MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
EXTERNAL CIRCULAR NO. 1 OF 2026
REF: LCMCIWI
RE-ADVERTISEMENT
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant position tenable at the Ministry of Law and Justice.
POSITION DETAILS
- Department: Drafting
- Job Title: Deputy Parliamentary Counsel
- Reports To: Parliamentary Counsel
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Under the general supervision of the Parliamentary Counsel, the incumbent is responsible for drafting, editing, translating, and publishing legislation and other legislative instruments, vetting treaties, providing professional advice, and managing and supervising staff.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Drafting and Publication of Legislation and Other Legislative Instruments
- Consult sponsoring ministries to obtain clarity on policy issues.
- Conduct research to determine the need for proposed legislation and assess consistency with existing laws.
- Conduct regional or international research to benchmark best practices.
- Draft complex, technical, confidential, and/or urgent legislation and other legislative instruments.
- Edit legislative drafting work of junior staff before submission to sponsoring ministries, the Parliamentary Counsel, and the Attorney General for approval.
- Facilitate publication of legislation and other legislative instruments.
2. Providing Counsel on Proposed Legislation
- Analyse sector policies to establish the need for legislation.
- Conduct research to determine consistency with the Constitution and other existing laws.
- Advise sponsoring ministries.
- Provide professional advice to ministries on legislative matters upon request.
- Advise portfolio committees on technical issues surrounding Bills.
3. Vetting Treaties
- Check whether treaties conform with the Constitution and other laws.
- Check whether treaties are well drafted.
4. Performance Management
- Facilitate the development of individual work plans for staff under his/her supervision.
- Provide on-the-job training for Assistant and Senior Parliamentary Counsel.
- Monitor and appraise staff performance.
- Handle staff grievances and disciplinary matters.
5. Facilitation of Acquisition of Fiscal Resources
- Prepare the budget for the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
- Monitor budget execution.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- LLB degree and Diploma in Legislative Drafting plus at least four (4) years’ experience at the level of Senior Parliamentary Counsel, OR
- At least ten (10) years’ experience in the Drafting Section.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibility for Work of Others
- Responsible for Senior Parliamentary Counsel and Assistant Parliamentary Counsel.
- In charge of the Drafting Section in the absence of the Parliamentary Counsel.
Problem Solving
- Intervenes where there are problems:
- With sponsoring ministries or Parliamentary Counsel on policy and drafting matters, including delays in completion of drafts.
- Failure to submit clear instructions.
- Delays in furnishing drafting instructions.
- Disagreements on drafting style or legislative direction.
- Administration:
- Mediates conflicts among staff members.
- Provides advice on personal matters affecting staff.
MENTAL EFFORT
- Planning individual work plans.
- Drawing outlines of Bills.
- Assessing how to approach particular draft laws.
- Determining whether further research or drafting instructions are required.
EMOTIONAL DEMANDS
- Making decisions or solving problems, often under pressure.
- Meeting deadlines set by the Attorney General, Cabinet, and sponsoring ministries.
- Responding to demands from line ministries to produce draft legislation within specified timeframes.
- Meeting administrative deadlines.
- Attending meetings while working on urgent draft legislation.
- Requires a stable, tactful, and well-balanced character due to frequent interaction with individuals who may be impatient, demanding, or argumentative.
- Often receives conflicting drafting instructions from line ministries due to inadequate consultations or insufficient research prior to submission.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- The incumbent is usually expected to work outside normal working hours in order to meet deadlines.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications on relevant forms:
- G.P. 103 – for job seekers
- G.P. 104 – for serving officers
Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of:
- Educational certificates
- Transcripts
- National Identity Document (ID)
Applications should be addressed to:
The Principal Secretary
Ministry of Law and Justice
P.O. Box 33
MASERU 100
OR
Be hand delivered to:
Human Resource Office, Justice Administration Headquarters
OR
Qhobosheaneng Office Complex
Phase I, Room 065 B
Please note: All applications must be accompanied by a certified copy of a national ID.
Closing Date: Not later than 12th February 2026