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: Area Technical Officer (Crops)
GRADE: E
RESPONSIBLE TO: Area Extension Officer
LOCATION: Maseru & Mafeteng
NO. OF POSITIONS: Two (2)
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Area Extension Officer, the incumbent is responsible for facilitating the identification and prioritisation of community problems through Action Learning Circle (ALC); development and implementation of community action plans; information dissemination; preparation of sub-sectional budgets; and coordination of sub-sectional activities.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Facilitation of Identification and Prioritisation of Community Problems through ALC
- Guides farming communities in identifying their own problems to support development programmes.
- Assists in prioritising problems to focus community efforts.
- Helps analyse underlying causes of prioritised problems.
2. Development of Community Action Plan
- Provides information on crop production technologies.
- Guides the development of community action plans, defining roles, responsibilities, and targets.
3. Facilitation of Implementation of Community Action Plan
- Advises farmers on simple trial methods for crop production to promote “learning-by-doing”.
- Trains farmers (in liaison with Subject Matter Specialists) on appropriate crop production techniques (field crops, horticulture).
- Coordinates study tours and farmer-to-farmer visits with relevant officers.
- Promotes and trains farmer extension facilitators.
4. Coordination of Sub-Sectional Activities
- Liaises with other sub-sectional heads within and outside the resource centre to support crop activities.
- Convenes monthly planning and reporting meetings with sub-centre heads.
- Engages stakeholders to ensure consistent and synchronized implementation of crop programmes.
5. Preparation of Sectional Budget
- Prepares annual sub-sectional budget to ensure proper funding and smooth implementation.
- Negotiates and justifies budget during divisional discussions.
- Recommends budget reviews to align with changes in the sectional business plan.
COMPENSABLE FACTORS
1. Job Specification
Education and Training Requirements:
- Diploma in General Agriculture
OR - Diploma in Agricultural Education
OR - Certificate in General Agriculture with three (3) years of relevant work experience
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