Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives
JOB TITLE: Principal Economist
GRADE: Professional Level 2 (P2).
SALARY SCALE: COM$ 45,704.28 – COM$ 57,586.94 per annum
DIVISION: Research, Polic and Advocacy
TENURE: A fixed term of Four (4) years.
NUMBER OF POSTS: One (1)
DUTY STATION: Lilongwe
REPORTS TO: Head of Research, Policy and Advocacy (Chief Economist)
through the Manager Research Policy and Advocacy r
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Commission’s fixed term employee under the professional service
category
4.1. Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and the direct supervision of the Head
of Research, Policy and Advocacy (Chief Economist) of the COMESA Competition Commission,
the incumbent shall perform the following duties:
Research
i. Conduct research on competition and consumer protection regulation issues and trends
through compiling success stories, documenting areas of improvement and lessons learnt
from other competition and consumer agencies globally;
ii. Participation in research surveys in liaison with relevant Divisions/institutions and assist
Divisions in developing and strengthening more research work and policy paper work;
iii. Identification of research areas, develop research proposals and execution of research
studies;
iv. Provide research input on the Commission’s investigations in order to enhance evidence
based decision making;
v. Conduct market research, assessment, analysis of identified sectors to assist the
Commission to understand market structures and identify anti-competitive practices for
policy/enforcement purposes: e.g., the agriculture, construction, transport, banking and
finance sectors etc;
vi. Keep abreast of local, regional and international competition and consumer trends that
could effectively inform the Commission about varied industry statistics, market
information or specific scenarios of market analysis for benchmarking purposes:
vii. Maintain an effective database of relationships and contacts of relevant stakeholders on
competition, consumer and related matters;
viii. Carry out market inquiries, studies or surveys in order to identify market sectors prone to
anti-competitive practices and screen out those where anti-competitive conduct is taking
place to inform investigations;
ix. Conduct research on consumer matters in the Common Market to advise the Commission
on sectors that need attention and inform policy;
x. Interrogate the economic assessment on investigative reports on competition and
consumer cases from other Divisions within the Commission;
xi. Identify sources of funding, and prepare proposals for submission to the Chief Economist;
Advocacy
xii. Assist the Unit in advocating for compliance with the Regulations and advising the Director
on matters related to competition and consumer protection, including managing
relationships with international and regional stakeholders;
xiii. Support the Unit in coordinating stakeholders’ awareness in liaison with other
departments;
xiv. Prepare education programs effectively in order to ensure exercise of stakeholder rights
and obligations;
xv. Prepare advocacy programs effectively in order to ensure implementation of decisions
and recommendations;
xvi. Prepare project implementation effectively in order to ensure timely and prudent execution
of project activities;
Policy
xvii. Study policies, procedures and programs of regulatory Authorities and other similar
institutions in the Common Market so as to access their effects on competition and
consumer welfare and publicize the results of such studies;
xviii. Participate in the review and implementation of processes and procedures;
xix. Participate in monitoring and evaluation of the Commission’s Performance Contract
activities and reporting as appropriate;
xx. Liaise with regulatory bodies and other public bodies in the Common Market in matters
relating to competition and consumer welfare and advise the Chief Economist;
xxi. Regularly review regional competition policy so as to advise and make representations to
the Council with a view to improving the effectiveness of enforcement of regional
competition and consumer protection laws;
Other
xxii. Work closely with other Divisions and Units in the Commission;
xxiii. Prepare and submit performance reports of the Unit to the Chief Economist, as and when
required; and
xxiv. Perform all such things as are incidental to the foregoing and/or as may be lawfully
delegated by the Head of Research, Policy and Advocacy or the Chief Executive Officer.
4.2. Requirements for the Post
4.2.1. Academic Qualifications
Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business Studies, Statistics or an equivalent
qualification with a bias towards research. A postgraduate or Masters degree in an appropriate
discipline will be an added advantage. Qualification in competition and consumer matters will be
an added advantage
4.2.2. Experience
i. A minimum of six (6) years relevant experience in research and/or advocacy and/or policy
formulation.
ii. Diverse experience in identifying research areas, development of research tools, report
writing and dissemination of information.
iii. Specialist knowledge in using statistical packages
iv. Working experience in an intergovernmental body or at a competition or consumer
authority will be an added experience.
4.2.3. Competencies
i. Excellent oral and written communication skills
ii. Excellent analytical skills particularly in interpreting, using, analyzing and presenting data
and evidence.
iii. Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively and work well under pressure.
iv. Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a diverse and multicultural
environment.
v. Interpersonal skills, team spirit and positive working relationships.
vi. Demonstrable knowledge in competition law and /or industrial organization.
vii. Excellent Computer Skills.
viii. Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and objectives of the COMESA Treaty and
the COMESA Competition Regulations and Rules
ix. Knowledge of the operations of the COMESA Competition Commission and the COMESA
regional integration agenda is highly recommended.
x. Ability to bring innovative solutions in his/her area of operation as stipulated in section 4.1
of this advert.
4.2.4. Working Language Requirement
Must be fluent in English and/or French and/or Arabic (speaking and writing). A combination of
any two or all of these languages will be an added advantage.
5. ELIGIBILITY FOR APPLICATION
Applicants must be citizens of a COMESA Member State and must not be more than 55 years
of age at the time of submitting the application
