MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
EXTERNAL CIRCULAR NOTICE No: 23 of 2025
REF: ED/A/30
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following position tenable in the Ministry of Education and Training:
JOB TITLE: Chief Education Officer – Primary
Grade: K
Number of Positions: One (1)
Responsible To: Principal Secretary
JOB SUMMARY
The Chief Education Officer, Primary is responsible to the Principal Secretary. He/she is responsible for the overall direction and management of Pre-Primary and Primary Schools. As a member of the Senior Management Team of the Ministry, the officer is expected to contribute to the formulation, development, monitoring, implementation, and review of policies and strategies of the Ministry, as well as supervise subordinate staff.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Annual Work-Planning and Managing Performance
1.1 Facilitates development of an operational plan for the work of Pre-Primary and Primary sectors
1.2 Ensures monitoring of the work of Pre-Primary and Primary schools
1.3 Solicits resources needed for execution of the operational plan
1.4 Monitors implementation of the operational plan
1.5 Facilitates development and appraises individual work-plans
1.6 Facilitates production of reports on Pre-Primary and Primary school inspections
2. Policy and Strategy Formulation
2.1 Identifies the need for and formulates policies and strategies for:
- Provision of accessible, equitable, relevant, and quality education
- Establishment of Pre-Primary and Primary Schools
- Inspection and management of schools
- Managing emergencies
- Maintaining good practices in Pre-Primary and Primary Schools
- Relationship management between the Ministry and school proprietors
- Effective communication with all stakeholders
2.2 Monitors implementation of policies and strategies developed
2.3 Evaluates the effectiveness of policies and strategies
2.4 Reviews and updates policies and strategies to maintain their relevance
3. People Management
3.1 Assesses development needs for staff and facilitates capacity building
3.2 Handles employee grievances
3.3 Manages discipline
4. Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaises with Chief Education Officers – Teaching Service, Tertiary, Curriculum and Assessment, and training institutions on matters of mutual interest in the Pre-Primary and Primary education sector
5. Advisory Role
- Advises the Ministry in the establishment of new Pre-Primary and Primary schools and attachment of reception classes
JOB SPECIFICATION
- Master’s Degree in Education plus five (5) years’ experience at a Senior Management position, with experience in the Pre-Primary and Primary management sectors
OR - Bachelor’s Degree in Education plus seven (7) years’ experience at a Senior Management position, with experience in the Pre-Primary and Primary management sectors
A PhD qualification in a related field of Education or Education Management will be an added advantage.
The work requires extensive knowledge of management and administration within the public service.
Experience working in the education sector will be highly favourable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strategic leadership
- Personal leadership
- People leadership
- Public sector leadership
- Team building
- Coordination
- Computer literacy
- Readiness to work after normal working hours and on weekends
- Ability to work under pressure
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications on the relevant forms:
- G.P 104 for serving officers
- G.P 103 for job seekers
Must be accompanied by:
- Certified copies of educational certificates
- Identity document (ID)
- Performance appraisal forms (for serving officers)
- Transcripts, diplomas, etc.
Applications must be addressed to:
Principal Secretary
Ministry of Education and Training
P.O. Box 47
Maseru 100
IMPORTANT NOTE
The Ministry of Education and Training operates in all ten districts of the country. Applicants should therefore be aware that they may be deployed in any of the ten districts.
Deadline for submission: 15th October 2025