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: Area Technical Officer (Crops)
Position Details
Department: Field Services
Title: Area Technical Officer (Crops)
Grade: E
Number of Positions: Two (2)
Responsible To: Area Extension Officer
Location: DAO Maseru, DAO Thaba‑Tseka
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Area Extension Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for facilitation of identification and prioritization of community problems through Action Planning Circle; development of the Community Action Plan; information dissemination; preparation of sub‑sectional budget; and coordination of sub‑sectional activities.
Main Duties
1. Facilitation of Identification and Prioritization of Community Problems Through Action Learning Circle
1.1 Guides the farming community in identifying their own problems to provide a basis for their development programmes.
1.2 Guides the farming community in prioritizing problems to give focus to their efforts.
1.3 Guides the farming community in analyzing prioritized problems to identify underlying causes.
2. Development of Community Action Plan
2.1 Provides information on crop production technologies to assist the community in solving identified problems.
2.2 Guides the development of the Community Action Plan to define roles, responsibilities and targets.
3. Facilitation of the Implementation of the Community Action Plan
3.1 Advises farmers on simple trial methods in crop production for “learning‑by‑doing” to identify best solutions.
3.2 Trains farmers, in liaison with SMS, on appropriate crop production techniques (field crops, horticulture).
3.3 Liaises with the Area Extension Officer and Technical Officers to arrange study tours and farmer‑to‑farmer visits to expose farmers to improved methods and ideas.
3.4 Promotes and trains farmer extension facilitators to equip them with the relevant skills and knowledge.
4. Coordination of Sub‑Sectional Activities
4.1 Liaises with other sub‑sectional heads within and outside the resource centre to solicit support in implementing crops activities.
4.2 Convenes monthly meetings with sub‑centre heads for planning and reporting to ensure integrated implementation of crops activities.
4.3 Liaises with stakeholders to sensitize them on sub‑sectoral developments to facilitate consistency, mutual support and synchronized implementation of crops programmes.
5. Preparation of Sectional Budget
5.1 Prepares the overall sub‑sectional budget annually to ensure funding and smooth implementation of all programmes and projects.
5.2 Negotiates and justifies the co‑operative budget in divisional budget discussions to secure necessary funds.
5.3 Recommends review of the sub‑sectional budget to the divisional head when required to realign with changes in the sectional business plan.
Compensable Factors
Education and Training
- Diploma in General Agriculture / Diploma in Agricultural Education
OR - Certificate in General Agriculture plus three (3) years working experience
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