Policy Formulation and Analysis Training Expert, Maseru, Lesotho

Position: Policy Formulation and Analysis Training Expert

Location:

Maseru, Lesotho

Job Id: 1137

# of Openings: 1

DI is seeking to hire a Policy Formulation and Analysis Training Expert to provide comprehensive technical assistance to strengthen the institutional and human capacity of the Department of Policy and Strategic Planning (PSP) within the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MoFDP) in Lesotho. The consultant will design and facilitate training workshops, develop and revise policy formulation guidelines, and introduce robust analytical tools and methodologies to support evidence-based, results-oriented policy development across Government.

This position is based in Maseru, Lesotho. International candidates will be considered but should be prepared to provide a daily rate inclusive of travel costs.

Applications are being evaluated on a rolling basis, and a candidate will be selected as promptly as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Review and validate a baseline needs assessment through interviews with PSP officers to identify specific gaps in policy formulation, review, and analysis, and tailor the capacity building intervention accordingly.
• Review relevant national documents, including the Extended National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II Ext), existing PSP policy guidelines, previous capacity assessments, and related frameworks such as the SDGs and Agenda 2063.
• Develop a detailed training programme and Plan of Action, including module breakdown, sequencing, delivery methods, and timelines, in coordination with the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) and PSP.
• Design and develop comprehensive training modules, manuals, templates, and practical tools covering the full policy cycle, with emphasis on policy analysis, cost-benefit analysis, rapid/regulatory impact assessment, theory of change, logical frameworks, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL).
• Facilitate interactive training workshops and hands-on sessions using participatory and adult-learning approaches, incorporating Lesotho-specific and African contextual case studies, simulations, and group exercises.
• Obtain feedback from participants through pre/post assessments, session evaluations, and discussions to measure knowledge gains, skill improvement, and relevance of training.
• Embed sustainability measures by assisting PSP in updating departmental guidelines, integrating new tools and processes into workflows, and developing a post-training institutionalization plan.
• Submit progress reports, a comprehensive capacity building report, and a final assignment report including training outcomes, participant feedback, practical outputs, impact indicators, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Deliverables

• Inception report with baseline needs assessment findings and a customized training plan.
• Capacity-Building Programme and Training Materials, including training modules, manuals, presentations, case studies, and practical exercises focused on applied policy analysis and MEL.
• Practical outputs from exercises, including sample policy documents, CBA reports, rapid assessments, Theory of Change models, logframes, risk mitigation plans, and MEL systems templates.
• Revised Policy Formulation Guidelines, finalized and validated for adoption and rollout across Government.
• Capacity-Building Completion Report summarizing activities, participation, competencies strengthened, lessons learned, and recommendations for follow-up and sustainability.
• Final Assignment Report documenting all activities, deliverables, results achieved, challenges encountered, lessons learned, and recommendations for institutionalization.

Qualifications

• Required
  • Postgraduate Degree (Master's or higher) in Public Policy, Economics, Public Administration, Project Management, Development Studies, or a related field.
  • At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public sector policy formulation, policy analysis, and strategic planning, preferably within government, international organizations, or development partner-supported programmes.
  • At least 8 years' experience in program/project management, including results-based management, performance reporting, adaptive methods, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and change management.
  • Proven track record in capacity building and institutional strengthening, including the design and delivery of training programmes and workshops for senior and technical government officials.
  • Practical experience across the entire policy cycle, including problem analysis, policy design, options appraisal, implementation planning, monitoring and evaluation, and policy review.
  • At least 8 years' experience in the application of analytical tools, including cost-benefit analysis (CBA), regulatory/rapid impact assessment (RIA), theory of change (ToC), logical frameworks (logframes), and MEL.
  • Demonstrated experience in reviewing, developing, or revising policy formulation guidelines, frameworks, or manuals at the national or sectoral level.
  • Excellent facilitation, presentation, report writing, and communication skills, with proven ability to deliver interactive training.
• Preferred
  • Proven expertise in evidence-based policymaking, integration of ethical frameworks, and alignment of policies with national and international development agendas such as the SDGs and Agenda 2063.
  • Proven track record of achieving measurable outcomes in capacity building, such as improved policy processes, enhanced staff skills, or institutional reforms.
  • Experience working in African contexts, particularly in strategic planning or economic development ministries.

Application Process

Interested applicants MUST submit a CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.

Democracy International maintains the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

About the Organization:

DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.