites across Malawi. The role involves extensive stakeholder engagement with mining companies, government ministries, and local communities. Directors also contribute to drafting national mining policies and representing Malawi at regional regulatory forums.
How does the work culture and leadership style typically function in Malawian government regulatory bodies like MMRA?
Work culture emphasizes hierarchical respect, formal protocols, and consensus-building through extensive consultation with senior officials and ministry counterparts. Decision-making can be deliberate and documentation-heavy, reflecting public accountability requirements. Directors are expected to demonstrate diplomatic patience while navigating inter-ministerial coordination and occasional resource constraints.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Director of Regulatory Services at MMRA?
Successful directors may advance to Commissioner or Chief Executive Officer positions within MMRA, or transition to Permanent Secretary roles in the Ministry of Mining or Natural Resources. Regional opportunities include technical advisory positions with the African Development Bank, UN agencies, or SADC secretariat. Some move into senior compliance roles with multinational mining companies operating in Southern Africa.
What benefits are typically included in senior director positions within Malawian public sector regulatory authorities?
Benefits generally include pension contributions through the Malawi Public Service Pension Scheme, medical coverage through government health schemes or private arrangements, and statutory leave entitlements including annual leave and public holidays. Senior roles may include official vehicles, housing allowances, and representation allowances for international travel. Specific packages vary by employment terms and government pay scales.
How should candidates apply for a Director of Regulatory Services position at MMRA, and what do Malawian government employers prioritize in applications?
Applications are typically submitted through the Public Service Commission or MMRA's official channels with detailed CVs, certified academic credentials, and traceable references from previous supervisors. Employers prioritize demonstrated integrity, proven regulatory enforcement experience, and understanding of Malawi's Mines and Minerals Act. Strong applications highlight specific achievements in policy implementation, stakeholder management, and any experience with extractive industry transparency initiatives like EITI.