TERMS OF REFERENCE
PROJECT MANAGER
Project Title: Transforming Gender Norms and Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws for Inclusive Protection Across Lesotho
Implementing Organization: Sesotho Media and Development (SM&D)
Location: Lesotho (with travel across all 10 districts)
Duration: 3 years (Fixed-term, Full-time)
Reporting To: Executive Director, SM&D
Supervises: Project Technical Staff, Administrative Support, and Graduate Program Participants
1. BACKGROUND AND PROJECT OVERVIEW
The project aims to support the effective implementation of the Counter Domestic Violence Act, 2022 in Lesotho. It focuses on advancing gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and freedom from all forms of gender-based violence (GBV).
The project will:
- Strengthen the capacity of duty bearers
- Enhance public awareness
- Foster multi-stakeholder coordination
The initiative seeks to ensure inclusive protection for women, girls, LGBTQI+ individuals, sex workers, and persons with disabilities.
The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the project, ensuring alignment with EU guidelines and achievement of the project’s objectives and outcomes.
2. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Project Coordination and Management
- Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the project
- Develop detailed annual work plans, budgets, and implementation schedules
- Ensure timely execution of all project activities in line with the approved action plan
- Coordinate with co-applicants, affiliated entities, and key stakeholders, including government, CSOs, media, judiciary, police, health, and education sectors
- Chair regular project team meetings and guide technical and administrative staff
2.2 Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building
- Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including:
- Ministry of Gender
- Ministry of Justice
- Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS)
- Judiciary
- National University of Lesotho (NUL)
- Civil Society Organizations, media, community leaders, and oversight bodies
- EU Delegation and other development partners
- Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, symposia, and coordination meetings
- Represent SM&D and the project in national and regional forums
2.3 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Oversee the development and implementation of the project M&E framework
- Ensure regular data collection, analysis, and reporting against project indicators
- Prepare and submit quarterly, mid-term, and final narrative and financial reports to the EU
- Conduct field visits to monitor implementation and provide on-site support
- Ensure compliance with EU visibility and communication requirements
2.4 Financial and Administrative Oversight
- Manage the project budget in coordination with the Finance Officer
- Ensure compliance with EU financial rules and SM&D internal policies
- Approve expenditures and ensure proper financial documentation
- Supervise procurement processes and contract management for consultants and service providers
2.5 Capacity Building and Team Supervision
- Supervise and mentor project staff (technical, administrative, and graduates)
- Ensure staff receive adequate training and operational support
- Foster a collaborative, gender-sensitive, and inclusive work environment
2.6 Risk Management and Contingency Planning
- Identify and mitigate project risks (political, social, operational, and financial)
- Update and implement contingency plans as required
- Ensure safety and security protocols for field staff and project participants
2.7 Knowledge Management and Advocacy
- Oversee production of project outputs, including:
- Documentary films
- Research studies
- Radio programs
- Social media campaigns
- Ensure dissemination of project findings and best practices
- Support advocacy efforts with policymakers, media, and civil society organizations
3. KEY DELIVERABLES
- Approved annual work plans and budgets
- Monthly and quarterly progress reports
- Mid-term and final project reports (narrative and financial)
- Stakeholder engagement reports and meeting minutes
- Risk assessment and mitigation reports
- Final project documentary and research publication
- End-of-project sustainability and exit strategy report
4. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Gender Studies, Public Health, or a related field
- Minimum of 2–3 years’ experience managing EU-funded or similar donor-funded projects in gender, GBV, or human rights sectors
- Proven experience in stakeholder coordination, capacity building, and advocacy in Lesotho or Southern Africa
- Strong financial management and reporting skills
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills in English and Sesotho
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation, including logframe-based reporting
Desirable
- Knowledge of Lesotho’s legal and policy framework on GBV and gender equality
- Experience working with government institutions, judiciary, police, and CSOs
- Previous experience in media, communications, or documentary production
- Understanding of EU PRAG and project implementation guidelines
5. CORE COMPETENCIES
- Leadership and strategic thinking
- Cultural sensitivity and gender responsiveness
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
- High integrity and commitment to human rights and gender equality
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software
6. CONTRACT DETAILS
- Contract Type: Fixed-term, full-time
- Duration: 3 years
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho, with frequent travel to all 10 districts
- Salary: Commensurate with experience and project budget
- Benefits: As per SM&D policy
7. APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit:
- Updated CV and copies of certificates
- Cover letter highlighting relevant experience
- Contact details of three (3) professional referees
Submission Email: [email protected]
Application Deadline: 23 February 2026