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
- Position Title: Director Human Rights
- Department/Office: Human Rights Unit
- Reports To: Deputy Attorney General
1. Job Purpose
The Director of Human Rights provides strategic leadership, legal expertise, and policy guidance on human rights issues. The incumbent ensures compliance with national, regional, and international human rights obligations, advises government ministries and institutions on human rights matters, and coordinates the implementation of human rights policies and frameworks in line with constitutional and statutory mandates.
2. Key Responsibilities
2.1 Strategic Leadership and Advisory
2.1.1 Provision of Legal Opinion on National and International Human Rights Law
- Provide high-level legal and policy advice to government officials on human rights issues.
- Lead the development and implementation of the national human rights agenda within the Attorney General’s Chambers.
- Represent the Attorney General’s Chambers in high-level inter-ministerial, regional, and international human rights forums.
- Provide legal opinion to Government and other entities on national and international human rights law.
- Analyse national and international human rights issues.
- Identify legal issues on national and international human rights.
- Conduct research where necessary.
- Prepare reports, documents, briefing notes, talking points, statements, and other written materials.
- Provide legal advice or opinion to relevant entities on human rights matters.
2.2 Preparation of State Party Reports
- Identify relevant Conventions to be reported on.
- Collect relevant information and data.
- Draft reports in consultation with stakeholders.
- Coordinate submission of reports.
- Maintain a roster of trainers on treaty body reporting, creating a community of learning among trainers and keeping them up to date on treaty bodies.
- Coordinate the work of the National Mechanism on Reporting and Follow-up.
2.3 Implementation of Recommendations from Treaty Monitoring Bodies
- Review, monitor, and evaluate activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.
- Collect and analyse good practices by States in fulfilling their human rights treaty obligations.
- Monitor domestic legislation to ensure its compatibility with international human rights instruments.
2.4 Drafting of Human Rights Legislation
- Coordinate consultations with all relevant ministries and departments.
- Provide drafting instructions to the drafting section.
- Follow up on the drafting of Bills.
- Prepare Cabinet Memoranda.
- Present Bills to different clusters for deliberations.
2.5 Mounting of Human Rights Training
- Identify relevant stakeholders to be trained.
- Prepare workshop topics and programmes of work.
- Make presentations at workshops.
- Prepare workshop reports and follow-up actions.
Policy Development and Compliance
- Review and advise on legislation, policies, and administrative practices to ensure alignment with constitutional and international human rights standards.
- Monitor and evaluate government compliance with international human rights treaties and conventions.
- Oversee the preparation of State reports to international and regional human rights bodies (e.g. UN, AU, SADC).
Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
- Coordinate with government ministries, civil society organisations, and development partners on human rights initiatives.
- Engage with international bodies, treaty-monitoring committees, and human rights mechanisms on behalf of the government.
- Foster collaboration with national human rights institutions and other oversight bodies.
Management and Capacity Development
- Manage the Human Rights Unit, including planning, budgeting, and staff supervision.
- Build capacity of government lawyers and other public officials on human rights law and practice.
- Ensure proper research, documentation, and dissemination of human rights information and jurisprudence.
3. Key Deliverables
- Timely, accurate, and authoritative human rights legal opinions and advice.
- National reports submitted to international and regional human rights bodies within set timelines.
- Effective representation of the government in human rights cases and forums.
- Strengthened institutional capacity for human rights compliance and advocacy.
- Human rights training programmes and awareness initiatives developed and implemented.
4. Qualifications and Experience
Education and Experience
- LLM in Human Rights plus five (5) years’ relevant experience in State Party report preparation on Human Rights.
OR
- LLB with at least seven (7) years’ relevant experience in State Party report preparation on Human Rights.
Knowledge and Skills
- In-depth knowledge of national, regional, and international human rights frameworks.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to represent government at the highest levels in sensitive human rights matters.
5. Core Competencies
- Integrity and commitment to human rights principles.
- Strategic thinking and policy analysis.
- Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
- Ability to manage complex and sensitive legal issues.
- Results-oriented, with a focus on accountability and compliance.
- Effective team leadership and staff development.
6. Responsibility for Work of Others
The incumbent has responsibility for supervising and directing other Human Rights Unit staff.
7. Responsibility for Safety
The incumbent is responsible for the safekeeping of valuable assets and documents within his/her jurisdiction.
8. Responsibility for Safety of Others
This factor is considered minimal in this job.
9. Complexity
The job demands the ability to read and write comprehensive documents addressing complex issues such as reports.
10. Authority for Decision-Making
The incumbent is responsible for advising the Government and other stakeholders on national and international human rights law.
11. Problem Solving
The incumbent refers to relevant national and international documents related to human rights.
12. Dexterity
The incumbent advises on national and international human rights law.
The job requires extensive skills, mental focus, and visual concentration.
13. Contacts
Regular contact with:
- Ministry officials
- United Nations (locally and internationally)
- Civil Society Organisations
- National Human Rights Institutions
- Other relevant stakeholders
14. Mental Effort
The job requires very high mental effort, particularly when reports and Conventions are discussed. Extensive reading and writing are involved.
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