THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
WOOL AND MOHAIR VALUE CHAIN COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT (WaMCoP)
The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition (MAFSN) has commenced implementation of the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WaMCoP), a 7‑year project covering all 10 districts of Lesotho.
The project is financed by:
• Government of Lesotho
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• OPEC Fund for International Development
• Global Environment Facility
• Beneficiary contributions
The overall goal of the project is to increase the economic and climate resilience of wool and mohair value chain stakeholders, particularly farmers, including women and youth.
MAFSN has established key positions for the Project Coordination Unit and now invites applications from suitably qualified professionals for the following position:
Position: National Breeder Expert (Readvertisement)
Duty Station: Maseru, with travel to the districts
Reports To: Livestock Production Expert
Duration: 2 years
Introduction
This position reports directly to the Livestock Production Expert under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator, and in collaboration with the Director of Livestock Services.
The National Breeder Expert will be responsible for:
• Training and capacity building
• Data collection and analysis
• Breeding records and analysis
• Reporting and documentation
• Stakeholder collaboration
• Planning and budgeting
• Overall implementation of the National Breeding Programme for Merino Sheep and Angora Goats in Lesotho
Duties and Responsibilities
Training and Capacity Building
• Facilitate implementation of breeding objectives, selection criteria, and breeding values for Merino sheep and Angora goats
• Train staff and farmers on breeding techniques and selection methods to enhance genetic improvement
Data Collection and Analysis
• Continuously collect breeding data from:
– Breeding Centres: Mokhotlong, Quthing, Molimo Nthuse
– Private commercial farmers
– Artificial Insemination Programme participants
– Culling and Exchange Programme participants
– Farmers obtaining breeding stock from the breeding centres
• Analyse collected data with the M&E Officer and disseminate results to farmers and experts
• Develop and maintain a well‑structured breeding database to be shared with the project and stakeholders
Breeding Record Management
• Develop selection lines to establish proper pedigree records at breeding centres
• Facilitate development of electronic herd books and manage the digitised reporting system
• Create Merino and Angora Stud Books and enhance certification of private commercial breeders
Auction and Sales Support
• Oversee fibre sampling and preparation of sales catalogues for auctioning stock from breeding centres and private commercial farms
Programme Implementation and Monitoring
• Implement breeding aspects of the culling and exchange programme
• Facilitate training in artificial insemination for selected staff and farmers
• Expand existing artificial insemination initiatives to emerging farmers
• Develop and review guidelines for private commercial breeding and the culling and exchange programme
• Select and certify potential Merino and Angora private breeding farms
• Conduct farm visits to raise awareness and monitor breeding interventions
• Facilitate farmer compliance with certification standards to enhance competitiveness in the international wool and mohair market
• Collaborate with the social inclusion section to ensure gender mainstreaming in all breeding activities
Reporting and Documentation
• Document and publish breeding information for public access and reference
• Develop and submit action plans and schedules aligned with agreed actions
• Provide timely and regular progress reports on farmers and key stakeholders
Collaboration and Budgeting
• Participate in PCU and sectional technical meetings
• Liaise with the Livestock Production Expert to prepare sectional budgets
• Participate in development of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB)
Qualifications and Experience
• Must be a citizen of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Option 1:
• PhD in Animal Breeding
• Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience working with Merino sheep and Angora goat breeding programmes
Option 2:
• Master’s Degree in Animal Breeding
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience working with Merino sheep and Angora goat breeding programmes
Additional Requirements
• Minimum 3 years’ experience implementing and managing breeding programmes, including interaction with livestock farmers
• Experience in data collection and quantitative breeding analysis
• Proven track record of selection experiments and breeding value estimation
• Experience with donor‑supported interventions (advantage)
Skills and Competencies
• Experience supporting wool and mohair interventions, rural development, and poverty alleviation
• Leadership and ability to motivate team members
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to set priorities and work with minimal supervision
• High-level organisational and coordination skills
• Well‑developed communication skills
Other Competencies
• Applicants must pass a competency assessment test
Information Required from Candidates
• Signed application letter explicitly stating relevant qualifications and experience
• Current CV (including telephone, email, and contact details)
• Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts
• Names and contact details of three (3) contactable professional referees
• Certified copy of Identity Document (ID)
• Certified copy of Driver’s Licence
Mode and Duration of Contract
• Three‑year contract, renewable based on satisfactory performance
• Applications open to all qualified candidates
• Unemployed applicants are strongly encouraged to apply
Submission Details
Applications must be delivered to the address below not later than 27th February 2026 at 16:00 hours:
Human Resources Department
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
80 Constitution Road
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100
Important Notes
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted