Position: Project Manager – THUSO Project (Marang Fund)
Donor: Delegation of the European Union to the Kingdom of Lesotho
Location: Maseru, Lesotho (with travel to Berea and Leribe)
Contract Type: 12 months (subject to the availability of funds)
About the role:
The Project Manager will ensure the overall implementation of the THUSO Project, supported by the Marang Fund, which aims to promote the dignity, safety, and inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons in Lesotho. The project addresses structural discrimination in financial services, public infrastructure, prisons, and gender-based violence (GBV) response systems through institutional engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity building.
Job Summary
- Employer: International Human Rights Lab
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-16
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and coordination of the THUSO Project.
- Manage implementation of activities across Maseru, Berea, and Leribe in line with project outcomes.
- Oversee project monitoring and evaluation.
- Supervise and support project staff, consultants, and partners.
- Oversee project monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, ensuring compliance with donor and IHRL requirements.
- Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and donor partners.
- Lead the drafting of policy briefs and advocacy documents in collaboration with technical experts.
- Manage the project budget in coordination with the Finance and Procurement Manager.
- Provide capacity building to the project beneficiaries
- Work closely with the Central Bank of Lesotho, commercial banks, financial institutions, Lesotho Mounted Police Services, relevant government ministries, institutions of higher learning and the infrastructure sector.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in law or any other relevant field.
- At least 4 years of experience managing human rights or social justice projects, preferably in LGBTQI+ advocacy.
- Proven experience in project leadership, donor compliance, and reporting.
- Strong knowledge of LGBTQI+ rights, gender equality, and human rights frameworks in Lesotho and the region.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of international human rights frameworks related to SOGIESC.
- Proven ability to lead full project cycle management- planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, reporting and learning.
- Exceptional skills in stakeholder engagement, advocacy & community trust building.
- Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, and the safety and dignity of LGBTQ+ persons, staff and partners.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Project Manager role in Lesotho?
Most employers expect a Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Certifications like PRINCE2, PMP, or Agile Scrum are increasingly valued. Experience in development or human rights sectors is often preferred for NGO-funded projects.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Project Manager on a donor-funded project in Lesotho?
You will coordinate project activities, manage budgets and reporting to donors like USAID or EU, supervise local staff, and liaise with government ministries and community stakeholders. Regular field visits to project sites are common. You must also ensure compliance with donor regulations and organizational policies.
How does local work culture in Lesotho affect project management expectations?
Lesotho workplaces emphasize respect for hierarchy and relationship-building before task execution. Meetings may start with formal greetings and community consultation is essential. Flexibility with timelines is often needed due to rural infrastructure challenges and seasonal factors like agricultural cycles.
What career progression opportunities exist for Project Managers in Lesotho's development sector?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Project Manager, Country Director, or regional roles covering multiple Southern African countries. Some transition into grant writing, monitoring and evaluation, or consulting. Building networks with donors and local government opens doors to larger-scale program leadership.
What benefits are typically included in contract-based project management roles in Lesotho?
Benefits vary by employer but often include medical aid, pension contributions, and annual leave as required by Lesotho labor law. International NGOs may offer additional allowances like housing or transport. Always review your contract carefully, as contract roles sometimes exclude long-term benefits like severance pay.
How should I apply for project management positions in Lesotho, and what do employers prioritize?
Submit a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting donor-funded project experience and measurable results. Employers prioritize proven budget management, stakeholder coordination skills, and familiarity with Lesotho's development context. Include references from previous supervisors and be prepared for competency-based interviews.