Background
Since 2018, the Government of Lesotho (GoL) in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been implementing the Lesotho National Dialogue and Stabilization Project (LNDSP). A key outcome of the dialogue process was the creation of a legal framework to safeguard the reforms implementation process and insulate it from possible interference by enacting the National Reforms Authority (NRA) Act, 2019. The NRA Act 2019 section 4 states that there is established authority to be known as the National Reforms Authority which shall have such powers [section 7 (1) – (3)] and perform such functions [section 8 (1) – (2)] as are necessary for the attainment of the objectives of this Act while section 12 (1) states that the Authority shall perform its functions within a period of one year from the date of the constitution of the Secretariat.
The National Reforms Authority is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament (The National Reforms Authority Act No. 4 of 2019) to manage, coordinate and lead the reforms process in the implementation of the resolutions and decisions of Plenary II.
The Authority is looking for highly self – driven professionals to fill the following positions;
JOB TITLE : Consultant – Public Service Sector Reforms
NUMBER OF POSITIONS :1
REPORTS TO : CEO
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
To give technical assistance/support/advice to NRA for implementation of Public Service Sector Reforms.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Consultant will be expected to undertake the following duties but not limited to:
• To provide specialist advise, knowledge and expertise on public service sector reforms.
• To lead and coordinate research processes, development and implementation of the legal framework to and implement Public Service
Sector Reforms in line with Multi-Stakeholder National Dialogue Plenary II Report and decisions of NRA.
• To prepare the agreed policy and legislative principles from committees for submission to NRA Plenary for adoption.
• To play a leading role in the team assembled by the CEO for drafting of bills, policies and legal instruments in the Public Service Sector Thematic Area.
• To strengthen NRA capacity to implement its public service reform programme, including training and mentoring key members of the public service, participating in quality assurance process, monitoring portfolio performance and engaging partnerships.
STRATEGIC MANAGERIAL AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
• Ability to project, manage effectively and deliver against agreed deadlines;
• Ability to lead and undertake technical policy-focused research related to legislative strengthening and development;
• Ability to analyse data;
• Ability to present the organisation to external bodies;
• Strong presentational and public speaking skills;
• Strong intellectual skills for dealing with complex multifaceted issues;
• Relationship building skills with internal and external audiences;
• Excellent communication skills and influencing skills;
• Ability to prioritize, work under pressure and to deliver promptly without compromising quality standards;
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunities for people with disabilities;
• Profficiency in English;
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English;
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Key deliverables
The following will be the key deliverables:
a) Submission of the Inception Report following consultations with the National Reforms Authority at the end of the first week of commencement of the assignment, which should include a clear work plan and methodology for carrying out the consultancy work;
b) Reviewing the draft Public Service Act in line with the already developed constitutional principles and Plenary II Report and proposing amendments accordingly and in line with best international practice;
c) Preparing policy and legislative principles from the NRA Technical Committee on Public Service Reforms for submission to NRA Plenary for adoption;
d) Ensure completion of the drafting of Policies and Bills under the Public Sector Reforms;
e) Assist the NRA organize sensitization/training sessions as may be appropriate and produce related reports;
f) Provide monthly progress reports and a f nal report at the end of the consultancy contract;
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Master ‘s Degree in Development Studies/ Governance/ Political Science/ Public Administration/ Public Policy or a related social science discipline.
PLUS
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience, including development and implementation of public policies at national, regional or international levels.
OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies/ Governance/ Political Science/ Public Administration/ Public Policy or a related social science discipline.
PLUS
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience, including development and implementation of public policies at national, regional or international levels.
• PhD will be an added advantage.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Candidates will be required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate that is not older than 3 months;
• Candidate shall also be required to undergo security clearance;
CONTRACT DURATION FOR THIS CONSULTANCY IS:
• 3 Months
• Interested candidates must submit their financial proposal for the consultancy.
Interested candidates must submit their applications which include; Motivational Letter not exceeding 1000 words, comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CVs), certified copies of certificates & transcripts, names and contacts (including cell/telephone and e-mail) of three referees to the NRA Chief Executive Officer on the following email address: [email protected] hand deliver to the address:
National Reforms Authority Offices, 6th Floor, Block B, LNDC Center on or before: 14th January, 2022 at 12:00hrs. Contact details 59502928;.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.