External Circular No. 3 of 2025
Reference: MTIBD/CIR/GEN/8/7
Ministry: Trade, Industry & Business Development
Career Opportunity: Chief Economic Planner
Department: Administration Section
Location: Ministry of Trade, Industry & Business Development
Number of Positions: One (1)
Reports To: Director – Planning
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Director Planning, the Chief Economic Planner provides technical support for the development, monitoring, and review of medium- and long-term ministerial policies, plans, and strategies. The role includes appraising projects and sector plans, maintaining effective Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Management Information Systems, analyzing and disseminating data to inform planning and budgeting, and guiding the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of programs and projects.
Key Responsibilities
1. Policy and Strategy Development
- Conduct comparative analysis of existing planning documents
- Prepare and disseminate analysis reports
- Identify key challenges and priorities
- Coordinate stakeholder consultations
- Draft ministerial development plans and strategies
2. Project and Plan Appraisal
- Appraise departmental plans and strategies for alignment with ministerial goals
- Review project proposals and feasibility studies for submission to PAC
3. Monitoring & Evaluation and MIS
- Contribute to M&E plan development and review
- Determine data source costs for performance indicators
- Support data collection and processing
- Identify and address capacity constraints
- Maintain inventory of ongoing and pipeline projects
4. Data Analysis and Reporting
- Analyze performance and trends of key indicators
- Produce socio-economic reports for evidence-based planning
5. Program and Project Guidance
- Develop and revise project monitoring formats
- Conduct training on project development tools
- Monitor project performance through reports and site visits
- Participate in multi-sector implementation committees
- Consolidate quarterly performance reports
- Evaluate project progress and completion
- Support integrated project development
6. Donor Engagement
- Conduct preliminary meetings
- Provide technical input in donor roundtable conferences
7. Performance Enhancement
- Prepare operational work plans
- Align staff work plans with departmental objectives
- Conduct quarterly staff appraisals
- Participate in budget discussions
- Provide on-the-job training
Job Specifications
Minimum Qualifications (any one of the following):
- Master’s Degree in Economics + 5 years as Senior Economic Planner
- Postgraduate Diploma in Economics + 6 years as Senior Economic Planner
- Bachelor’s Degree in Economics + 7 years as Senior Economic Planner
Note: A higher degree in Policy, Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, or a sector-specific qualification is an added advantage.
Mandatory: First degree must be in Economics.
Required Knowledge & Skills
- Proven analytical and data management skills
- Ability to evaluate development proposals
- Knowledge of public service rules and regulations
- Strong communication and planning skills
- Familiarity with development planning processes
Responsibilities & Complexity
- Supervision: Oversees planning operations and staff
- Decision-Making: Coordinates national planning guidelines and staffing changes
- Problem-Solving: Refers to relevant laws and regulations
- Technical Dexterity: Provides guidance in sector plan development
- Stakeholder Engagement: Regular contact with government departments, donors, NGOs, and private sector
- Mental Effort: High mental effort required for M&E system development
- Error Impact: Errors may have severe consequences on government operations
- Knowledge Management: Ensures effective recording and sharing of information
- Change Management: Champions continuous improvement and results-driven change
Working Conditions
- Physical Effort: Minimal
- Emotional Effort: Required to resolve work-related issues
- Unfavorable Conditions & Hazards: Minimal
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted on:
- Form GP 104 (for serving officers)
- Form GP 103 (for job seekers)
Required Documents:
- Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts
- Certified copy of ID
- Up-to-date performance appraisal form (for serving officers)
- Contact number and email address on the application form
Submission Locations:
- Registry Office – Lesotho Cooperatives College (Next to Setsoto Stadium)
- Registry Office – Ministry Headquarters, LNDC Building
Closing Date: 18 August 2025