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.
Area Technical Officer (Livestock)
Position Details
Department: Field Services
Position: Area Technical Officer (Livestock)
Grade: E
Responsible To: Area Extension Officer
Location: DAO Maseru, DAO Berea & Butha‑Buthe
Number of Positions: Three (3)
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 ALC; 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 Prioritisation of Community Problems Through ALC
1.1 Guides the farming community in identifying their own problems to provide a basis for 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 finding solutions to their problems.
2.2 Guides the development of the Community Action Plan to define roles, responsibilities and targets.
3. Facilitation of the Implementation of Community Action Plan
3.1 Trains farmers, in liaison with SMS, on appropriate livestock production techniques identified in their Community Action Plan.
3.2 Conducts study tours and farmer‑to‑farmer visits to expose farmers to different livestock production methods and ideas.
3.3 Guides the community in monitoring and evaluating progress in implementation of their Action Plan.
3.4 Performs minor veterinary operations where services are far away to promote good livestock health.
4. Information Dissemination
4.1 Sensitizes farmers and stakeholders on current livestock policies to ensure effective implementation.
4.2 Provides information to farmers and stakeholders on possible market opportunities for livestock and livestock products.
4.3 Notifies appropriate authorities of outbreaks of notifiable diseases for immediate action.
4.4 Sensitizes farmers and stakeholders on vaccination programmes to maintain healthy livestock status.
4.5 Encourages establishment of anti‑stock‑theft groups, working with relevant stakeholders.
5. Promotion of Private Sector Service Delivery
5.1 Trains farmers and stakeholders in proper management of dipping, vaccinations and dosing to reduce disease prevalence.
5.2 Trains local breeders on good livestock management skills to improve livestock quality.
5.3 Trains Wool and Mohair Associations and stakeholders on woolshed management, classing and marketing.
5.4 Encourages traders to stock appropriate livestock inputs to improve supply to farmers.
6. Preparation of the Sectional Budget
6.1 Prepares the overall sectional budget annually to ensure funding and smooth implementation of programmes and projects.
6.2 Negotiates and justifies the horticultural crop research budget at divisional budget discussions to secure required funds.
6.3 Recommends review of the sectional budget when necessary to realign it with changes in the sectional business plan.
7. Coordination of Sub‑Sectional Activities
7.1 Liaises with other sub‑sectional heads within and outside the resource centre to solicit support for implementation of activities.
7.2 Convenes monthly meetings with sub‑centre heads for planning and reporting to ensure integrated implementation of activities.
7.3 Liaises with stakeholders to sensitize them on sub‑sectoral developments for consistency, mutual support and synchronized implementation.
Job Specification
Education and Training
- Diploma in General Agriculture / Diploma in Agricultural Education
OR - Certificate in Agriculture
Experience
- Three (3) years of work experience for Certificate holders in an agriculture‑related field with emphasis on 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
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