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Position Title: Consultant for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Regulatory Framework Development
Location: Remote, Lusaka
Country: Malawi
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the united nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA). The ECA was established to promote economic and Social Development in African countries through research, policy Analysis, and Capacity Building. The organization aims to foster inclusive and Sustainable development across the continent, with a focus on regional integration and cooperation. ECA operates in multiple countries across Africa, working with various stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement development initiatives and policies. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing the regulatory framework for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Malawi. This position involves ensuring that the SEZ regulations align with the existing industrial policy framework and support the operationalization of the SEZs Act, which was recently enacted. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing existing policies, identifying gaps, and drafting comprehensive regulations that will guide the establishment and management of SEZs in Malawi. The work is expected to contribute to the government's efforts to enhance industrialization, increase productivity, and stimulate Economic Growth through targeted investments in key sectors such as agro-processing, Manufacturing, and technology. The consultant will collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre, to ensure that the regulations are practical, effective, and conducive to attracting both domestic and foreign investments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing modern regulations that align with the SEZs Act and best practices in SEZ governance.
• Creating governance and management regulations for the SEZ Board(s).
• Defining institutional roles, responsibilities, and procedures for establishing and implementing SEZs in Malawi.
• Ensuring alignment of SEZ regulations with the National Industrial Policy and other related frameworks.
• Summarizing existing studies to highlight achievements and challenges of the previous Export Processing Zone (EPZ) regime.
• Reviewing relevant laws and policies to inform the drafting process of SEZ regulations.
• Identifying benchmark countries to guide the formulation of the SEZ regulatory framework.
• Drafting comprehensive SEZ regulations in consultation with stakeholders.
• Assessing potential legal and regulatory hurdles that may impede the implementation of the SEZs Act. 1
• Developing a roadmap with timelines for necessary adjustments to existing regulations. 1
• Facilitating the validation and finalization of the policy and regulatory framework report with local stakeholders, ensuring that the framework is gender-sensitive and promotes decent work.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced Master's Degree in Law (Commercial and Corporate LLB) or a first degree with two additional years of experience in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must have at least 10 years of professional experience in legislative drafting and a strong background in reviewing policy documents related to industrialization and trade. Proven experience in engaging with government processes and working effectively with high-level government officials, the private sector, and civil society is essential. Excellent knowledge of public service and private sector dynamics, along with strong communication and writing skills in English, are also required. Familiarity with taxation and Banking regulations is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced Master's Degree in Law, specifically in Commercial and Corporate Law (LLB). Alternatively, a first degree in Law combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of legislative drafting and the regulatory environment surrounding SEZs.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in legislative drafting, with a proven track record of reviewing and developing policy documents related to industrialization and trade. Experience working with government processes and engaging with high-level officials is critical, as is the ability to navigate the complexities of public and private sector interactions. The consultant should also demonstrate a strong understanding of the industrialization landscape and the regulatory frameworks that govern it.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required for this position. While English is the primary working language, knowledge of French is considered an asset, as the United Nations operates in both languages. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication and documentation throughout the consultancy.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of two months. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job posting. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.