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:
ECONOMIC ADVISOR
Duration: 12 Months
The local Economic Advisor will provide technical expertise and support for development of next NSDP. She/he is responsible for assisting the international economic advisor in all activities towards the timely development of the next NSDP for 12 months’ period from March FY2016/2017 to March FY2017/2018.
General:
Provide technical expertise for the next NSDP Technical team
Provide technical expertise and assistance to the international economic advisor
Provide technical support for development of the Public Sector Investment Programme, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and the Implementation Plan for the next NSDP.
Specific:
Research, prepare and present to the stakeholders an analysis of international best practices in the conduct of drafting national development plans.
Provide technical support to the preparation of the next NSDP implementation plan, PSIP and monitoring and evaluation framework.
Lead the development and execution of a programme for consultation and feedback by key stakeholder groups in the public sector, private sector, civil society and Development Partners.
Coordinate the development of national priorities, strategies and actions for the next NSDP.
Strategic advice on the process and technical work.
Coordinates quarterly progress reports and present higher structures.
Facilitates periodic evaluation of progress of the next NSDP preparation plan to recommend necessary measures to enable the timely delivery of key outputs.
Lead the establishment of Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) under next NSDP. Coordinate the undertaking of a situational analysis for identified priority sectors
Reporting Requirements
The local Economic Advisor will report to the international economic advisor and the NSDP Coordinator.
Qualifications and Skills
At minimum, a post graduate degree in economics, development economics, public policy, international development, or relevant discipline, with at least 5 years’ experience in macro-fiscal planning and management, policy planning, analytical and research work on development economy as an economist.
Experience in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national development plans including medium term planning frameworks would be a distinct advantage.
Working experience with the government of Lesotho in development of sector policies, strategies, and implementation program is desired.
Previous experience in the public sector would be an added advantage. Excellent public speaking, presentation and facilitation skills.
Experience in donor funded project environment will be an added advantage.
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