BACKGROUND
In 2010/11, the then Minister of Finance and Development Planning mandated the then Department of Economic Policy to prepare a comprehensive National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) which would result in Lesotho achieving economic growth. The department established the NSDP secretariat with the responsibility to ensure efficient and timely development of the Plan. The Plan was developed as an implementation strategy of Lesotho Vision 2020 which was developed and approved in 2000.
The National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) was completed in 2012/13 and was approved by Cabinet and it covered a five-year period of 2012/13 – 2016/17. Since then, the implementation of the NSDP was done by strengthening the alignment of the plans and budgets of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), establishing the institutional framework, including supporting the establishment and operation of Thematic/Sector Working Groups and preparing progress reports on the implementation of the NSDP.
The sustainability of the NSDP required embedding the NSDP in the planning, budgeting and monitoring and evaluation systems in MDAs throughout the public sector. As it has been mentioned, the NSDP will end in 2016/17, as a result, the Cabinet has approved the extension of the current NSDP by one year to provide time for development of the next NSDP. The next NSDP will be developed with funding from the World Bank under the Public Sector Modernization Project (PSMP) and the Government of Lesotho.
It is against the above background that the Government of Lesotho seeks to develop the new NSDP to further implement the aspirations of Basotho as outlined in the Vision 2020 Pillars. To efficiently develop the new NSDP, the Government of Lesotho invites application from suitably qualified Nationals for the following positions:
NSDP COORDINATOR
Duration: 12 Months
Scope of Work
General
Strengthening and supplementing capacities of the management of the NSDP secretariat to ensure timely preparation of the next NSDP.
Ensuring that the consultancy engaged, NSDP secretariat operations, NSDP sector working groups, and financial resources of the project are well managed to ensure desired results.
Assisting the Director Policy and Strategic Planning (PSP) to discharge his/her reporting duties of periodic progress reporting to MDP management and the PFM coordinator.
Specific
Thoroughly understand and champion the methodologies and standards, and ensure requirements are effectively communicated to the Development Team.
Scrutinize project scope of work, and plan accordingly.
Develop periodic project reports and report status and progress to relevant stakeholders and structures (e.g. MDP Management, PSMP Secretariat, World Bank Task Team, etc).
Measure and monitor progress periodically to ensure that the project is delivered on time and within budget.
Monitor project resource utilisation and feedback into PSMP/PFM Secretariat. Manage and minimize risks and issues across the project.
Mentor, guide and provide technical support to the NSDP Secretariat, as required, with a view of strengthening their capacity to discharge their functions.
Assist the Technical Team in the development of project plans.
Control and manage the procurement of related materials, equipment and services for the project.
Collect project updates from work stream leaders and manage third party contributions to the project.
Research and effect innovative and cost effective methods of executing the project. Manage the performance of all staff across all levels.
Key Qualification, Experience and Skills
Master’s Degree in Economics or Development Studies, A PhD will be an added advantage. Technical and professional expertise in socio-economic research and a sound background in leadership skills with a minimum of 10 years in related field.
In addition, the candidate should have the following skills and competencies:
Broad knowledge and understanding of key developmental issues in Lesotho; Good analytical and report writing skills;
Fluent in spoken and written English;
Good communication and facilitation skills; Good interpersonal skills; and
High computer literacy
The consultant is therefore expected to lead the processes in the most efficient manner given the limited time assigned for this assignment. The consultant will inspire and motivate the NSDP secretariat, NSDP working groups and transfer expertise as he/she works as a temporary member of the NSDP secretariat management.
Reporting Arrangements
The coordinator will report to Director and the Principal Secretary – Policy and Strategic Planning in the Ministry of Development Planning.
All interested candidates may submit their applications together with CVs, certified copies of educational certificates as well as two letters of reference on or before the 18th April 2017 at 15:00hrs, to the following address:
The Human Resource Support Service Department
Ministry of Finance,
Corner Kingsway and High Court Road,
Third Floor Government Office Complex,
Office #: 3022
P.O. Box 395,
Maseru 100