MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
CIRCULAR NOTICE NO. 1 OF 2026
REF: MNR/STAFF/ADVERTS
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant positions tenable in the Ministry of Natural Resources.
DEPARTMENT: RURAL WATER SUPPLY
JOB TITLE: COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER
Responsible To: Principal Sociologist
JOB SUMMARY
The Community Liaison Officer serves the Department of Rural Water Supply (DRWS) at district level with responsibility for the social aspects and community‑based activities involved in providing/building water schemes for the rural population of Lesotho.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Community Engagement, Social Assessment and Participation
- Participates in frequent upgrading of district plans by identifying (with the District Engineer) targeted villages for coverage within a district planning period.
- Physically identifies targeted villages to verify their existence and locates them on the district coverage map.
- Conducts social surveys such as needs assessment surveys; collects and reports demographic and other information about targeted communities and uses these results for district coverage and project implementation planning.
- Conducts social surveys such as population counts and needs identification for targeted villages and documents findings for development of needs‑based plans.
- Mobilizes communities through public gatherings (Pitsos) and other mass‑media approaches to ensure their participation in building water schemes.
2. Community Capacity Building and Information Dissemination
- Responsible for training, skills development, and overall capacity building and empowerment of community members throughout all stages of DRWS projects.
- Disseminates information to communities relating to policy and interprets DRWS policies (within broader national policies).
- Helps communities understand DRWS approaches, procedures and methodologies in the areas of demand‑driven development, accepted practices, ownership and authority over water systems, and required service levels related to various types of systems and their maintenance.
3. Community Structures, Coordination and Conflict Resolution
- Facilitates processes for rural communities to set up viable leadership structures necessary to take responsibility for implementing Rural Water Supply projects through appropriate O&M plans.
- Coordinates community‑based DRWS water‑related activities with other Government Departments, NGOs and the private sector to promote an integrated, holistic approach to rural water supply.
- Provides support to communities by clarifying DRWS expectations and vice‑versa and facilitates resolution of conflicts around water schemes to ensure viable projects.
JOB SPECIFICATION
- Diploma in Adult Education, and successful completion of the in‑house Work Process Training.
- Possession of a driver’s license is an added advantage.
OTHER NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Basic skills in map reading, essential for identifying and locating villages.
- Strong public speaking skills to lead Pitsos and interact regularly with communities.
- Ability to reach remote villages using alternative modes of transport; therefore, the candidate should be familiar with horse‑riding or comfortable walking long distances.
RESPONSIBILITY
1. Responsibility for the Work of Others
The Community Liaison Officer works as part of the district team and facilitates community‑level activities of:
- District Engineer (DE)
- Project Officer (PO)
- Accountants
- Maintenance personnel
- Village leadership structures
- Private contractors/consultants
- Other stakeholders in rural development / extension services
2. Responsibility for Government Funds and Property
- Does not have direct control over government property assigned for official use, but shares accountability with the district team.
- Responsible for overseeing the use of government property by community members and private contractors and liaises with the DRWS district office accordingly.
3. Effect of Errors
- No direct financial liability for errors.
- However, may carry responsibility for adverse social consequences affecting project outcomes.
4. Effect on Safety of Others
- Not applicable.
COMPLEXITY
4.1 Authority for Decision‑Making
- Decisions relate primarily to community processes, stakeholder engagement and facilitation duties.
4.2 Problem Solving
- Requires frequent problem solving in community settings with varying and unpredictable social dynamics.
4.3 Supervision Received
- Works under the direct supervision of the Principal Sociologist.
- Meets weekly with other team members.
4.4 Dexterity
- Must be adaptable and capable of working in diverse and sometimes challenging field conditions.
EFFORT
5.1 Mental Effort
- Requires high levels of mental effort and strong social skills.
- Involves regular interaction with people of varying backgrounds and mental capacities.
- Must remain adaptable to help others adjust to circumstances within their environment.
5.2 Physical Effort
- Frequently works in remote and isolated settings which may require exerting effort beyond normal limits.
- Must be fit enough to handle physically demanding environments.
5.3 Emotional Effort
- Requires patience, empathy and resilience due to continuous interaction with communities and differing expectations.
- Must help stakeholders understand and adjust to the realities of rural water supply operations.
WORKING CONDITIONS
6.1 Unfavourable Conditions
- Must be prepared to work at district level.
- Spends most time in rural community settings rather than in the office.
- These environments can be challenging and require ingenuity, empathy, compromise and improvisation.
6.2 Hazards
- Not considered significant.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Applications on relevant forms G.P. 104 (for serving officers) and G.P. 103 (for job seekers), with duly certified copies of educational certificates, transcripts and ID, should be submitted as follows:
Position: Director Planning — Submit To:
Human Resource Office
2nd Floor
Bokamoso Building (formerly Christie House)
12 Orpen Road (to Avani Maseru)
Positions: Finance Manager & Technical Assistant — Submit To:
Human Resource Office
Block C, LNDC 5th Floor
Department of Mining
Maseru 100
Positions: Senior Technical Officer, Community Liaison Officer & Finance Assistant — Submit To:
Human Resource Office
Department of Rural Water Supply
Next to WASCO – Railway Station
Maseru 100
Closing Date:
Not later than Friday, 13th February 2026 at 12:00 hrs