Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant positions tenable at the Ministry of Justice and Law (LAW OFFICE)
DIVISION: ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
JOB TITLE: DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
GRADE
NO. OF POSTS: ONE (1)
RESPONSIBLE TO: ATTORNEY GENERAL
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision-of the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General shall be responsible for advising and assisting the Attorney General in formulating and implementing Department policies and programs and in providing strategic leadership direction and overall supervision to all sections of the Department and to line ministries.
MAIN DUTIES
- REGULATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF LEGISLATION.
1.1 Deputises the Attorney General in his core Constitutional Responsibilities.
1.2 Facilitates provision of expertise knowledge in the drafting of legislation.
1.3 Facilitates administration of legislation pertaining to rights.
1.4 Facilitates research and revision of legislation in Lesotho.
1.5 Facilitates and upholds Government’s responsibility of leadership and oversight for protection and promotion of human rights in the country.
1.6 Maintains knowledge of current legal events concerning the law and justice sector and any other legal developments that may impact the Office of the Attorney General.
- PROVISION OF ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT IN MATTERS OF LAW AND LEGAL OPINION.
2.1 Attends Cabinet Meetings and provides legal advice to Cabinet as and when necessary in the absence of the Attorney General.
2.2 Provides legal advice to Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by explaining statutes and their applications to specific cases.
2.3 Conducts research and establishes feasible and best legal options for Government in litigation.
2.4 Draws legal contracts for Government and provides advice thereof.
2.5 Conducts meetings and provides feedback to MDAs in order to solve problems and monitor smooth implementation of laws and regulations.
- REPRESENTATION OF GOVERNMENT IN LITIGATION.
3.1 Assists the Attorney General with instituting civil suits on behalf of the state
3.2 Assists Attorney General with representing the state in all civil litigation in the courts of law
3.3 Assists Attorney General with collecting revenue for Government arising from the costs of litigation.
4.0 PREPARATION AND CO-ORDINATION OF THE DEPARTMENTAL PLANS AND BUDGET.
4.1 Prepares own annual plan to ensure that work is done according to schedule.
4.2 Approves annual plans to divisional Heads in order to ensure that they are geared towards departmental objectives.
4.3 Facilitates and co-ordinates the departmental operational plan in order to ascertain that it is geared towards the achievement of departmental and ministerial objectives.
4.4 Approves the annual training plan of the office in order to enhance the skills of the staff.
4.5 Monitors implementation of the departmental operational plan on a monthly basis in order to ensure that progress is achieved within the set time frame.
4.6 Consolidates the Department’s annual estimates for inclusion into the ministerial budget and to secure funding.
4.7 Authorizes recurrent expenditure of the section in order to control government funds.
4.8 Advises the Attorney General about the actual progress of the Department against planned activities so that ministerial objectives are achieved.
5.0 SUPERVISION AND REPORTING OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S ACTIVITIES
5.1 Supervises and directs the administration and operation of the Attorney General Office.
5.2 Supervises the work of all Heads of the Attorney General’s Chambers to ensure that objectives are met.
5.3 Sets directions, objectives and performance agreements for Heads of the Attorney General’s Chambers.
5.4 Sets and agrees an annual workplan with the Counsel and monitors its implementation to success.
5.4 Chairs professional management meetings of the chambers on a weekly/monthly basis for progress reporting.
5.5 Reports on the department’s performance to the Attorney General on quarterly basis to monitor and evaluate progress.
5.6 Conducts Sectional Heads appraisal on a bi-annual basis to assess performance and productivity.
5.7 Performs oversight role to the work of all legal personnel in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
5.8 Takes responsibility for establishment and proper functioning of the Legal Cadre in Government.
JOB SPECIFICATION:
- Masters Degree in Law (LLM) plus Seven (7) years relevant working experience at Senior Management Level.
Must be admitted as an Advocate in the courts of law in Lesotho.
Must have at least Five (5) years of practice in the courts of law in Lesotho.
OR
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) plus Ten (10) years relevant working experience at Senior Management Level.
- Must be admitted as an Advocate in the courts of law in Lesotho.
- Must have at least Eight (8) years of practice in the courts of law in Lesotho.
RESPONSIBILITY For work of others
The task requires great responsibility of fostering harmonious relations between the Office of Attorney General and clients.
For resources controlled
The task requires responsibility for safe keeping of legal documents.
For effect of errors
The task requires proven ability in considerable concentration, accurate application of statutes, and upkeep with developments in the justice and legal sector.
COMPLEXITY
The task requires considerable concentration and foresight for avoiding ambiguous and onerous agreements that are difficult to implement.
Authority for decision making
The task requires the incumbent to make decision when providing legal advice to the Government and performing other responsibilities on behalf of the state.
Problem solving
Proven skills, and ability to solve administrative and legal issues within the ministry and line ministries.
Supervision received
The incumbent is responsible to the Attorney General and is guided by The Constitution of Lesotho, Public Service Act and other subsidiary legislation before taking action.
Knowledge Management
The incumbent is to ensure that knowledge and information is recorded, shared and utilized to the benefit of all.
Change Management
The task requires proven ability to champion, inspire and deliver change and continuous improvement in a results focused environment.
Dexterity
This is considered minimal.
Contact
Makes regular contacts with Attorney General, Principal Secretary, heads of departments, and Line Ministries.
Mental effort
The job requires very high mental effort when solving internal and external conflicts.
Physical effort
This is considered minimal.
Emotional effort
The job requires the incumbent to be able to solve work related problems.
Unfavorable Working conditions
This is considered minimal.
Hazards
This is considered minimal.
Applications on relevant forms, G.P. 103 for job seekers and G.P. 104 for serving officers, accompanied by certified copies of Educational Certificates or transcripts should be hand delivered to Qhobosheaneng Office Complex Phase 1 Room 065 B.
Please note that all applications should be accompanied by a certified copy of National IDENTITY DOCUMENT (ID)
Not later than 23rd July 2021.