Terms of Reference (ToR): Research and Development Manager
Persons with Disability Advisory Council – Lesotho
- Introduction and Background
The Persons with Disability Advisory Council was established under Section 4 of the Persons with Disability Equity Act, 2021 of Lesotho. The Council serves as the principal body mandated to advise the government on all matters relating to persons with disabilities. It plays a pivotal role in promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and in fostering respect for their inherent dignity.
In alignment with its mandate, the Council seeks to strengthen its research and policy development capacity by recruiting a qualified and experienced Research and Development Manager. This role is essential in supporting evidence-based planning, policy formulation, advocacy, and monitoring of disability-related programmes and services in Lesotho. - Position Title:
Research and Development Manager - Duty Station:
Maseru, Lesotho - Duration of Appointment:
5 years renewable subject to performance and availability of funds. - Reporting To:
Director General – Persons with Disability Advisory Council - Purpose of the Position
The Research and Development Manager will lead the generation, analysis, and dissemination of data and knowledge products that inform disability inclusion strategies in Lesotho. The role will support the Council’s objectives through high-quality research, development of strategic reports, monitoring tools, and fostering innovation in policy development. - Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate research initiatives that promote the rights and development of persons with disabilities.
- Develop and implement the Council’s research and development strategy in line with national and international disability frameworks.
- Conduct policy reviews and impact assessments related to disability inclusion and recommend appropriate interventions.
- Collect, analyze, and disseminate disability data to inform programmatic and policy decisions.
- Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and publications on disability-related issues.
- Establish and maintain research partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, government ministries, and international agencies.
- Facilitate knowledge management, innovation, and capacity building within the Council.
- Support monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities, including development of indicators to track the implementation of disability equity policies.
- Provide technical support in the drafting of national reports to bodies such as the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Ensure that all research activities are participatory and inclusive of persons with diverse disabilities.
- Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Disability Studies, Development Studies, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in research, policy analysis, or programme development, preferably in the disability sector.
- Strong understanding of the national and international disability rights frameworks, including the CRPD.
- Proven experience in designing and leading participatory research.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Competence in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, NVivo) is desirable.
- Commitment to the inclusion, empowerment, and participation of persons with disabilities.
- Key Competencies
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Strategic planning and innovation
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Results-oriented and quality-focused
- Strong ethical and professional standards
- Remuneration
Remuneration will be aligned with the Council’s pay structure and will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates must submit their applications: cover letter and certified copies of academic certificates to the following email address:
Attention to:
Director General
Persons with Disability Advisory Council
1010 building, Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development
Email: [email protected]
Deadline: on or before the 30 April 2025.