MINISTRY: Law and Justice
DUTY STATION: Maseru
GRADE: L
RESPONSIBLE TO: Government Secretary
DAY-TO-DAY REPORTING: Minister
DURATION: 5 Years
DUTY STATION: Maseru
GRADE: L
RESPONSIBLE TO: Government Secretary
DAY-TO-DAY REPORTING: Minister
DURATION: 5 Years
Job Purpose
The Permanent Secretary is the Chief Accounting Officer of the Ministry and provides strategic guidance and supervision in the implementation of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan towards attainment of National Development Priorities.
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Government Secretary and the general direction of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary (PS) will be responsible for:
– Development and review of the Ministry’s strategic plan and legal frameworks.
– Implementation of the Ministry’s strategic plan, programmes and legal frameworks.
– Financial and budget management.
– Implementation of Government decisions and directives.
– Supervision of subordinates.
– Performing other duties and responsibilities in line with Section 97(1,2,3(b),(c)) of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, Act 2025 and Section 13(2) of the Public Service Act, 2005.
Job Summary
- Employer: Office of the Prime Minister
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho
- Category: Government & Public Administration
- Closing Date: 2026-10-02
Key Responsibilities
- Leads the development of the strategic plan in line with the National Strategic Development Plan to ensure that the Ministry responds to the national needs pertaining to law and justice.
- Presents the strategic plan to Cabinet for approval.
- Supervises the development of policies, laws and regulations governing the Ministry’s strategic intentions to improve the country’s justice system.
- Facilitates presentation of developed policies, laws and regulations to Cabinet for consideration and approval.
- Reviews the strategic plan and legal frameworks regularly in order to address emerging issues affecting service delivery.
- Supervises the development of the implementation plan for the strategic plan, programmes and legal frameworks to ensure that the Ministry achieves the intended targets.
- Liaises with Heads of Diplomatic Mission and other stakeholders, including development partners, to forge working relations and ensure that the implementation plan is widely communicated for maximum participation and contribution to national development.
- Convenes weekly Executive Management meetings to solicit progress reports on the operations and activities of Departments.
- Reports to the Minister, Government Secretary, Development Partners and the Public on progress made on the implementation plan for regular updates and to solicit support when necessary.
- Leads the Ministry’s budgeting process to ensure that its strategic activities are adequately funded.
- Presents the budget to the Minister for his/her appreciation, buy-in and approval.
- Presents the budget to the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning for funding of the Ministry’s annual operational plan.
- Authorizes procurement and payments of goods and services in line with Financial and Procurement Regulations to ascertain that the Ministry obtains value for money.
- Directs compilation of procurement, financial and reconciliation reports to assess the effectiveness of procurement services and track the financial performance of the Ministry.
- Directs preparation of reports, including budget execution and audit queries, for submission and presentation to the National Assembly.
- Supervises the development of the asset register to ensure safeguarding of assets and their proper record keeping.
- Supervises the implementation of Government decisions for improved service delivery.
- Supervises compilation of reports on the implementation of the decisions and submits them to the Government Secretary for consideration and approval.
- Convenes meetings with individual subordinates to develop annual work plans.
- Reviews progress on the planned activities quarterly to monitor the performance of individual supervisees.
- Conducts performance appraisals annually on individual supervisees to assess their overall performance.
- Facilitates assessment of training and development needs of staff for the development of a needs-based ministerial training plan.
- Supervises the execution of the training plan with the aim of enhancing employees’ skills for improved service delivery.
- Leads the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of undertaken training and development on staff to determine appropriate remedial action where necessary.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines:
– Law
– Administration or related field. - Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines:
– Law
– Development Planning/Management
– Public Policy
– Business Administration or related field. - First Degree from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines:
– Law
– Development Planning/Management
– Public Policy
– Business Administration or related field. - Five (5) years’ work experience for Master’s Degree holders.
- Seven (7) years’ work experience for Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree holders.
- Ten (10) years’ work experience for Degree holders.
- Experience must be in a senior management position.
- Experience in public service management will be an added advantage.
- Good leadership traits.
- Motivation and persuasive skills.
- Planning, coordination and budgeting skills.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Appreciation of the Government Procurement Act, Public Financial Management and Accountability Act, Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations and Basic Conditions of Employment for Public Officers.
- Computer skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Proposal and report writing skills.
- Ability to communicate fluently in Sesotho and English.
- Ability to work in a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary professional setup.
- Ability to work under pressure within short timelines.
How to Apply
Address: Office Address: P.O. Box 527, Maseru 100
REF Code: GS/MIN/10 | Vacancy Circular No: External Circular Notice No. 5 of 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required to become a Permanent Secretary in Lesotho's Ministry of Law and Justice?
Candidates usually need a Master's degree in Law, Public Administration, or a related field, plus at least 10-15 years of senior management experience in government or legal institutions. Membership in the Lesotho Law Society and prior experience as a Principal Secretary or Director are highly advantageous.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Permanent Secretary in this ministry?
The role involves advising the Minister on legal and justice policy, overseeing the administration of courts and legal services, managing departmental budgets, and coordinating with the Attorney General's office and judiciary. You will also represent the ministry in Cabinet meetings and ensure implementation of government legal reforms.
How does the work culture and expectations differ in Lesotho's public service compared to the private sector?
Lesotho's public service emphasizes hierarchy, protocol, and respect for political leadership, with decisions often requiring extensive consultation across ministries. Work pace can be deliberate due to bureaucratic processes, and there is strong expectation of loyalty to government policies and confidentiality in handling sensitive legal matters.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Permanent Secretary?
Successful Permanent Secretaries may advance to Head of the Public Service, Cabinet Secretary, or ambassadorial roles, or transition to international organizations like the African Union or UN agencies. Some also move into academia or judicial appointments, depending on their legal background and performance record.
What benefits typically come with this senior government position in Lesotho?
The package usually includes a government pension scheme, medical aid coverage, generous annual leave, and an official vehicle with driver. Housing allowances or subsidized accommodation may also be provided, along with security details in some cases.
How does one apply for a Permanent Secretary position, and what do selection panels prioritize?
Vacancies are advertised through the Public Service Commission and government gazettes, requiring formal applications with certified academic credentials and references. Panels prioritize proven leadership in public sector transformation, integrity, and demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships in Lesotho's political environment.