Ministry of Law and Justice
External Circular No. 6 of 2025
Ref: LCA/CIR/4
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant position tenable at the Ministry of Law and Justice.
DEPARTMENT: Registrar General’s Office
Job Title: Chief Registrar – Societies and Other Legal Rights
Grade: I
Responsible To: Crown Attorney
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Crown Attorney, the incumbent is responsible for the registration and supervision of Societies, Citizenships, Publications, and Marriages; deregistration of Societies; and preparation of individual work plans.
Main Duties
1. Registration of Societies
1.1 Processes applications for reservation of names for societies that have applied for registration.
1.2 Examines constitutions in accordance with the requirements of the Societies Act.
1.3 Registers constitutions of Societies that comply with the Societies Act.
1.4 Issues certificates as proof of registration.
1.5 Supervises and monitors Societies to ensure compliance with the law and Lesotho’s international obligations under regional and international bodies such as the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG).
2. Registration of Citizenships, Publications, and Marriages
2.1 Examines applications for registration of Citizenships and Publications to ensure compliance with the law and to determine whether to register or not.
2.2 Registers Citizenships and Publications in order to give them legal status.
2.3 Registers Marriage certificates submitted by Marriage Officers.
2.4 Prepares and issues duplicate Marriage certificates upon request.
2.5 Collaborates with the Ministry responsible for Civil Registry.
2.6 Liaises with the Ministry responsible for issuing Citizenships.
3. Supervision of Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs)
3.1 Prepares a Risk-Based Supervision Framework for Non-Profit Organizations.
3.2 Conducts Risk Assessments for Non-Profit Organizations.
3.3 Provides continuous sensitization to Non-Profit Organizations on terrorist financing.
3.4 Liaises with other supervisory authorities on best practices for supervising Non-Profit Organizations.
4. Deregistration of Societies
4.1 Deregisters societies in compliance with the law.
4.2 Records and publishes decisions on deregistration of societies.
5. Implementation of Departmental Outreach Program
5.1 Prepares an Action Plan for the Outreach Program.
5.2 Develops outreach tools and materials to be used in outreach activities.
5.3 Organizes and coordinates outreach activities for the Department.
5.4 Conducts outreach activities using different and relevant platforms to sensitize the public about the services of the Department.
6. Supervision of Staff
6.1 Supervises Societies Registry staff to ensure continuity of work.
6.2 Appraises subordinates to assess performance.
7. Preparation of Work Plan
7.1 Prepares annual individual work plans to identify goals, objectives, and targets.
8. Other Duties
8.1 Performs any other relevant duties that may be assigned from time to time.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competences
Education and Training
- Master of Laws (LLM), plus five (5) years’ working experience in the Registrar General’s Office; OR
- Master of Laws (LLM) plus at least ten (10) years’ working experience in the legal profession.
- Admission or right of admission as Advocate or Attorney in SADC countries.
Other Relevant Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of Industrial Property Law.
- Knowledge of Public Service Rules and Regulations.
- Knowledge of principal IP treaties, including the Paris Convention, WIPO Convention, and Lusaka Agreement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and ability to adapt quickly to new technologies.
Competences Required
- Effective communication skills with ability to understand and explain complex situations.
- Ability to build positive interpersonal relations with colleagues and clients.
- Flexibility and adaptability to change.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Strong managerial skills, with ability to lead multiple staff levels.
- Ability to make presentations and communicate with clients.
- Effective assessment skills to determine progress towards goals.
- Ability to work independently as well as in teams.
- Excellent interpersonal and writing skills.
- Conducts self in accordance with codes of conduct.
- Ability to analyze complex issues and identify solutions.
- Ability to share relevant information with staff, colleagues, and principals.
Responsibility
For Work of Others
- Supervises Societies Registry staff and subordinates handling registration of Societies, Citizenships, Publications, and Marriages.
For Property
- Responsible for the safekeeping of law books, publications, files, marriage certificates, IT equipment, and other office property.
For Safety of Others
- None.
For Effect of Errors
- Responsible for errors that may be committed in registering Societies, Citizenships, Publications, and Marriages.
Authority for Decision Making
- Authorized to decide on which Societies, Citizenships, and Publications to register or publish.
Problem Solving
- Expected to resolve work-related problems.
Supervision Received
- Works independently but should consult the Crown Attorney regularly, especially in relation to disputes.
Contacts
- Trademark Agents.
- Associations dealing with geographical indications.
- Other members of staff.
- Members of the public.
Effort
Mental Effort
- Expected to read extensively on Industrial Property Law and stay conversant with trademarks registered worldwide.
Physical Effort
- Not applicable.
Emotional Effort
- Requires patience and tolerance, particularly when dealing with members of the public.
Hazards
- None.
Application Guidelines
Applications should be made on the relevant forms:
- G.P. 103 for job seekers.
- G.P. 104 for serving officers.
Applications must include:
- Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts.
- Certified copy of National Identity Document (ID).
Addressed to:
The Principal Secretary
Ministry of Law and Justice
P.O. Box 33
Maseru 100
OR
Hand deliver to one of the following:
- Law Office: Human Resources Office, Qhobosheaneng Office Complex, Phase 1, Room 065B
- Justice Office: Human Resources Office, Old Justice Building, Parliamentary Road (Opposite Tourist Board and DCEO)
- Government Printing: Human Resources Office, Industrial Area Station
Closing Date: 26th September 2025