MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
CIRCULAR NO. 3 OF 2025.
AG/CIR/3
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant positions tenable in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition.
Position Title: Principal Crops Production Officer
Ministry: Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
Department: Crops Services
Division: Horticulture
Grade: G
Number of Positions: One (1)
Responsible To: Chief Crops Production Officer
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Chief Crops Production Officer, the Principal Crops Production Officer (PCPO) will be responsible for promoting, developing, and managing national fruit production programs, coordinating fruit value chains, maintaining linkages with the horticultural sector, training District Horticultural Officers (DHOs), and preparing the sectional budget.
Main Duties
1. Promotion, Development, and Management of National Fruit Production Programs
- Develop and recommend fruit production guidelines for different cultivars suited to various agro-ecological zones
- Identify and introduce fruit tree varieties aligned with diversification strategies
- Compile district-level fruit production data to reflect national trends
- Investigate technical and commercial challenges and develop mitigation plans
- Disseminate technical knowledge on fruit husbandry and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
- Collaborate with DHOs to prepare project proposals for district implementation
2. Coordination of Fruit Value Chains and Linkages with the Horticultural Sector
- Liaise with fruit value chain actors to ensure smooth implementation of programs
- Stay updated on horticulture sector developments and food safety requirements
- Collaborate with Agricultural Research for technology dissemination
- Participate in planning meetings and develop fruit production strategies
- Organize technical visits, presentations, and demonstrations
- Monitor DHOs to ensure alignment with policy and priorities
3. Training of District Technical Staff
- Conduct training needs assessments
- Prepare training materials and logistics
- Facilitate technical training on fruit production to build staff capacity
4. Preparation of Sectional Annual Workplan and Budget
- Prepare and submit activity-based annual workplans and budgets
- Submit monthly and quarterly workplans to inform performance appraisals
- Compile and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports with recommendations
Job Specification
Education and Training Requirements:
Option 1:
- Master’s Degree in Horticultural Science, Crop Science, Sustainable Agriculture, or Agricultural Development
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience as Crops Production Officer or Horticultural Officer
Option 2:
- Honours Degree in Horticulture, Crop Science, Sustainable Agriculture, or Agricultural Development
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience as Crops Production Officer or Horticultural Officer
Option 3:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Crop Science, Sustainable Agriculture, or Agricultural Development
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience as Crops Production Officer or Horticultural Officer
Other Necessary Knowledge and Skills
- Must pass preliminary interviews
- Computer literacy
- Strong leadership and conflict management skills
- Persuasive communication skills
- Knowledge of Public Service Rules and Regulations
Note:
Knowledge or qualifications in Food Safety Management Systems, GLOBAL G.A.P. (Plants Scope), UNECE Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Standard (FFV), and Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) will be an added advantage.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted on relevant forms:
- GP 104 for serving officers
- GP 103 for job seekers
Each application must be accompanied by:
- Certified copies of educational certificates
- Transcripts
- National Identity Document
- Up-to-date Performance Appraisal Reports (for serving officers)
All applications must be hand-delivered or addressed to:
The Director Human Resources
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
P.O. Box 24
Maseru – 100
Deadline for Applications: Not later than 27th October 2025