PERSONS WITH DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (PWDAC)
LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Persons with Disability Advisory Council (PWDAC) invites suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Legal and Compliance Officer.
ABOUT PWDAC
Persons with Disability Advisory Council (PWDAC) is an independent statutory human rights institution established under Section 4 of the Persons with Disability Equity Act No. 2 of 2021.
The Council is mandated to promote, protect and monitor the rights of persons with disabilities and to monitor compliance with the Persons with Disability Equity Act and other disability-related laws and policies.
POSITION INFORMATION
Position: Legal and Compliance Officer
Institution: Persons with Disability Advisory Council (PWDAC)
Duty Station: Maseru, Lesotho
Reporting To: Human Rights Manager
Contract: Five (5) years
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Legal and Compliance Officer will provide legal advice and technical support to PWDAC in the discharge of its statutory mandate. The Officer will support the Council in legal research, interpretation and application of disability rights law, complaints and investigations, compliance monitoring, policy and legislative review, litigation and referrals, legal drafting, institutional compliance, and promotion of accountability for the rights of persons with disabilities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide legal advice to the Council, management and staff on matters arising from PWDAC’s mandate and operations.
- Undertake research and analysis of national, regional and international disability rights laws, policies, standards and jurisprudence.
- Support the monitoring of compliance with the Persons with Disability Equity Act and other disability-related laws and policies.
- Provide legal support in the receipt, assessment, investigation and resolution of complaints concerning violations of the rights of persons with disabilities.
- Draft, review and provide legal input into contracts, memoranda of understanding, policies, guidelines, reports, submissions, correspondence and other legal instruments.
- Support PWDAC in litigation, legal referrals and engagement with courts, government institutions, law-enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies.
- Identify legal and institutional risks and advise management on measures to mitigate such risks.
- Monitor developments in disability rights law and advise PWDAC on emerging legal issues affecting persons with disabilities.
- Support legislative and policy advocacy, including review of proposed laws, regulations and policies for disability rights compliance.
- Provide technical support with investigations, inquiries, monitoring visits and other human rights accountability processes.
- Maintain proper legal records, case files and a database of legal matters and compliance issues.
- Support capacity building of PWDAC staff and stakeholders on disability rights, legal obligations and compliance.
- Prepare legal opinions, briefs, reports and other documents as required.
- Perform any other duties reasonably assigned within the scope of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from a recognised institution. Admission as an Advocate or Attorney of the Courts of Lesotho, or eligibility for admission, as applicable.
- At least five (5) years’ relevant post-qualification experience in legal practice, human rights, disability rights, public law, compliance or a related field.
- Demonstrable knowledge of the Constitution of Lesotho, the Persons with Disability Equity Act and other relevant national legislation.
- Sound knowledge of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and other applicable international and regional human rights instruments.
- Experience in legal research, drafting legal opinions and instruments, complaints handling, investigations or litigation will be an advantage.
- Experience working with public institutions, human rights institutions, civil society organisations or organisations of persons with disabilities will be an advantage.
COMPETENCIES
- Strong legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent legal drafting and written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply legislation and human rights standards.
- Strong understanding of disability rights and the human rights-based approach to disability.
- Integrity, independence, confidentiality and professional judgment.
- Strong interpersonal, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Good planning, organisation and report-writing skills.
- Computer literacy and ability to use standard office applications.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
The appointment will be for a period of five (5) years, subject to the applicable terms and conditions of service of PWDAC. The successful candidate shall report to the Human Rights Manager.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT: ONLY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY EMAIL WILL BE CONSIDERED
Interested candidates should submit:
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications.
- Proof of admission to practice where applicable.
- A cover letter demonstrating suitability for the position.
Applications should be addressed to:
DIRECTOR GENERAL
Persons with Disability Advisory Council
Ground Floor, Sekhametri Consortium Building
Corner Kingsway and Constitution Road
Maseru, Lesotho
Email: [email protected]
Closing Date: 25 September 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
PWDAC is committed to equality, non-discrimination and inclusion. Persons with disabilities who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.