Terms of Reference: Litigation Consultant
Position Title: Litigation Consultant
Location: Maseru, Lesotho
Reports To: Programmes Manager
Duration: 12 months (Consultancy, renewable based on performance and funding availability)
Note: This is strictly a consultancy engagement and does not constitute an employment relationship. No employment benefits or entitlements apply beyond the scope of this contract.
1. Institutional Background
Seinoli Legal Centre (SLC) is a public interest legal organisation dedicated to advancing human rights, environmental justice, and promoting accountability in the context of development projects. The Centre provides legal empowerment, strategic litigation, and advocacy support to marginalised and development-affected communities, particularly where livelihoods, land rights, and resettlement are involved.
2. Purpose of the Engagement
The Litigation Consultant will provide specialised legal services in public interest litigation aligned with SLC’s thematic priorities. The role requires exercising independent legal judgment, upholding high ethical standards, and contributing to the mission of protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring access to justice.
3. Scope of Work
Strategic Litigation
- Identify, assess, and develop high-impact human rights litigation.
- Draft and file legal documents in constitutional, environmental, and socio-economic rights cases.
- Represent clients before domestic courts and regional/international mechanisms.
- Monitor legal developments and leverage favourable jurisprudence to influence precedent.
Legal Research and Analysis
- Conduct in-depth research on constitutional, environmental, administrative, and international human rights law.
- Prepare legal opinions, memoranda, and amicus curiae briefs.
- Track evolving human rights standards and regional case law.
Community Engagement and Empowerment
- Work with community-based human rights defenders to identify rights violations.
- Conduct legal literacy trainings and community consultations.
- Ensure litigation remains community-driven and accountable to affected groups.
Advocacy and Collaboration
- Collaborate with civil society and policy actors on justice and reform initiatives.
- Provide legal expertise to advocacy communications and stakeholder engagements.
- Represent SLC in conferences, tribunals, and strategic platforms.
- Engage relevant domestic authorities and international human rights mechanisms including AU and UN bodies.
- Engage constructively with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) where human rights intersect with development financing.
- Pursue Alternative Dispute Resolution where appropriate to secure timely and rights-compliant remedies.
Reporting and Compliance
- Maintain proper case records in line with confidentiality and data protection policies.
- Submit periodic progress reports and contribute to monitoring and evaluation.
4. Minimum Qualifications and Evidence of Impact
- Admitted legal practitioner in Lesotho with a valid right of audience before the courts.
- Minimum 5 years post-admission litigation experience, focused on human rights, constitutional law, or public interest litigation.
- LL.M. in a relevant field (International Human Rights, Environmental Law, Development Law) is an added advantage.
- Demonstrated record of at least two favourable human rights-related judgments, with documentation of their impact.
- Strong drafting, legal analysis, and research skills.
- Experience working directly with marginalised communities, particularly those affected by displacement or environmental harm.
- Proficiency in English and Sesotho, including ability to communicate legal concepts clearly to non-legal audiences.
5. Competencies
- Strong commitment to social justice, constitutionalism, accountability, and human rights.
- Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
- High ethical standards and protection of client confidentiality.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in fast-changing legal and socio-political contexts.
6. Reporting and Coordination
The Consultant will report to the Programmes Manager and collaborate with community representatives, partner organisations, and legal networks. All deliverables will undergo quality review and approval by SLC management.
How to Apply
Qualified and interested candidates should submit:
- A formal application letter
- A detailed CV
- Certified copies of academic qualifications
- At least two (2) positive human rights-related judgments previously handled
Submit applications via email to:
📩 [email protected]
Application Deadline: 05 December 2025
Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.