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.
[1] POSITION DETAILS
POSITION: DIRECTOR ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT: ENVIRONMENT
GRADE: J
NO. OF POSITIONS: ONE (1)
RESPONSIBLE TO: PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
LOCATION: MASERU
JOB SUMMARY
Reports directly to the Principal Secretary and is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, and operational effectiveness of the Department of Environment. The Director ensures implementation of the Environment Act 2008, promotes sustainable development, and serves as the national focal point for environmental governance and international environmental agreements.
MAIN DUTIES
- OVERSEE THE ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION OF ALL THE DEPARTMENTAL FUNCTIONS IN LINE WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT 2008.
- Develop and implement departmental operational plans and monitor their execution.
- Prepares and manages the annual departmental budget.
- Supervises and supports staff development, discipline, and welfare.
- Coordinates environmental planning and policy formulation.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT
- Promote capacity building and training to ensure the department is staffed with qualified personnel.
- Leads the development of the National Environmental Action Plan and other strategic frameworks.
- Facilitates research and innovation in environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable resource use.
- Ensures integration of environmental concerns into national development planning.
TECHNICAL FUNCTIONS AND OUTPUTS
- Overseas environmental impact assessments, audits, and monitoring activities.
- Ensures enforcement of environmental standards and regulations.
- Coordinates responses to environmental emergencies, pollution incidents, and restoration efforts.
- Promotes biodiversity conservation and pollution control.
MAINTENANCE OF LINKS WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Acts as the official liaison between the Government of Lesotho and international environmental bodies (e.g., United Nations Environment Programme, Convention on Biological Diversity, Global Environment Facility).
- Represents Lesotho in regional and global environmental forums.
- Facilitate implementation of international environmental agreements and conventions.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or Natural Sciences with at least 5 years of leadership experience as an Environmental Regulator.
OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or Natural Sciences with at least 8 years of supervisory experience as an Environmental Regulator.
OTHER RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- In-depth understanding of the Environment Act 2008 and Public Service Regulations.
- Familiarity with international environmental protocols and sustainable development principles.
RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS
- Supervises environmental officers, inspectors, park rangers and other technical staff.
FOR GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AND FUNDS
- Accountable for departmental assets including monitoring equipment.
FOR EFFECTS OF ERRORS
- Responsible for errors in environmental assessments, policy advice, and regulatory enforcement.
FOR SAFETY OF OTHERS
- Ensures staff safety during fieldwork, environmental inspections, protected area fire management and wildlife capture, therefore provision of adequate and appropriate personal protective equipment is critical.
COMPLEXITY
Manages multi-sectoral environmental programs and cross-cutting issues. Coordinates with line ministries, local authorities, and civil society. Oversees complex data systems for environmental monitoring and reporting.
DECISION-MAKING
Makes strategic decisions on environmental policy, enforcement actions, and departmental priorities.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Addresses environmental complaints, legal disputes, and inter-agency coordination challenges.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works independently under the general supervision of the Principal Secretary.
CONTACTS
Government ministries, NGOs, international organizations, and community stakeholders.
EFFORT
MENTAL EFFORT
- Reviews scientific literature, policy documents, and environmental data.
PHYSICAL EFFORT
- Conducts field inspections and site assessments.
EMOTIONAL EFFORT
- Manages public expectations and pressure during environmental crises.
WORKING CONDITIONS
May work extended hours including weekends and holidays during environmental emergencies.
HAZARDS
Exposure to hazardous substances, extreme weather, and emotionally stressful situations during environmental disasters.
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.