MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY
CIRCULAR NOTICE NO.1 OF 2026
MEF/CIRC/1
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM SUITABLY QUALIFIED LOCAL CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY.
[5] POSITION DETAILS
POSITION: CHIEF FORESTRY OFFICER
DEPARTMENT: FORESTRY
GRADE: I
NO. OF POSITIONS: ONE (1)
RESPONSIBLE TO: DIRECTOR FORESTRY
LOCATION: MASERU
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision and guidance of the director of forestry, the chief forestry officer will participate in the formulation and implementation of national forestry programme, coordination and compilation of districts plans and budgets, technical backstopping of districts, facilitate technical staff trainings and supervision of staff.
MAIN DUTIES
1. NATIONAL FORESTRY PROGRAMME (NFP)
1.1 Participate in the formulation of the national forestry programme so as to make a contribution to the programme.
1.2 Interpret forestry programme to senior forestry technical staff both at head office and districts.
1.3 Supervise implementation of the programme and monitor progress and achievements. Monitors the performance of the programme and recommend its review and revision when necessary.
1.4 Conducts workshops and meetings for forestry staff to facilitate the implementation of the National Forestry Programme and other forestry related issues.
2. DISTRICT PLANS AND BUDGETS
2.1 Under the general supervision of Director of Forestry, the Chief Forestry Officer is responsible for coordination of district forestry plans, compile district budget to ensure adherence to stipulated ceilings.
2.2 Interprets the budgetary guidelines developed by the office of the director to the sectional heads, and districts and instructs them to prepare their sectional budget in accordance with their annual work plans on annual basis to facilitate timely completion of departmental budget preparation.
2.3 Compiles sectional and district budget into departmental budget for integration and inclusion into the departmental budget.
2.4 Verifies and recommends requisitions for expenditure by heads of divisions for onward transmission to and consideration of the Director.
3. TECHNICAL BACKSTOPPING OF DISTRICTS
3.1 The Chief Forestry Officer is responsible for technical backstopping of districts for implementation of national forestry programme in line with regional forestry protocols and global goals.
3.2 Develops operational guidelines for proper and efficient utilization of allocated budget and formulated plan.
3.3 Monitors and evaluates performance of forestry programmes of individual heads of sections and districts and ensure adherence to set norms.
4. FACILITATE TECHNICAL STAFF TRAINING
4.1 Holds meetings with forestry staff to establish and verify the training needs of all categories of persons required to be involved privately and officially in forestry programmes in Lesotho so as to facilitate their relevant training.
5. SUPERVISION OF STAFF
5.1 Conducts technical quarterly meetings with heads of divisions and Districts Forestry Officers in order to review progress.
5.2 Conducts individual review meetings quarterly and annual performance appraisal meetings to review progress.
5.3 Monitors frequently individual performance of sectional needs to detect problems that may hinder progress so as to provide the necessary support.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Master’s Degree in Forestry plus three (3) years working experience in the forestry field.
OR
Degree in Forestry plus five (5) years working experience and five (5) years working in managerial position in the forestry field.
OTHER NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Computer literacy in GIS and statistical Analysis
- Good knowledge of National Forestry Act
- Good administrative and leadership skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Good map reading skills
RESPONSIBILITY
For work of others
Provides general supervision to one Principal Forestry Officer.
For property
The incumbent is responsible for proper utilization and safekeeping of forestry equipment as well as office furniture.
For budget and finance in general
The incumbent is responsible for proper and timely preparation and utilization of the divisional budget. He or she is also expected to ensure proper and safe collection, depositing and utilization of revenue of the forestry fund and community share.
For safety of others
The job requires the incumbent to draft guidelines on safety measures and to ensure the availability of protective clothing, first aid kits and other safety materials.
For effect of errors
The incumbent is responsible for work related errors such as mismanagement, which may result in theft and misappropriation of funds and property. He or she will also be held responsible for unavailability of safety guidelines and materials, which may lead to physical harm to other operating officers.
COMPLEXITY
a. Authority for decision-making
The incumbent has authority to approve the utilization of resources and recommend appointments, separations and development of forestry staff.
b. Problem solving
The incumbent is expected to solve work related problems such as solving disputes among forestry staff and between them and the community they serve.
c. Supervision received
The incumbent is expected to work independently but reports monthly to his or her immediate supervisor.
d. Dexterity
This factor is very minimal in this job.
CONTACTS
The incumbent comes into contacts with the following officers and organizations during the execution of duties:
- Non-governmental organizations – Setting of standards – As required
- Heads of other departments – Integrated implementation forestry activities – As required
- Individual Heads of Divisions – Appraisal – Annual
- Principal Secretary – Reporting and Planning – Monthly
- Principal Secretary – Progress Review – Quarterly
- Principal Secretary – Appraisal – Annual
- District Forestry and Land Reclamation Coordinator – Ensure Mutual Support and Implementation of programmes – As required
- International organizations – Ease the implementation of forestry activities – As required
EFFORT
a. Mental effort
Policy formulation, conflict resolution, budget preparation and control, designing of safety guidelines which may result in mental fatigue.
b. Physical effort
The factor is not identified with this job.
c. Emotional effort
The incumbent is expected to be tolerant, patient, considerate and understanding when disputes among staff and between them and the community.
WORKING CONDITIONS
a. Unfavorable working conditions
The job requires the incumbent to occasionally work beyond normal working hours, during weekends and on public holidays. He or she may also be required occasionally climb hills, steep slopes and cross dongas.
b. Hazards
The job involves solving disputes among angry staff and between them and the community, which may result in making decisions.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Applications on relevant Forms, GP 103 for non-serving officers and GP 104 for serving officers, accompanied by curriculum vitae, certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts should be addressed to:
THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY
P.O. BOX 10993
MASERU 100
OR
Hand delivered to the Human Resources Offices at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry at Thaba Bosiu Building, Industrial Area or Post Office Building, 6th Floor.
Only shortlisted applications shall all undergo a competency assessment facilitated by the Assessment Centre (Ministry of Public Service) or Drivers Assessment, where applicable.
Applications should be handed in not later than 20th February, 2026.