Chief Statistician at Finance & Development Planning

MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
EXTERNAL CIRCULAR NOTICE NO 1 OF 2025

FIN/HR/ADVERTS/02

MINISTRY: Finance & Development Planning
DEPARTMENT: Bureau of Statistics
DIVISION/SECTION: National Accounts and Enterprise Statistics
JOB TITLE: Chief Statistician
GRADE: I
LOCATION: Maseru
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Bureau of Statistics

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Director of the Bureau of Statistics (BOS), the Head of the National Accounts and Enterprise Statistics (NAES) Division is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all activities within the division. The incumbent ensures that work is conducted according to planned schedules and meets required standards. Responsibilities include allocating assignments to subordinates, ensuring adherence to international statistical standards, and reviewing national accounts and enterprise statistics reports before publication. Additionally, the Chief Statistician safeguards the well-being of officers under their supervision.

MAIN DUTIES

1. Budgeting

• Prepare the recurrent and capital budgets for the division annually.
• Advise the Director BOS on fund releases for quarterly activities.

2. Strategic Planning

• Contribute to the development of the Bureau of Statistics’ Strategic Plan.
• Ensure NAES Division activities align with national and international statistical priorities.

3. Standards and Methodology

• Develop and implement statistical methodologies for National Accounts, the Statistical Business Register, Industrial Statistics, and Wholesale and Retail Trade Statistics.

4. Capacity Building

• Train newly recruited staff in statistical analysis and data processing techniques related to national accounts and enterprise statistics.

5. Interagency Collaboration

• Liaise with key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that produce enterprise and economic statistics to enhance data quality and integration.

6. Advisory Role

• Provide expert advice to the Director of the Bureau of Statistics on matters related to national accounts and enterprise statistics.

7. Survey Coordination

• Oversee data collection and monitor field operations to ensure quality data collection.
• Arrange for the analysis and publication of survey reports.

8. Other Duties

• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director of the Bureau of Statistics.

SUPERVISION OF SECTIONAL STAFF

1. Develops sectional/departmental strategic and operational plans.
2. Convenes individual meetings with supervisees to discuss and approve their work plans.
3. Conducts continuous meetings to solve problems and coordinate activities.
4. Monitors progress periodically (Monthly, Quarterly, Bi-annually, Annually).
5. Approves adjustments of work plans where necessary.
6. Reviews and appraises supervisees’ performance bi-annually and annually.
7. Recommends recruitment and training of staff.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Training:

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, or a related field plus three (3) years of experience at the Senior Statistician level.
• Postgraduate degree in Statistics, Economics, or a related field plus four (4) years of experience at the Senior Statistician level.
• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, or a related field plus five (5) years of experience at the Senior Statistician level.

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Proficiency in statistical software (SPSS, STATA, Excel, CSPro, or similar tools).
• Strong knowledge of National Accounts software (e.g., NADABAS) and frameworks (e.g., SNA 2008).
• Experience in staff supervision and management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. For Work of Others:

Supervises multiple Senior Statisticians, including:

• Senior Statistician – National Accounts and Wholesale & Retail Trade Sections.
• Senior Statistician – Statistical Business Register Section.
• Senior Statistician – Industrial Statistics Section.
• Senior Statistician – Wholesale and Retail Trade Statistics Section.

2. For Property (Equipment, Material, and Finance):

• Ensure proper use and maintenance of division equipment (computers, printers, office furniture).
• Maintain security and confidentiality of data collection tools (e.g., questionnaires).

3. For Effect of Errors:

• Ensure data confidentiality and accuracy in National Accounts and Enterprise Statistics reports.
• Ensure all calculations and statistical compilations conform to international standards.

4. For Safety of Others:

• Ensure security and safety of field staff during survey operations by engaging local authorities and law enforcement agencies.

COMPLEXITY

1. Decision-Making Authority:

• Oversee divisional activities and set timelines for their completion.
• Develop the annual work plan and budget for the division.
• Ensure efficient use of resources to achieve major activities without compromising data quality.

2. Problem-Solving:

• Provide technical guidance to the Director on national accounts and enterprise statistics.
• Develop solutions for technical and operational challenges within the division.

3. Supervision Received:

• Work independently with minimal supervision from the Director.
• Present divisional progress reports during senior management meetings.

CONTACTS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

1. Internal:

• Collaborate with Chief Statisticians of other BOS divisions to share information and ensure consistency.

2. Government and Private Sector:

• Engage with institutions that produce enterprise and economic statistics to align methodologies and enhance data credibility.

3. International Representation:

• Participate in regional and international meetings on national accounts and enterprise statistics.

4. Donor Engagement:

• Accompany the Director in donor meetings to present budget plans and ensure financial accountability for donor-funded activities.

EFFORTS

1. Mental Effort:

• Ensure adherence to international standards in data collection and analysis.
• Define and apply appropriate economic concepts and definitions.

2. Physical Effort:

• Conduct field visits for surveys, requiring extensive travel and long working hours.
• Review large volumes of data and oversee survey fieldwork problem-solving.

3. Emotional Effort:

• Manage conflicts among enumerators, supervisors, and coordinators during data collection operations.
• Ensure smooth execution of surveys and resolution of fieldwork challenges.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Unfavorable Conditions:

• Minimal exposure to adverse working conditions.

Hazards:

• Minimal risk involved in day-to-day activities.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:
Submit applications at the Bureau of Statistics, Human Resource Office.

NB:
APPLICANTS WHO ARE SHORTLISTED WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT CERTIFICATES OF VERIFICATION OF EDUCATIONAL
CERTIFICATES FROM THE COUNCIL OF HOGHER EDUCATION (CHE)

Applications on relevant forms GP103 for job seekers and GP 104 for serving officers accompanied by certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts and National
Identity Document (ID) should be addressed to:
Human Resources Office
Ministry of Finance
P. O. Box 395
Maseru

NOT LATER THAN FRIDAY 14th APRIL 2025

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