Electoral Security Officer at IEC

November 7, 2026

INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (IEC) LESOTHO

VACANCY: ELECTORAL SECURITY OFFICER

Department: Administration
Grade: G
Responsible To: Director of Elections
Location: Maseru

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Lesotho invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Electoral Security Officer.

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director of Elections, the Electoral Security Officer is responsible for coordinating, implementing and monitoring security measures to protect the IEC, its personnel, offices, facilities, equipment, information and electoral operations.

The incumbent will develop and enforce appropriate security procedures, coordinate vetting and background checks of prospective and existing employees where required, facilitate security clearances, safeguard sensitive electoral materials, investigate suspected security breaches, and support the prevention and management of electoral security risks.

The Officer will also liaise with relevant national security agencies to strengthen institutional security, protect the Commission’s leadership and personnel, and promote a safe and secure electoral environment before, during and after elections.

Key Performance Areas and Main Duties

1. Institutional and Physical Security

Develop, implement and maintain procedures for opening, closing and securing IEC offices and facilities.
Establish and coordinate a comprehensive security programme covering all IEC offices, facilities, departments, personnel and operations.
Identify and assess security vulnerabilities and recommend appropriate preventive and corrective measures.
Supervise the installation, maintenance and effective operation of CCTV systems, access-control mechanisms, alarms and other security devices.
Develop and maintain procedures for protecting IEC personnel, assets, equipment, records and confidential information.
Coordinate appropriate protective arrangements for Commissioners, the Director of Elections and other designated personnel, in accordance with approved security protocols.
Maintain an up-to-date register of security incidents, threats, losses, suspected offences and attempted offences against the IEC.

2. Personnel Vetting and Security Clearance

Coordinate and oversee vetting and background-checking processes for prospective employees and, where required, existing personnel.
Facilitate security-clearance processes in collaboration with authorized national security agencies and other relevant institutions.
Ensure personnel-vetting and security-clearance records are handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and IEC policies.
Advise management on identified security risks arising from personnel vetting, subject to established procedures and confidentiality requirements.

3. Electoral Security and Risk Management

Identify, assess and monitor security threats that may affect electoral processes, including potential electoral violence, intimidation, disruption and threats to electoral personnel or infrastructure.
Develop and recommend preventive measures to mitigate electoral security risks before, during and after elections.
Prepare and periodically review institutional security risk assessments, contingency measures and crisis-management plans.
Coordinate security preparedness for voter registration, public display of the voters’ register, political party and stakeholder engagements, polling, counting, results management and other electoral activities.
Monitor security incidents and emerging threats and promptly report significant developments to the Director of Elections.
Recommend appropriate interventions to prevent, manage and mitigate security incidents that could compromise electoral operations or public confidence in the IEC.

4. Incident Investigation and Security Compliance

Investigate or coordinate investigations into suspected security breaches, suspicious incidents, unauthorized access and violations of approved security policies, within the Officer’s authority.
Identify, document and preserve evidence relating to suspected security offences and incidents for referral to the appropriate authorities where necessary.
Maintain accurate records of security incidents, investigations, findings, corrective actions and referrals.
Monitor compliance with IEC security procedures and recommend corrective measures where deficiencies are identified.
Report suspected criminal conduct to the appropriate authorities in accordance with applicable laws and established reporting procedures.
Handle security-sensitive information and materials responsibly, ensuring authorized access, secure storage, controlled movement and proper transfer.

5. Inter-Agency Coordination and Emergency Preparedness

Maintain effective working relationships with relevant national security agencies, law-enforcement institutions, emergency services and other authorized stakeholders.
Coordinate security planning and information-sharing arrangements for electoral operations, subject to applicable laws, confidentiality requirements and the IEC’s institutional independence.
Develop and maintain emergency-response and crisis-management procedures for potentially violent incidents, security threats and other emergencies affecting IEC operations.
Support emergency-preparedness exercises and coordinate appropriate responses to security incidents in collaboration with authorized agencies.
Ensure security incidents are escalated promptly through established institutional channels.

6. Training, Awareness and Reporting

Develop and coordinate initial and periodic security-awareness training for IEC personnel.
Provide guidance on access control, protection of sensitive information, emergency procedures, incident reporting and appropriate conduct during security emergencies.
Organize ongoing instruction on the use of security equipment, protective measures and emergency-response procedures.
Prepare periodic security reports highlighting the status of security measures, incidents, emerging risks, mitigation actions and matters requiring management attention.
Advise the Director of Elections on security-related policy, operational improvements, resource requirements and emerging threats.
Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the Director of Elections that are consistent with the position’s responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must possess one of the following:

Postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies or a relevant field, plus three (3) years of relevant work experience; OR
Degree in Security Studies or a relevant field, plus five (5) years of relevant work experience.

Required Competencies and Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

Good written and verbal communication skills, including professional report writing.
Sound knowledge of security management principles, risk assessment and incident prevention.
Practical knowledge of CCTV systems, access-control technologies and other security equipment.
Ability to identify, assess and respond to security threats and emergencies.
Good investigative, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
Strong interpersonal, coordination and stakeholder-engagement skills.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to urgent security incidents.
Proficiency in computer applications and electronic record management.
Professional integrity, impartiality, discretion and respect for the rule of law.

A recognized security-management, investigations, emergency-response or related professional certification will be an added advantage.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must:

Be willing to work outside normal working hours, including weekends and public holidays, when required, particularly during the electoral period.
Be citizens of Lesotho or otherwise legally eligible to work in Lesotho, subject to applicable public-service and recruitment requirements.
Be registered voters with the Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho.
Not hold office in any political party and demonstrate the ability to maintain strict political neutrality and impartiality at all times.
Demonstrate a high level of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism and commitment to the independence and credibility of the IEC.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates must submit the following:

An application.
An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, including three referees.
Certified copies of qualification certificates and academic transcripts.

Applications may be submitted by email to:

[email protected]

Email Subject: Electoral Security Officer

Alternatively, applications may be hand-delivered in a sealed envelope labelled:

The Director of Elections
Maseru West
Corner Maluti and Caledon Road
P.O. Box 12698
Maseru 100

Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 16:30

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.