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MALAWI LEGAL AID BUREAU VACANCIES


The Malawi Legal Aid Bureau, established under the Legal Bureau Act of 2010, is a national public
institution mandated to provide legal Aid to persons with insufficient means. In a bid to reach out to as many Malawians as possible, the Bureau invites applications from well qualified candidates to fill the following vacant posts:

1. Vacancy Number : LAB/1/16 (3 Posts)
Title : Chief Legal Aid Advocate
Grade : Grade F

Responsible to : Deputy Director of Legal Aid
Salary : Salary range of Grade F in the Legal Aid Bureau.
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu
Duties
a. Provide overall oversight, lead and coordinate the provision of legal aid services in the
respective Regional Legal Aid offices;
b. To represent persons of insufficient means in civil or criminal matters before the High Court
of Malawi, Supreme Court of Appeal and Subordinate Courts thereto and any other tribunal;
c. Advise Management on issues affecting provision of legal aid advice services in the
respective regions; and
d. Provide overall leadership in management of the Regional Legal Aid office including
providing strategic direction, staff appraisals and other necessary management tools for
effective management.
Qualifications & Experience
 Bachelor of Laws Degree from a recognized institution;
 Admitted to the Malawi Bar;
 At least five (5) years’ experience as a legal practitioner in both civil and criminal matters;
 Experience as Supervisor/Manager in a legal service institution or legal firm is desirable; and
 A Master’s Degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.

2. Vacancy Number : LAB/2/16
Title : Principal Legal Aid Advocate (3 Posts)
Grade : Grade G

Responsible to : Chief Legal Aid Advocate
Salary : Salary range of Grade G in the Legal Aid Bureau.
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu
Duties
a. To represent or defend persons of insufficient means in civil or criminal matters before the
High Court of Malawi, Supreme Court of Appeal and Subordinate Courts thereto and any
other tribunal;
b. Supervise the provision of legal aid services by other Legal Aid Officers, including assisting
in appraising staff working under him/her; and
c. To provide other legal aid services including legal advice and assistance to persons of
insufficient means.
Qualifications & Experience
 Bachelor of Laws Degree from a recognized institution;
 Admitted to the Malawi Bar;
 At least three (3) years’ experience as a legal practitioner in both civil and criminal matters;
and
 A Master’s Degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.

3. Vacancy Number : LAB/3/16
Title : Senior Legal Aid Advocate (10 Posts)
Grade : Grade H

Responsible to : Chief Legal Aid Advocate
Salary : Salary range of Grade H in the Legal Aid Bureau.
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu
Duties
a. To represent or defend persons of insufficient means in civil or criminal matters before the
High Court of Malawi, Supreme Court of Appeal and Subordinate Courts thereto and any
other tribunal;
b. To provide other legal aid services including legal advice and assistance to persons of
insufficient means; and
c. Supervise the provision of legal aid services by other Legal Aid Officers, including assisting
in appraising staff working under him/her.
Qualifications & Experience
 Bachelor of Laws Degree from a recognized institution;
 Admitted to the Malawi Bar; and
 At least one (1) year’s experience as a legal practitioner in both civil and criminal matters.

4. Vacancy Number : LAB/4/16
Title : Legal Aid Officer (1 Post)
Grade : Grade I

Responsible to : Senior Legal Aid Advocate
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Aid Bureau.
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Supervising Paralegals in provision of legal aid services;
b. Interviewing and taking statements from persons seeking legal aid;
c. Drafting legal documents including but not limited to drafting legal opinions, court
documents, among others;
d. Providing limited legal advice to persons of insufficient means; and
e. Providing legal literacy services to the general public.
Qualifications & Experience
 Qualification in Legal Studies from a recognized institution; and
 Experience working in a legal institution is desirable.

