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Strengthening the Capacity of the High Court of Lesotho – Short Term Anti-Corruption Judge

3:34:00 PM

Reference: G/LES/100
Location: Maseru, Lesotho
Duration: 80 days over a period of eight months
Closing Date: 27 Mar 2013

Project Background

The need to strengthen the judiciary stems from the recognition by Government that not only is judicial reform vital to its commitment to democracy, but that the judiciary plays an important role in the economic development of Lesotho. Foreign investors need a climate that is conducive to investment and which includes an independent and competent judiciary which can deliver timely resolution of disputes and the enforcement of judgments. Major projects and industries which are multinational in character are being developed or established in Lesotho – water supply, the diamond industry, manufacturing industry –have created the need for a dedicated commercial court to fast track cases. A commercial court has now been established, is fully operational and has cleared the historical backlog of commercial cases. However, a backlog of cases involving corruption has been increasing in recent years due to improvements in the legislation and in the efficiency of the anti-corruption bodies in Lesotho.
An experienced High Court judge is therefore required to help clear this backlog and provide guidance to the judiciary in its approach to hearing such cases as they are presented to the court.

Project Purpose

To strengthen the capacity of the High Court of Lesotho in order to enable the delivery of an effective, efficient and collaborative judicial service according to international standards of compliance and performance.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be based at the High Court of Lesotho for up to 80 daysover an eight month period and will work closely with the Chief Justice, two locally appointed High Court judges and the Chief Registrar.
During the implementation period it is expected that the consultant will undertake these activities:
  • Preside over backlogged anti-corruption cases as assigned by the Chief Justice
  • Provide mentorship and guidance with regard to anti-corruption cases to locally appointed judges as required
  • Advise the Honourable Chief Justice as necessary

Project Outputs (Deliverables)

  • Backlog of corruption cases in the High Court cleared
  • Locally appointed judges’ capacity developed with regard to hearing anti-corruption cases
  • Chief Justice appropriately advised as necessary.

Implementation Arrangements

The consultant will work closely with Commonwealth Secretariat Advisers in delivering this technical assistance. The consultant will be based at the High Court of Lesotho in Maseru for a period of 80 days in total and will report to the Chief Justice.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential
  • Degree and professional qualification in law or law-related courses or similar discipline with at least 10 years’ post admission practice experience as a lawyer;
  • Minimum of 8 years’ professional experience as a judge of a High Court (or equivalent)  in any Commonwealth jurisdiction
  • Experience in hearing anti-corruption cases
  • Strong presentation, communication and report writing skills
  • Fluency in written and spoken English 
  • Computer skills: word processing, spreadsheet, presentations.
Desirable
  • Experience of development and delivery of capacity building inputs for the justice sector

Further Information

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