Research and Development Manager – Persons with Disability Advisory Council (PWDAC)
Location: Maseru, Lesotho
Closing Date: 30 April 2025
Duration: 5-year contract, renewable based on performance and availability of funds
Employment Type: Full-time
Overview
The Persons with Disability Advisory Council (PWDAC), established under Section 4 of the Persons with Disability Equity Act, 2021, serves as the national authority responsible for advising the Government of Lesotho on matters concerning persons with disabilities. In its effort to promote disability-inclusive development through evidence-based policymaking, the Council seeks to recruit a qualified and experienced Research and Development Manager. This role will support the Council’s mandate by leading research, policy formulation, and strategic innovation focused on disability rights and inclusion.
Purpose of the Position
The Research and Development Manager will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing research initiatives, policy development, and knowledge dissemination related to disability inclusion in Lesotho. The position is critical to supporting advocacy, monitoring, and evidence-based planning across the Council’s strategic interventions.
Responsibilities
-Lead and coordinate disability-focused research projects and initiatives.
-Develop and implement a national research and development strategy aligned with international and domestic disability frameworks.
-Conduct policy reviews, impact assessments, and develop policy briefs and technical reports.
-Collect, analyze, and disseminate disability data to support planning and decision-making.
-Produce strategic publications that inform public discourse and policy development.
-Establish partnerships with research institutions, NGOs, government bodies, and international development agencies.
-Facilitate knowledge sharing, innovation, and capacity development within the Council.
-Support Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems by developing indicators and reporting tools for disability policies.
-Provide technical guidance in drafting national reports to international bodies such as the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
-Ensure that all research activities are inclusive and participatory, reflecting the voices of persons with diverse disabilities.
Requirements and Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Disability Studies, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in research, policy analysis, or programme development, preferably with a focus on disability.
- Solid knowledge of national and global disability rights instruments, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
- Demonstrated ability to lead participatory research and produce policy-relevant outputs.
Skills and Competencies:
-Advanced analytical, research, and report writing skills.
-Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
-Strategic thinking and innovation in programme and policy development.
-Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, NVivo) is an added advantage.
-Commitment to inclusion, equity, and respect for the dignity of persons with disabilities.
Remuneration
Salary will be based on the Council’s established pay structure and commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.