5. Vacancy Number : LAB/5/16
Title : Assistant Legal Aid Officer (6 Posts)
Grade : Grade K

Responsible to : Senior Legal Aid Advocate
Salary : Salary range of Grade K in the Legal Aid Bureau.
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu
Duties
a. Interviewing and taking statements from persons seeking legal aid;
b. Drafting legal documents including but not limited to assisting in drafting legal opinions,
court documents, among others;
c. Providing limited legal advice to persons of insufficient means;
d. Providing legal literacy services to the general public;
e. Accepting service of legal documents and filing cases in court; and
f. Compiling Quarterly returns in Civil and Criminal cases.
Qualifications & Experience
 Qualification in Legal Studies from a recognized institution; and
 Experience working in a legal institution is desirable.

6. Vacancy Number : LAB/6/16
Title : Principal Accountant (1 Post)
Grade : Grade G

Responsible to : Deputy Director
Salary : Salary range of Grade G in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Preparing Expenditure Report that conforms to Government Regulations and International
Standard on timely basis;
b. Supervising the processing of payments according to established and approved procedures;
c. Ensuring that payments are properly supported and authorized;
d. Providing information assistance to internal and external Auditors;
e. Maintaining and updating fixed asset ledgers;
f. Authorizing payments;
g. Appraising staff under his/her charge; and
h. Identifying Training needs.
Qualifications & Experience
 Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy/Finance from a recognized institution;
 At least four (4) years post qualification experience; and
 A Master’s Degree is relevant field is an added advantage.

7. Vacancy Number : LAB/7/16
Title : Accountant (3 Posts)
Grade : Grade I

Responsible to : Principal Accountant
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Bureau Service
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu
Duties
a. Preparing periodic Financial Statements and production of year end accounts;
b. Monitoring balances on bank accounts;
c. Preparing and submitting bank transfer instructions;
d. Authorizing payment vouchers;
e. Appraising and supervising staff in Main Accounts;
f. Reviewing period bank reconciliations; and
g. Giving assistance in maintenance and updating of fixed asset ledgers.
Qualifications & Experience
 Bachelors’ Degree in Accounting/Finance from a recognized institution;
 At least 2 years’ post qualification experience; and
 Master’s Degree is an added advantage.

8. Vacancy Number :LAB/8/16
Title : Senior Accounts Assistant (1 Post)
Grade : J

Responsible to : Principal Accountant
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Analyzing and interpreting Financial Reports, Statements, Treasury Instructions, Circulars
and other related documents;
b. Planning, monitoring, and controlling financial resources;
c. Developing and managing financial management information systems;
d. Coordinating budgeting and enforcing budgetary control measures; and
e. Appraising staff.
Qualification & Experience
 Diploma in Accounting from a recognized institution; and
 At least two (2) years’ experience at Grade K level.

9. Vacancy Number : LAB/9/16
Title : Public Relations Officer (1 Post)
Grade : Grade I

Responsible to : Deputy Director
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Developing and managing the public image of the Bureau;
b. Answering official queries;
c. Analyzing Media trends;
d. Developing and disseminating information packages for target groups;
e. Assisting in organizing press conferences and meetings;
f. Participating in editing Public Relations tools; and
g. Assisting in Posting and updating articles on the website.
Qualifications & Experience
 Bachelors’ Degree in Communication Studies or Public Relations/Journalism from a
recognized institution; and
 At least 2 years’ post qualification experience on similar assignment.

10. Vacancy Number : LAB/10/16
Title : Personal Secretary (1 Post)
Grade : Grade I

Responsible to : Deputy Director
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Aid Bureau.
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Maintaining appointments diary;
b. Making meeting arrangements;
c. Opening files and filling official documents;
d. Taking dictation in shorthand and transcribing it;
e. Handling mail entering and leaving the boss’ office;
f. Making travel and accommodation arrangements; and
g. Tying various correspondences.
Qualifications & Experience
 Degree in the relevant field from a recognized institution;
 110-120 words per minute shorthand;
 50 words per minute typing or advanced tying certificate; and
 Experience in an assignment of similar nature.

11. Vacancy Number : LAB/11/16
Title : Planning Officer (1 Post)
Grade : Grade I

Responsible to : Deputy Director
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Collecting information on policy and programme interventions in the Bureau;
b. Preparing project proposals;
c. Implementing, Assessing and Reviewing Projects;
d. Drafting terms and reference for various project feasibility and pre-feasibility studies;
e. Preparing budgets and work plans for the Bureau;
f. Coordinating the preparation of budgets and annual work plans for the Planning Division;
g. Implementing, assessing and reviewing budgets; and
h. Organizing Budget related meetings.
Qualifications & Experience
 Bachelors’ Degree in Economics from a recognized institution;
 At least 2 years’ post qualification experience in a similar assignment; and
 Masters’ Degree is an added advantage.

