MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
CIRCULAR NO. 3 OF 2025.
AG/CIR/3
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant positions tenable in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition.
Position Title: District Agricultural Officer
Ministry: Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
Department: Field Services
Grade: I
Number of Positions: One (1)
Responsible To: Director Field Services
Location: Mokhotlong
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Director of Field Services, the District Agricultural Officer is responsible for the formulation and review of district agricultural policy, development and facilitation of its implementation, management of the district agricultural budget, effective control and utilization of resources, coordination of agricultural programs and activities, and staff recruitment and development.
Main Duties
1. Formulation and Review of District Agricultural Policy
- Develop strategic district policy in collaboration with sectional heads and stakeholders
- Monitor policy performance and recommend improvements
- Review and revise policy quarterly to align with changing needs
2. Development and Review of District Agricultural Strategic Plan
- Design strategic guidelines for program implementation
- Develop interpretation tools for mission, vision, goals, and objectives
- Conduct strategic audits to assess effectiveness
- Collaborate with stakeholders to realign strategic intentions
3. Management of District Agricultural Budget
- Issue budgeting guidelines and ceilings
- Approve and justify budget during discussions
- Control and authorize district expenditure
- Liaise with Director for additional funding
- Authorize budget revisions when necessary
- Facilitate annual audits with Finance and Administration
4. Control and Utilization of District Agricultural Resources
- Develop guidelines for resource use
- Authorize and monitor resource utilization
- Review resource allocation with sectional heads
5. Coordination of District Agricultural Programs and Activities
- Consolidate annual plans and reports
- Hold stakeholder meetings for program alignment
- Liaise with other officers for mutual policy support
6. Staff Recruitment, Development and Discipline
- Coordinate with HR to fill vacancies
- Recommend appointments, separations, and transfers
- Facilitate staff training and development plans
- Authorize implementation of training programs
- Resolve staff conflicts and recommend disciplinary actions
7. Supervision and Training of Staff
- Hold planning and reporting meetings with sectional heads
- Conduct quarterly reviews and approve work plan revisions
- Perform annual performance appraisals
- Identify training needs and guide development strategies
- Monitor post-training performance and recommend actions
Job Specification
Education and Training Requirements:
Option 1:
- Master’s Degree in Agriculture
- Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a related field
Option 2:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture
- Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a managerial position
Other Necessary Knowledge and Skills:
- Computer literacy
- Strong managerial and leadership skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Conflict management and negotiation skills
- Persuasive skills
- Knowledge of Public Service Rules and Regulations
- Counseling skills
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted on relevant forms:
- GP 104 for serving officers
- GP 103 for job seekers
Each application must be accompanied by:
- Certified copies of educational certificates
- Transcripts
- National Identity Document
- Up-to-date Performance Appraisal Reports (for serving officers)
All applications must be hand-delivered or addressed to:
The Director Human Resources
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
P.O. Box 24
Maseru – 100
Deadline for Applications: Not later than 27th October 2025