MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
CIRCULAR NO. 1 OF 2026
REF: AG/CIR/1
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant position tenable in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition.
Position: Agricultural Assistant
Position Details
Department: Field Services
Title: Agricultural Assistant
Grade: D
Number of Positions: Two (2)
Responsible To: Area Extension Officer
Duty Station: DAO Maseru, DAO Thaba‑Tseka
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Area Extension Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for community capacity development and empowerment; training of farmers; coordination of sub‑resource centre activities; and preparation of sub‑resource centre budget.
Main Duties
6. Community Capacity Development and Empowerment
6.1 Creates awareness in the designated area on the UES concept to encourage development initiatives.
6.2 Conducts a Pitso in the designated area to explain the ALC process.
6.3 Liaises with team members to facilitate implementation of the Action Learning Cycle to enable communities to identify and solve their problems.
6.4 Encourages coordinated action to address community issues through development of community action plans for efficient and effective use of resources.
6.5 Supports and strengthens local institutions, groups and co‑operatives through technical expertise with assistance of Area Technical Officer and SMS where necessary.
6.6 Develops the capacity of individual farmers to set and achieve development goals for improved livelihoods.
6.7 Supports general agricultural development schemes/programmes for income generation and poverty alleviation.
6.8 Guides communities in monitoring and evaluating progress in action plan implementation to ensure learning through experience.
7. Training of Farmers
7.1 Trains farmers on technical issues arising from the Community Action Plan with assistance of Area Technical Officer and SMS.
7.2 Encourages farmer learning through trial plots, demonstrations and experimentation to develop innovative solutions.
7.3 Provides advice and general information on agricultural matters to farmers and stakeholders.
7.4 Liaises with Area Extension Officer and Technical Officers to arrange study tours and farmer‑to‑farmer visits.
7.5 Promotes and trains farmer extension facilitators to equip them with skills and knowledge.
8. Coordination of Sub‑Sectional Activities
8.1 Liaises with other sub‑sectional heads within and outside the resource centre for support in implementing crops activities.
8.2 Convenes monthly meetings with sub‑centre heads for planning and reporting to ensure integrated implementation of crops activities.
8.3 Liaises with stakeholders to sensitize them on sub‑sectoral developments for consistency and synchronic programme implementation.
9. Preparation of Sectional Budget
9.1 Prepares the overall sub‑sectional budget annually to ensure funding of programmes and projects.
9.2 Negotiates and justifies co‑operative budgets at divisional budget discussions.
9.3 Recommends review of the sub‑sectional budget to align it with changes in sectional business plans.
Compensable Factors
1. Job Specification
1.1 Education and Training
- Certificate in General Agriculture / Nutrition & Home Economics / Agricultural Mechanization
1.2 Experience
- Not required
1.3 Other Necessary Knowledge and Skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Conflict management skills
- Interpretation and analysis skills
- Training skills
2. Responsibility
2.1 For Work of Others
Responsible for work of:
- Livestock Attendants
- Field Attendants
- Wool Classers
- Field Recorders
- Grazing Control Supervisors
- Forest Rangers
- Stud Grooms
- Pack Grooms
- Farriers
- Gabion Builders
- Stockmen
2.2 For Property
Responsible for proper utilization and safekeeping of office furniture and equipment.
Contacts
| Officers/Offices | Reason | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Local Authorities | Discussion on all aspects related to agriculture | Monthly |
| Supervisees | Reporting and planning | Monthly |
| Supervisees | Progress review | Quarterly |
| Supervisees | Performance appraisal | Annually |
| Supervisor | Reporting and planning | Monthly |
| Supervisor | Progress review | Quarterly |
| Supervisor | Performance appraisal | Annually |
| District Field Staff | Training and guidance | As required |
| Other sectional heads | Integrated implementation of activities | As required |
| Farmers and communities | Facilitation of programmes, projects and training | As required |
Effort
Mental Effort
- Conflict resolution
- Interpretation and analysis
Physical Effort
- Significant physical effort during demonstrations (e.g., castration, de‑horning)
Working Conditions
Unfavourable Conditions
- Occasional work beyond normal hours, during weekends and public holidays
- Walking long distances
- Exposure to extreme heat, cold and rain during campaigns
How to Apply
All applications must be hand delivered or addressed to:
The Human Resources Department
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100
Closing Date
Not later than 27 February 2026