12. Vacancy Number : LAB/12/16
Title : Senior Internal Auditor (1 Post)
Grade : Grade H

Responsible to : Deputy Director
Salary : Salary range of Grade H in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Determine the scope, nature and timing of audit activities;
b. Planning and executing Internal Audit programmes;
c. Reviewing and updating control systems in accordance with laid down financial instruments;
d. Preparing regular Internal Audit Report or submission to the Director of Bureau;
e. Verifying that prescribed systems and procedures are adhered to at all times and that effective
internal controls are in place to prevent internal errors and fraud;
f. Examining financial transactions for accuracy and compliance with Government policies and
applicable laws and regulations;
g. Auditing all stores, cash assets and other properties belonging to the Bureau in accordance
with the Public Audit Act and Public Finance Management Act;
h. Appraising all staff under his/her charge;
i. Ensuring that Legal Aid Bureau resources are managed and utilized with due regard to
economy, efficiency and effectiveness; and
j. Supervising staff to ensure effective, coordinated and consistent delivery of Internal Audit
activities.
Qualifications & Experience
 Bachelors’ Degree in Accounting/Finance or Auditing from a recognized institution;
 2 years’ post qualification in similar assignment; and
 Masters’ Degree in relevant field is an added advantage.

13. Vacancy Number : LAB/13/16
Title : Internal Auditor (1 Post)
Grade : Grade I

Responsible to : Deputy Director
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Bureau Service
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Appraising Financial, Stores and Personnel records;
b. Vouching of transactions during audit of Financial and Stores records;
c. Preparing Internal Audit Reports;
d. Maintaining Audit Registers and Audit files;
e. Following up on areas of observed weaknesses of Internal Control Systems and taking
remedial action;
f. Collecting relevant data and documentation related to specific audit assignments;
g. Making random physical inspection of inventory and property in various departments of the
Bureau; and
h. Conducting periodic risk assessment and mitigation interventions to avoid the situation from
deteriorating.
Qualification & Experience
 Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance or Auditing from a recognized institution;
 Master’s Degree in a relevant field is an added advantage; and
 Post qualification experience.

14. Vacancy Number : LAB/14/16
Title : Procurement Officer (1 Post)
Grade : Grade I

Responsible to : Deputy Director
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Preparing and processing of requisitions and purchase order for supplies, services, works and
equipment;
b. Preparing and managing contracts;
c. Maintaining records of goods, services and works ordered, received or completed;
d. Negotiating with suppliers in procurement transactions;
e. Performing simple evaluation of quotations and bids; and
f. Preparing evaluation reports.
Qualifications & Experience
 Degree in Business Administration/Procurement from a recognized institution;
 CIPS membership desirable; and
 At least three (3) years’ experience in procurement.

15. Vacancy Number : LAB/15/16
Title : Assistant Procurement Officer (1 Post)
Grade : Grade K

Responsible to : Procurement Officer
Salary : Salary range of Grade K in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre
Duties
a. Sourcing Quotations;
b. Preparing necessary documents for procuring any items;
c. Participating in the evaluation and selection of bidders;
d. Checking the Quality of goods and services before buying;
e. Producing periodic procurement reports;
f. Negotiating with Suppliers in procurement transactions;
g. Preparing evaluation reports; and
h. Ensuring good record keeping of all transactions.
Qualifications & Experience
 Diploma in Purchasing and Supply from a recognized institution; and
 Experience in similar assignment is an added advantage.

