Job title: Contract Manager
Department: Corporate Affairs, MHPL, Blantyre, Malawi
Title of Line Manager: General Manager

1. MANDATE
The Contract Manager will oversee the management of all contracts within Mpatamanga Hydro Power Limited, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, mitigating risks, and supporting the successful execution of the Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project. This role involves working across the project lifecycle, from pre-contractual phases to contract execution and claims management, with a focus on technical, financial, and legal aspects.

The Contract Manager will play a critical role in supporting project teams, including Procurement, Technical and E&S teams, to ensure the effective administration of contracts, adherence to timelines, and resolution of disputes.

2. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Contract Management and Oversight

• Provide comprehensive contract management support to Project Managers, including:
• Preparing and participating in contractual meetings.
• Drafting and reviewing correspondence on specific contractual matters.
• Reviewing and analyzing letters, service orders, and work orders prepared by the Company.
• Develop and maintain contract management tools, such as:
• Deliverables and obligations tracking tables.
• Milestone tracking tables.
• Defect, delay, and penalty tracking tables.
• Notification and follow-up correspondence logs.

Claims and Counterclaims Management

• Analyze claims submitted by contractors and prepare detailed reports on their legal and contractual validity.
• Identify contract breaches or failures by contractors that result in additional costs or delays for the Company and prepare claims as necessary.
• Support the preparation of negotiation strategies and participate in claim resolution meetings.

Budgetary Oversight

• Communicate budgetary impacts of contracts to the Finance and Control teams.
• Ensure alignment between budget planning and contract payment terms
• Maintain cost databases and ensure accurate financial tracking.

Procurement and Pre-Contractual Support

• Contribute to draft and update tender documents.
• Participate in tender processes, including commercial and administrative clarifications.
• Contribute to analyze commercial offers and prepare evaluation reports.
• Participate in negotiations and draft contracts resulting from tenders.

Legal and Compliance Support

• Provide first-level legal advice on contractual matters.
• Review and analyze contractual documents, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
• Draft amendments, confidentiality agreements, partnership agreements, and other legal documents.
• Ensure compliance with tax, insurance, and guarantee requirements, in collaboration with relevant departments.

Risk and Planning Support

• Identify and assess contractual risks, including payment milestones, insurance clauses, and currency risks.
• Develop risk maps and propose mitigation strategies.
• Support project planning by aligning contractual milestones with project schedules.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain and update the Company’s contractual documentation and reference materials.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the Company’s contractual frameworks and standards.

3. CRITICAL INTERFACES
The Contract Manager will work closely with the Technical, Procurement, Finance, E&S and Corporate Affairs Teams. The Contract Manager will also have interfaces with the Contractors, Suppliers and External Legal Advisors.

4. CRITICAL QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

4.1 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Contract Management, Construction Law, or Project Management is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in contract management, with a focus on large infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in claims management, procurement, and budget oversight.
• Familiarity with donor-funded projects and multi-cultural working environments.
• Proficiency in contract management tools and software.
• Strong understanding of legal, financial, and technical aspects of contracts.

4.2 Core competencies and Personal Characteristics

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex contractual issues and propose practical solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy and thoroughness in reviewing and drafting documents.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; fluency in Chichewa is an advantage.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate effectively with contractors and stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving contractual challenges.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a multi-cultural environment.
• Integrity: High ethical standards and commitment to compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
• Time Management: Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

CLOSING DATE: Friday 3rd October 2025

MODE OF APPLICATION

Email: jobs@mpatamangahydro.com

Visit our Website for more information about the post: www.mpatamangahydro.com