MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
CIRCULAR NO. 2 OF 2025
Reference: AG/CIR/2
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following position tenable in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition:
MINISTRY: Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
DEPARTMENT: Field Services
TITLE: Agricultural Assistant
GRADE: D
RESPONSIBLE TO: Area Extension Officer
LOCATION: Berea (3), Butha-Buthe (1), Mohale’s Hoek (2), Maseru (1), Leribe (1)
NO. OF POSITIONS: Eight (8)
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Area Extension Officer, the incumbent is responsible for community capacity development and empowerment, training of farmers, coordination of sub-resource center activities, and preparation of sub-resource center budgets.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Community Capacity Development and Empowerment
- Creates awareness on the UES concept to encourage community development initiatives.
- Conducts Pitso to explain the Action Learning Cycle (ALC) process.
- Collaborates with team members to implement ALC for community problem-solving.
- Encourages coordinated action through community action plans for efficient resource use.
- Supports and strengthens local institutions, groups, and cooperatives with technical expertise (in collaboration with Area Technical Officers and Subject Matter Specialists).
2. Coordination of Sub-Sectional Activities
- Liaises with other sectional heads within and outside the resource center to support crop activities.
- Convenes monthly planning and reporting meetings with sub-center heads.
- Engages stakeholders to ensure consistent and synchronized implementation of crop programmes.
3. Preparation of Sectional Budget
- Prepares annual sub-sectional budget to ensure proper funding and smooth implementation.
- Negotiates and justifies cooperative budgets during divisional discussions.
- Recommends budget reviews to align with changes in the sectional business plan.
COMPENSABLE FACTORS
1. Job Specification
Education and Training Requirements:
- Certificate in General Agriculture
OR - Certificate in Nutrition & Home Economics
OR - Certificate in Agricultural Mechanisation
Experience:
- Not required
Other Necessary Knowledge and Skills:
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Conflict management skills
- Interpretation and analysis skills
- Training skills
2. Responsibility
For Work of Others:
Responsible for the work of livestock attendants, field attendants, wool classers, field recorders, grazing control supervisors, forest rangers, study grooms, pack grooms, farriers, gabion builders, and stockmen.
For Property:
Responsible for proper use and safekeeping of office furniture and equipment.
CONTACTS
| Officers/Offices | Reason | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Local Authorities | Agricultural discussions | Monthly |
| Supervisees | Progress review | Monthly |
| Supervisees | Performance appraisal | Quarterly |
| Supervisors | Reporting and planning | Annually |
| Supervisors | Progress review | Monthly |
| Supervisors | Performance appraisal | Quarterly |
| District Field Staff | Training and guidance | Annually |
| Other Sectional Heads | Integrated implementation of activities | As required |
| Farmers & Communities | Facilitation of programmes and training | As required |
EFFORT
Mental Effort:
- Conflict resolution
- Interpretation and analysis
Physical Effort:
- High physical effort during demonstrations (e.g., castrating, dehorning)
WORKING CONDITIONS
Unfavourable Conditions:
- May work beyond normal hours, weekends, and public holidays
- Long-distance walking
- Exposure to extreme weather
- Possible residence in remote areas lacking basic services
Hazards:
- Risk of rape, snake bites, floods due to mountainous terrain
- Potential physical attacks during conflict resolution
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications must be submitted on relevant forms:
- GP 104 for serving officers
- GP 103 for job seekers
Applications must be accompanied by:
- Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts
- Certified copy of National Identity Document
- Up-to-date performance appraisal forms (for serving officers)
Submission Address:
The Director Human Resources
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100
Deadline: Not later than 19th September 2025