16. Vacancy Number : LAB/16/16
Title : Human Resource Management Officer (2 Posts)
Grade : Grade I

Responsible to : Deputy Director
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre and Lilongwe
Duties
a. Planning and Coordinating Recruitment and Selection of Staff;
b. Maintaining the Bureau’s Authorized Establishment;
c. Coordinating disciplinary matters;
d. Advising and coordinating the Performance Management System;
e. Planning and coordinating training of staff;
f. Processing various benefits;
g. Reviewing and updating job descriptions;
h. Advising Management on Human Capital forecasts (planning, succession and career plans to
ensure right skills and competencies;
i. Participating in the development and implementation of sound HRM policies and systems;
and
j. Monitoring changes in the employment law and how they affect conditions of service and
make appropriate recommendations to management.
Qualifications & Experience
 Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from a recognized institution;
 Master’s Degree is an added advantage; and
 At least 2 years’ post qualification experience.

17. Vacancy Number : LAB/17/16
Title : Assistant Human Resource Management Officer (3 Posts)
Grade : Grade K

Responsible to : Human Resource Management Officer
Salary : Salary range of Grade K in the Legal Aid Bureau.
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu
Duties
a. Interpretation and application of MPSR and Treasury Instructions as may be issued from
time to time;
b. Maintaining up to date inventory of stores and equipment;
c. Controlling use of vehicles and arranging for service or repair of vehicle
d. Supervising and appraising staff under him/her;
e. Updating personal files for all staff;
f. Developing and Maintaining HR record system;
g. Making follow ups on Disciplinary issues;
h. Maintenance and updating of staff Quarterly Returns;
i. Assisting in processing of terminal benefits; and
j. Assisting in implementing Training programmes.
Qualification & Experience
 Diploma in Human Resource Management from a recognized institution; and
 Post qualification experience is desirable.

18. Vacancy Number : LAB/18/16
Title : Supplies Assistant (3 Posts)
Grade : Grade M

Responsible to : Assistant Procurement Officer
Salary : Salary range of Grade M in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu
Duties
a. Procuring, being custodian and issuing of stores;
b. Maintaining Stores Leger;
c. Compiling and submitting monthly stores report; and
d. Reporting on fraud and/or theft discovered.
Qualifications & Experience
 Malawi Schools Certificate of Education (MSCE); and
 Experience in stores management desirable.

19. Vacancy Number : LAB/19/16
Title : Systems Analyst (1 Post)
Grade : Grade I

Responsible to : Deputy Director
Salary : Salary range of Grade I in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Analyzing, designing and implementing systems;
b. Testing and evaluating new and existing systems;
c. Supervising the Programmer; and
d. Providing ICT professional advice and technical support services to management and users.
Qualifications & Experience
 Degree in Computer Science from a recognized institution; and
 At least four (4) years’ post qualification experience.

20. Vacancy Number : LAB/20/16
Title : Programmer (1 Post)
Grade : Grade K

Responsible to : Procurement Officer
Salary : Salary range of Grade K in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Lilongwe
Duties
a. Writing, testing and documenting programmes according to specified standards;
b. Customizing and maintaining existing programmes;
c. Offering technical and end user support;
d. Maintaining computer logs; and
e. Organizing and maintaining library of data storage medium in a clean and safe condition.
Qualifications & Experience
 Diploma in Computer Science from a recognized institution; and
 Post qualification experience desirable.

21. Vacancy Number : LAB/21/16
Title : Copy Typist (1 Post)
Grade : Grade M

Responsible to : Human Resource Officer
Salary : Salary range of Grade M in the Legal Aid Bureau
Duty Station(s) : Blantyre
Duties
a. Typing confidential correspondences and reports;
b. Carrying out routine typing and machine maintenance work;
c. Reporting major faults on typing machines;
d. Vetting telephone calls; and
e. Making appointments, travel arrangements and bookings.
Qualifications & Experience
 Diploma in Secretarial Studies or Shorthand Certificate of 120 words per minute;
 Two (2) years’ practical experience in the relevant field.

METHOD OF APPLICATION
Applications should include detailed curriculum vitae with three (3) traceable referees, copies of certified educational and professional certificates addressed to:

The Director
Malawi Legal Aid Bureau,
1st Floor Shire Building,
Off Paul Kagame Highway,
P.O. Box 675,
Lilongwe.
OR Email to: legalaidbureaull@gmail.com

All applications are required to reach the Director not later than 5.00pm, Friday, 14th October, 2016

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