LIKHOTHOLA, MAOA-MAFUBELU AND LIKHETLANE FRUITS FARMS
Position: Farm Manager ×3
Background
The Government of Lesotho, through the World Bank–financed Private Sector Competitiveness and Economic Diversification Project (PCSDP 2), established three commercial deciduous fruit farms in Leribe District with the intention to strengthen private sector growth and development through increased productivity and competitiveness.
The focus is mainly on the production of deciduous fruits such as peaches, apricots, plums, and apples. The three pilot commercial fruit farms are Likhothola, Maoa-Mafubelu, and Likhetlane Fruits Farms. These farms are looking for professional Farm Managers (three) with experience in operating and managing commercial orchards.
Objective of the Position
The objective of the position is to provide technical and management oversight for the orchards as well as to assist the farm with proper filing of documentation for Global G.A.P. and audit requirements. The Farm Manager will also ensure adherence of the farm to Global G.A.P requirements.
Main Tasks
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors of the respective farms, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
- Provide day-to-day management oversight of the orchard
- Prepare work plan, timeline, and milestones to guide management of the orchard
- Hire, mentor, train, and support day-to-day work of the labourers
- Supervise all work carried out by labourers, consultants, and contractors engaged on site
- Ensure proper harvesting during the harvesting season
- Monitor activities such as chemical and fertilizer applications, spraying, harvesting, and grading of produce to ensure adherence to safety regulations and standards
- Plan activities based on factors such as tree maturities and weather conditions
- Oversee sales of fruits from the orchards and keep appropriate records
- Oversee activities carried out in the packhouse and ensure proper packaging of fruits
- Serve as the point of contact for all activities related to the preparation and implementation of horticultural activities on site
- Ensure proper filing of documentation related to Global G.A.P
- Provide monthly reports to the Chairman of the Board
Personal Attributes
- Good communication and listening skills
- Proactive and detail-oriented
- Innovative and open to new ideas
- Leadership and people skills
- Business acumen
- Resilience and adaptability
Deliverables
- Quarterly Work Plan
- Monthly progress report
Qualifications
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or any other related field
- Experience working with large-scale fruit tree orchards
- Experience working in Lesotho will be an added advantage
Time Schedule
The assignment is expected to be carried out over a period of three (3) years, subject to successful completion of a four (4) months probation period. Employment is expected to start in February 2026.
Applications Must Comprise of
- A cover letter setting out briefly the candidate’s motivation and suitability for the position
- A completed CV
- Name, position, and contact details (telephone and email) of three references, one being from the last employer
- Any pertinent recommendation letter(s), if available
- Certified copies of educational certificates/diplomas/degrees
- Certified copies of relevant work certificates
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted at Likhothola Orchard Office, Leribe, not later than 5th January 2025 at 15:00 hrs.
The envelope should be clearly marked: FARM MANAGER APPLICATION.
Electronic applications may be emailed to the following addresses not later than 15:00 hrs on 5th January 2025:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates must abstain from contacting the Likhothola office regarding the selection process. Any attempt to influence the selection process will result in immediate disqualification.