MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
EXTERNAL CIRCULAR NO. 1 OF 2026
REF: LCMCIWI
RE-ADVERTISEMENT
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant position tenable at the Ministry of Law and Justice.
POSITION DETAILS
- Department: Law Reform Commission
- Job Title: Researcher
- Reports To: Director of Research
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Director of Research, a Researcher is responsible for actively participating in the research of legal issues raised in projects earmarked for investigation by the Law Reform Commission; drafting proposed Bills for eventual presentation to and consideration for enactment by Parliament; and performing any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Participating in the Research of Legal Issues in Projects Under Investigation
- Receives the Commission’s instructions relating to projects to be undertaken in order to study them for further action.
- Investigates the state of affairs existing at the time of project initiation to determine the nature of the problem or issue.
- Liaises with all stakeholders affected by the investigation to solicit their views and inputs.
- Consults, where necessary, with external experts and knowledgeable persons with a view to engaging them in Project Committee investigations.
- Assists in planning various investigations of the Commission’s programmes to determine whether Project Committees are required.
- Guides appointed Project Committees to ensure that prescribed methods of investigation are followed.
- Serves as a direct link between interested parties in any project and the Commission to ensure participatory effort is achieved.
- Advises on the need to hold workshops, seminars, pitsos, and similar forums to disseminate research findings to stakeholders and solicit their views.
2. Drafting of Bills for Eventual Consideration by Parliament
- Prepares draft Bills relating to legislation to be debated by Parliament in order to translate them into positive law.
- Consults, where necessary, with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to solicit assistance in drafting Bills.
3. Any Other Duties That May Be Assigned
- Receives directives on an ongoing basis relating to the overall functional and operational life of the Commission in order to attain required efficiency and efficacy.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from any recognised institution in the Commonwealth.
Experience
- At least three (3) years in the civil service engaged in legal-related work; or
- Four (4) years in a non-Government establishment or legal practice.
- A Certificate or Diploma in Legislative Drafting will be an added advantage.
RESPONSIBILITY
- The position places responsibility on the incumbent to be meticulous in forming opinions for transmission to authorities regarding projects to be referred for Project Committees and/or advisers, which may have financial implications on public funds.
EFFECT OF ERRORS
- The incumbent may be held responsible for incorrect recommendations to immediate superiors that negatively impact the Commission’s operations and judgment (for example, engaging overseas expertise when matters could be addressed in-house).
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY OF OTHERS
- Not applicable.
COMPLEXITY
- Where decision-making is required, consultation with superiors is essential.
PROBLEM SOLVING
- Depending on the magnitude and nature of the issue involved, the incumbent should seek advice from superiors; however, initiative is encouraged.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
- Limited supervision is provided, with emphasis placed on initiative once directives are given in clear terms.
DEXTERITY
- Not applicable.
CONTACTS MADE
The incumbent is required to make contact with:
- Other Law Reform Commissions worldwide;
- Government Ministries and Departments, particularly those dealing with legal issues requiring review;
- Universities, including the National University of Lesotho and other institutions with strong research capacity;
- The legal profession, including the judiciary and legal practitioners;
- All stakeholders affected by projects undertaken.
EFFORT
Mental Effort
- Requires significant mental effort through continuous intellectual enrichment by reading a wide range of legal materials, including books, law journals, law reports, and judgments, and conducting comparative legal studies to avoid isolated analysis.
Physical Effort
- Involves managing discussions with people of diverse ideas and views, requiring composure, emotional control, and firmness of conviction.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- The incumbent may be required to leave the duty station to conduct research in unfamiliar environments, either within or outside the country, to produce quality research outputs.
HAZARDS
- The incumbent should expect negative or hostile reactions from some individuals, as proposed legal reforms may affect vested interests.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications on relevant forms:
- G.P. 103 – for job seekers
- G.P. 104 – for serving officers
Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of:
- Educational certificates
- Transcripts
- National Identity Document (ID)
Applications should be addressed to:
The Principal Secretary
Ministry of Law and Justice
P.O. Box 33
MASERU 100
OR
Be hand delivered to:
Human Resource Office, Justice Administration Headquarters
OR
Qhobosheaneng Office Complex
Phase I, Room 065 B
Please note: All applications must be accompanied by a certified copy of a national ID.
Closing Date: Not later than 12th February 2026