MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY
CIRCULAR NOTICE NO. 1 OF 2025
Ref: MEF/CIRC/1
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM SUITABLY QUALIFIED LOCAL CANDIDATES
for the following position tenable in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry:
Position: Environment Manager
Department: Environment
Grade: I
No. of Positions: One (1)
Responsible To: Director Environment
Location: Maseru
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Director Environment, the incumbent (Biodiversity Conservation) will provide overall leadership in enhancing the conservation status of biodiversity by increasing the network of conservation areas, safeguarding ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity, and minimizing threats to ecological sustainability. He/She will develop and implement a coordinated Biodiversity Conservation Programme, including monitoring of biodiversity conservation and management activities to ensure efficient and timely delivery of programme goals, objectives, and targets.
MAIN DUTIES
1. OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES IN THE COUNTRY
1.1 Promote and support innovations and adoption of best practices aimed at curbing illegal poaching, harvesting, trafficking, and trade of wildlife
1.2 Ensure the mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation into sectoral plans and policies
1.3 Ensure coordination of species and ecosystem-related research in and outside protected areas
1.4 Coordinate the establishment and expansion of protected areas including biosphere reserves in the country
1.5 Facilitate and support the development and implementation of flagship species and Protected Areas Management Plans in line with internationally recognized best practices
1.6 Coordinate Maluti Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area (MDTFCA) Programme Activities and serve as focal point for TFCA
1.7 Coordinate the development and implementation of national biodiversity conservation policies, strategies, and legislation
1.8 Develop and implement standards relating to conservation of biodiversity, with the aim to minimize the impact of human and other adverse developmental impacts on biodiversity
1.9 Coordinate the development, implementation and review of conservation planning tools and programmes
1.10 Apply technical expertise to identify sustainable use of biological resources practices
1.11 Oversee implementation of relevant regional and international conservation policies and strategies and ensure national reporting (e.g., CBD, CITES, Aichi Targets, etc.)
1.12 Ensure domestication and implementation of international conservation programmes (e.g., IUCN)
2. DEVELOP STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP IN CONSERVATION-RELATED PROJECTS
2.1 Assist communities to identify, design, develop and implement community conservation projects
2.2 Provide support to park managers to establish and maintain partnerships with different community groups and networks to facilitate and encourage involvement in the management of protected areas
3. COORDINATE PREPARATION OF BUDGET FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
In collaboration with park managers, ensure sustained growth of biodiversity programme portfolio
3.1 Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual work plans, budgets, and technical reports on biodiversity conservation and management activities
3.2 Coordinate preparation of funding proposals for biodiversity conservation and management
4. REPRESENT THE MINISTRY AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FORUMS AND COORDINATE BILATERAL PROGRAMMES
4.1 Facilitate domestication and implementation of regional and international plans and strategies (e.g., African Strategy on Combating Illegal Exploitation and Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora)
4.2 Facilitate development and review of joint management plans
4.3 Facilitate establishment of Memoranda of Understanding between Lesotho and South Africa on conservation issues, including wildlife translocation
5. ENSURE CAPACITY BUILDING FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION STAFF
5.1 Work with HR to identify training needs and development opportunities for biodiversity conservation division staff
5.2 Facilitate establishment of an environmental crime unit and provide training plans for the unit
6. COORDINATE MONITORING AND DEVELOPMENT OF TFCAs, PROTECTED AREAS, AND OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN
6.1 Ensure TFCA and protected areas performance assessments using internationally recognized tools (e.g., METT, IMET)
6.2 Provide monitoring and assessment reports of protected areas and TFCAs
6.3 Work closely with the EIA division to ensure monitoring of community-identified areas used for harvesting of medicinal plants for sale
JOB SPECIFICATION
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, or related discipline plus 2 years’ experience in the Department of Environment
OR - Honours Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, or related discipline plus 3 years’ experience in the Department of Environment
OR - Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, or related discipline plus 5 years’ experience in biodiversity conservation and management
RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS
The incumbent is responsible for biodiversity conservation and management in the country and must ensure biodiversity is well incorporated into district environmental plans and relevant agencies.
DECISION MAKING
The incumbent is responsible for making his/her own work plan as a contribution to the departmental work plan and must ensure budgetary provisions are made for implementing divisional activities.
DEXTERITY
The incumbent must have a broad understanding of environmental and development issues (globally, regionally, locally); knowledge of national priorities; ability to interpret and apply policies, strategies and legislation; and the ability to manage budgets and train subordinates.
CONTACTS
- Supervisor
- Divisional heads
- Colleagues in districts
- Line ministries, NGOs, CBOs, academia, and stakeholders
- Development partners at national, regional and international levels
EFFORT: MENTAL EFFORT
Demands negotiation, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, and patience. Requires innovative thinking and supervision of subordinates.
EFFORT: PHYSICAL EFFORT
Extensive travel required to provide support and share experiences on biodiversity conservation for sustainable development.
EFFORT: EMOTIONAL EFFORT
Requires patience, emotional maturity and strong interpersonal skills to handle grievances and maintain division morale. Leadership, communication, and fluency in Sesotho and English are essential.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
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:
Human Resources Office
Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Thaba Bosiu Building, Industrial Area
Only shortlisted candidates shall undergo a competency assessment facilitated by the Assessment Centre (Ministry of Public Service) or a Driver’s Assessment, where applicable.
NB: All applicants are required to submit a verification report from the Council of Higher Education (CHE) or proof of application from CHE.
Deadline for applications: 08 August 2025
If you do not hear from the Human Resource Office, consider your application unsuccessful.