MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
CIRCULAR NO. 1 OF 2026
REF: AG/CIR/1
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant position tenable in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition.
Position Details
Department: Field Services
Title: District Agricultural Officer
Grade: I
Number of Positions: One (1)
Responsibility: Director of Field Services
Location: Berea
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Director of Field Services, the incumbent will be responsible for formulation and review of the district agricultural policy; development and facilitation of the implementation of the district agricultural policy, programmes and projects; management of the district agricultural budget; effective control and utilization of district agricultural resources; coordination and management of district agricultural programmes and activities; and staff recruitment and development.
Main Duties
1. Formulation and Review of Departmental Policy
1.1 Develops, in liaison with district sectional heads and stakeholders, the strategic district policy in line with departmental policy to guide systematic execution of district duties.
1.2 Monitors performance of the district policy to identify areas of improvement to enhance relevancy, efficiency and effectiveness.
1.3 Reviews and revises the district policy quarterly to realign it with changing environmental and developmental needs.
2. Development and Review of the District Agricultural Strategic Plan
2.1 Designs and develops strategic guidelines to provide a framework for implementation of district programmes and activities.
2.2 Designs and develops guidelines for common interpretation of district mission, vision, goals and objectives for easy understanding by district staff and stakeholders.
2.3 Facilitates periodic strategic audits to determine effectiveness, efficiency and relevance under changing conditions.
2.4 Liaises with major district stakeholders to develop improved, relevant, dynamic and realigned strategic intentions and structures to ensure adherence to district principles, values and strategic agenda.
3. Management of the District Agricultural Budget
3.1 Develops and issues budgeting guidelines and ceilings to heads of section annually.
3.2 Checks and approves the budget to ensure alignment with set guidelines.
3.3 Negotiates and justifies the district budget annually to secure necessary funding.
3.4 Controls and authorizes district expenditure to ensure accountable use of funds.
3.5 Liaises with the Director of Field Services to acquire funds for non‑budgeted departmental programmes.
3.6 Authorizes budget revisions when necessary to facilitate critical district programmes.
3.7 Liaises with the Department of Finance and Administration to facilitate an annual audit of public fund utilization.
4. Effective Control and Utilization of District Agricultural Resources
4.1 Designs and develops guidelines based on public service rules for effective and efficient use of district resources.
4.2 Authorizes weekly utilization of district resources to prevent misuse.
4.3 Monitors monthly resource use, adherence to guidelines and guideline performance to make timely revisions.
4.4 Liaises weekly with sectional heads to review and reallocate resources for new and unanticipated projects.
5. Coordination of District Agricultural Programmes and Activities
5.1 Consolidates district annual plans and reports to rationalize resource allocation.
5.2 Holds regular meetings with stakeholders to ensure common understanding and synchronized implementation of programmes.
5.3 Liaises with District Agricultural Officers and Heads of Departments to ensure mutual support between district and ministerial policies.
6. Staff Recruitment, Development and Discipline
6.1 Liaises with the district Human Resource office to ensure timely filling of vacant positions.
6.2 Recommends appointments, separations and transfers of district staff for effective programme execution.
6.3 Facilitates development of district staff training and development plans in line with ministerial policy.
6.4 Checks and authorizes implementation of training and development plans.
6.5 Intervenes and resolves complex staff conflicts to ensure productive working relations.
6.6 Reprimands and recommends disciplinary action to maintain discipline.
7. Supervision and Training of Staff
7.1 Holds regular meetings with sectional heads to facilitate planning and reporting of district activities.
7.2 Convenes quarterly meetings with supervisees to review progress and approve necessary revisions.
7.3 Conducts annual performance appraisals for supervisees.
7.4 Identifies training needs and establishes strategies for capacity building.
7.5 Monitors and evaluates post‑training performance to determine impact and necessary follow‑up actions.
Job Specification
Education and Training Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Agriculture
Or - Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture
Experience
- Three (3) years working experience in a related field for Master’s Degree holders.
- Five (5) years working experience in a managerial position for Bachelor’s Degree holders.
Other Necessary Knowledge and Skills
- Computer literacy
- Good managerial and leadership skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Good conflict management skills
- Negotiation skills
- Persuasive skills
- Knowledge of Public Service rules and regulations
- Counseling
How to Apply
All applications must be hand delivered or addressed to:
The Human Resources Department
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100
Closing Date
Not later than 27 February 2026