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: ADMINISTRATION
JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR PLANNING
Responsible To: Principal Secretary
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Under the general supervision of the Principal Secretary, the Director Planning is responsible for coordination of policy analysis; facilitation and monitoring of the ministerial strategic plan; budget coordination; projects coordination; development of monitoring and evaluation systems in the sector; and supervision of the EMIS Unit.
The incumbent is also responsible for supervision of planning unit staff for effective and efficient management of the section.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Policy Development and Analysis
- Participates in policy development and provides guidance for policy consistency.
- Participates in policy analysis to assess policy options, resource implications, and financial sustainability.
- Participates in policy review.
2. Coordination of Sector Planning
- Coordinates development of a credible long‑term ministerial perspective plan.
- Ensures that plans are institutionally viable and match existing manpower capacity.
- Works with M&E to ensure sector plans have built‑in M&E systems for future monitoring.
- Coordinates plan‑costing based on the Medium‑Term Expenditure Framework and establishes financing gaps to support resource mobilization.
- Formulates macro‑economic and sectoral policies.
3. Projects Planning and Coordination
- Assists the Ministry and departments to identify capital projects aligned with policies and plans.
- Assists the Ministry to develop capital project concept notes and project proposals.
- Ensures submission of concept notes and proposals to the Ministry of Development Planning for appraisal.
- Coordinates capital project budgeting processes.
- Assists the Ministry to develop annual project implementation schedules aligned with approved funding.
- Provides project coordination and management support to ensure timely implementation and disbursement of funds.
- Maintains an inventory of approved, ongoing, and pipeline projects.
4. Coordination of the Ministry’s Budget and Aid Coordination
- Supervises production of the annual Budget Policy Framework Paper indicating annual budget priorities.
- Supervises preparation of annual budget estimates and production of annual Budget Speeches.
- Provides budget performance reports to key national and international stakeholders based on agreed financial indicators.
- Organizes end‑of‑year joint reviews for policy dialogue, mining and water sector performance monitoring, and mobilizes resources to meet identified financing gaps.
5. Development of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems
- Develops a comprehensive M&E system to monitor the Ministry’s performance in terms of national and international priorities, policies and plans, incorporating stakeholder and beneficiary feedback mechanisms.
- Develops medium‑term and annual M&E plans.
- Monitors implementation and consolidates quarterly and annual performance reports based on agreed indicators.
- Presents reports to management quarterly.
6. Project Monitoring and Evaluation
- Develops annual project monitoring plans.
- Monitors capital projects in terms of time, quality, and cost by comparing actual progress with implementation schedules, reports from project managers, and payments made.
- Consolidates quarterly and annual project progress reports for Government and financiers.
- Identifies impediments to smooth project implementation and organizes discussions to remove obstacles and expedite implementation and disbursement.
- Coordinates preparation of end‑of‑project reports.
- Coordinates project evaluations.
7. Coordination of Research for Policy Development
- Takes stock of recent policy studies and surveys undertaken within the Ministry and ensures proper documentation for ease of reference.
- Identifies Ministry needs from M&E reports in collaboration with relevant departments.
- Undertakes needs assessments to inform policy formulation, strategic planning, and budgeting.
8. Supervision of Planning Unit Staff
- Establishes annual objectives for the unit to facilitate preparation of annual work plans.
- Approves work plans to ensure alignment with departmental objectives.
- Appraises subordinate staff to enhance individual performance.
- Provides guidance to staff on consolidation of the unit’s budget estimates for inclusion in the Ministry’s budget.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Qualifications (Either of the following):
- Master’s Degree in Economics plus five (5) years working experience as Chief Economic Planner
OR - Degree in Economics plus seven (7) years working experience as Chief Economic Planner
Added Advantage:
- A higher degree in Policy, Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, or a sector-specific qualification.
Note: Applicants must have a First Degree in Economics.
ATTRIBUTES
The incumbent must possess strong:
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Planning skills
- Report writing skills
- Liaising skills
- IT skills
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