OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
EXTERNAL CIRCULAR NOTICE NO. 2 OF 2026
Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant positions:
Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Position Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Permanent Secretary |
| Responsible To | Government Secretary |
| Day-to-Day Reporting | Minister |
| Grade | L |
| Ministry | Environment and Forestry |
| Duty Station | Maseru |
| Duration | 5 Years |
Job Purpose
The Permanent Secretary is the Chief Accounting Officer of the Ministry and provides strategic guidance and supervision in the implementation of the Ministry’s strategic plan towards attainment of national development priorities.
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Government Secretary and the direct guidance of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary (PS) will be responsible for the development and review of the Ministry’s strategic plan and legal frameworks; implementation of the Ministry’s strategic plan, programmes and legal frameworks; financial and budget management; implementation of Government Decisions and Directives; supervision of subordinates; and perform other duties and responsibilities in line with Section 97 (1,2,3(b),(c)) of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution Act, 2025 and Section 13 (2) of the Public Service Act, 2005.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Development and Review of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan and Legal Frameworks
1.1 Leads the development of the strategic plan in line with the National Strategic Development Plan to ensure that the Ministry responds to the national environment and forestry needs.
1.2 Presents the strategic plan to the Minister, and to the Ministries of the Public Service and of Finance and Development Planning for approval.
1.3 Supervises the development of policies, laws and regulations governing the Ministry’s strategic intentions for increased contribution to economic growth and development.
1.4 Facilitates presentation of developed policies, laws and regulations to Cabinet for consideration and approval.
1.5 Reviews the strategic plan and legal frameworks regularly in order to address emerging environment and forestry issues affecting the nation.
2. Implementation of Strategic Plan, Programmes and Legal Frameworks
2.1 Supervises the development of the implementation plan for the strategic plan, programmes, projects and the legal frameworks to ensure that the Ministry achieves the intended targets.
2.2 Liaises with social partners and other stakeholders including development partners to ensure that the implementation plan is widely communicated for maximum participation and contribution to national development.
2.3 Convenes weekly Executive Management meetings to solicit progress reports on the operations and activities of Departments.
2.4 Reports to the Minister, Government Secretary, Social Partners, Development Partners and the Public on progress made on the implementation plan for regular updates and to solicit support when necessary.
3. Financial and Budget Management
3.1 Leads the Ministry’s budgeting process to ensure that its strategic activities are adequately funded.
3.2 Presents the budget to the Minister for his/her appreciation, buy-in and approval.
3.3 Presents the budget to the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning for funding of the Ministry’s annual operational plan.
3.4 Authorizes procurement and payments of goods and services in line with Financial and Procurement Regulations to ascertain that the Ministry obtains value for money.
3.5 Directs compilation of procurement, financial, and reconciliation reports so as to assess the effectiveness of procurement services and track the financial performance of the Ministry.
3.6 Directs preparation of reports (budget execution and audit queries) for submission and presentation to the National Assembly.
3.7 Supervises the development of the asset register to ensure safeguarding of assets and their proper record keeping.
3.8 Supervises the development of the risk strategy to manage and mitigate risks.
4. Implementation of Government Decisions and Directives
4.1 Supervises the implementation of Government decisions for improved service delivery.
4.2 Supervises compilation of reports on the implementation of decisions and directives and submits to GS for consideration, approval and onward submission to Cabinet.
5. Supervision of Subordinates
5.1 Convenes meetings with individual subordinates to develop annual workplans.
5.2 Reviews progress on the planned activities quarterly so as to monitor the performance of individual supervisees.
5.3 Conducts performance appraisals annually on the individual supervisees to assess their overall performance.
5.4 Facilitates assessment of training and development needs of staff for the development of needs-based ministerial training plan.
5.5 Supervises the execution of the training plan with the aim of enhancing employees’ skills for improved service delivery.
5.6 Leads the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the undertaken training and development on staff in order to determine an appropriate remedial action where necessary.
Compensable Factors
Qualifications
Applicants must possess one of the following qualifications:
Option 1
Master’s Degree from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines:
- Environmental Sciences
- Forestry
- Administrative Studies
- Strategic Management
- Related field
OR
Option 2
Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines:
- Environmental Sciences
- Forestry
- Administrative Studies
- Strategic Management
- Related field
OR
Option 3
First Degree from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines:
- Environmental Sciences
- Forestry
- Administrative Studies
- Strategic Management
- Related field
Experience
- Five (5) years work experience for Master’s Degree holders
- Seven (7) years for Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree holders
- Ten (10) years for First Degree holders
Experience must be in a senior management position.
Experience in public service management will be an added advantage.
Competencies
- Good leadership traits
- Motivation and persuasive skills
- Planning, coordination and budgeting skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Good problem solving and analytical skills
- Appreciation of Government Procurement Act, Public Financial Management and Accountability Act, Labour Act, Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, Basic Conditions of Employment for Public Officers
- Computer skills (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)
- Proposal and report writing skills
- Ability to communicate fluently in Sesotho and English
- Ability to work in a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary professional setup
- Ability to work under pressure within short timelines
Responsibility
For Work of Others
The incumbent is responsible for the general supervision of all employees and for ensuring that the Ministry achieves its targets within the set timelines.
For Property
The incumbent is responsible for the proper handling and safety of the Ministry’s assets.
For Effects of Errors
The incumbent shall be responsible for errors that may occur during the execution of the Ministry’s activities.
For Safety of Others
The incumbent shall be responsible for the safety of staff when carrying out their day-to-day activities.
Complexity
Authority for Decision Making
The incumbent shall be responsible for making assessments regarding work-related activities and make decisions thereof.
Problem Solving
The incumbent will be responsible for solving work-related problems that may arise from time to time, especially from high level offices.
Supervision Received
The incumbent will be expected to work independently but report daily to the Minister and weekly to the Government Secretary on operational issues.
Dexterity
This factor is not identified with this type of job.
Contacts
| Office/Institution | Reason | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Minister | Reporting on implementation of technical activities and Cabinet decisions | Daily |
| Minister | Reporting on administrative and financial issues | Daily |
| Minister | Advising on strategic directions to be taken | As and when need arises |
| Government Secretary | Reporting on implementation of operational plan and Cabinet decisions | As and when necessary |
| Development Partners | Consultations and reporting | Regularly |
| Other Ministries locally and counterparts internationally | Networking, sharing ideas, experiences and best practices to improve service delivery | As and when required or necessary |
| Permanent Secretaries | Soliciting support and consultations | As and when required or necessary |
Effort
Mental Effort
The job involves dealing with social partners, public service officers and handling complex issues which may lead to depression and fatigue. A high level of analytical planning and problem-solving techniques are required.
Physical Effort
The factor is minimal in this job.
Emotional Effort
The incumbent is expected to work with different characters and multi-discipline professionals, hence the need to be always emotionally stable.
Working Conditions
Unfavorable Working Conditions
Since the job involves dealing with disgruntled workers, the incumbent is expected to work beyond normal working hours, during weekends and holidays.
Health Hazards
The incumbent might be at risk of being hurt by disgruntled workers demanding improved working conditions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should fill and submit GP 103 or GP 104 (for serving officers) together with certified copies of educational certificates (vetted by Council of Higher Education) and detailed CVs to:
HR Offices – Cabinet
Government Office Complex – Qohoesaneng
Applications must be submitted on or before 16:00hrs on 22nd June 2026.
The advert is also available on the government website at: www.gov.ls