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 (Livestock)
GRADE: E
RESPONSIBLE TO: Area Extension Officer
LOCATION: Thaba-Tseka
NO. OF POSITIONS: One (1)
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 livestock production technologies to assist communities in problem-solving.
- Guides the development of community action plans, defining roles, responsibilities, and targets.
3. Facilitation of Implementation of Community Action Plan
- Trains farmers (in liaison with Subject Matter Specialists) on appropriate livestock production techniques.
- Conducts study tours and farmer-to-farmer visits to expose farmers to diverse livestock production methods.
- Guides communities in monitoring and evaluating progress to promote learning from experience.
- Performs minor veterinary operations where services are inaccessible to promote livestock health.
4. Information Dissemination
- Sensitises farmers and stakeholders on current livestock policies.
- Provides market opportunity information to guide livestock production.
- Notifies authorities of notifiable disease outbreaks for timely intervention.
- Promotes vaccination programmes to maintain livestock health.
- Encourages formation of anti-stock theft groups in collaboration with stakeholders.
5. Promotion of Private Sector Service Delivery
- Trains farmers and stakeholders in dipping, vaccination, and dosing practices.
- Trains local breeders in livestock management for improved quality.
- Trains Wool and Mohair Associations on woolshed management, classing, and marketing.
- Encourages traders to stock appropriate livestock inputs.
6. Preparation of Sectional Budget
- Prepares annual 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.
7. Coordination of Sub-Sectional Activities
- Liaises with other sub-sectional heads within and outside the resource centre to support livestock activities.
- Convenes monthly planning and reporting meetings with sub-centre heads.
- Engages stakeholders to ensure consistent and synchronized implementation of livestock programmes.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Education and Training Requirements:
- Diploma in General Agriculture
OR - Diploma in Agricultural Education
OR - Certificate in Agriculture with three (3) years of relevant work experience, especially in basic veterinary activities and operations
Other Necessary Knowledge and Skills:
- Leadership skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Extension methods skills
- Knowledge of basic animal health
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