MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
SMALLHOLDER AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT II
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES- INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS SELECTION METHOD)
LOAN NO: P165228
CREDIT NO: IDA -64220 -LS
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: PROJECT DIRECTOR
REFERENCE NO: LS-MAFS-234327-CS-INDV
DURATION: THIRTY-SIX MONTHS
DUTY STATION: MASERU
BACKGROUND:
The Government of Lesotho is implementing the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP-II) with financial support from The World Bank, Government of Japan and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The project covers ten districts – Maseru, Leribe, Botha-Bothe, Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka, Berea Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing and Qacha’s Nek.
SADP-II is coordinated by the Project Management Unit (PMU) based in Maseru.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The Project Director would report to the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Marketing and Food Security (MAMFS) and the Project Management Committee overseeing the Project implementation. On a day to day basis she/he will work in close cooperation with the Director of Field Services and Director Planning and Policy Analysis, of the Ministry of Agriculture, Marketing and Food Security.
2.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Director would report to the Principal Secretary of the Lead Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, Marketing and Food Security (MAMFS) and the Project Management Committee overseeing Project Implementation. On a day to day basis, she/he will work in close cooperation with the Director Field Services and Director Planning Policy Analysis of Ministry of Agriculture, Marketing and Food Security.
a) Oversee all matters pertaining to the smooth implementation of the project and manage and guide the project implementation with a view to enhance development effectiveness and impact in line with project objective.
b) Lead the preparation of the Annual work plan and Budget (AWPB) in the context of the Project design and available financing and oversee the implementation of the activities as per the approved AWPB.
c) Provide overall oversight to the process of recruitment of the project support staff and consulting services providers.
d) Act as the secretary to the project coordinating Committee and ensure the implementation of its recommendations
e) Oversee and ensure smooth flow and proper utilization of the project funds.
f) Manage the day to day operations/functioning of the PMU
g) Directly supervise and guide the PMU staff and evaluate their performance
h) In liaison with the Component Managers and District Agriculture Officers, oversee the performance of the Project Field Facilitators and provide guidance.
i) Ensure that project implementation and management comply with the Project Financing Agreement between the Government and the World Bank/IFAD. Project Implementation
Manual (PIM) and other specific operation manuals and relevant Government and World Bank / IFAD policies and guidelines
j) Ensure compliance with all reporting requirement under the Project (e.g. progress report, financial statements, audit Reports.etc)
k) Network and Coordinate with a wide range of the of the stakeholders (Government institutions, civil society organization, private sector, Farmers associations, development partners) Where relevant and as appropriate for their inputs into the implementation process and/dissemination of experiences.
l) Represent the project in national and international arenas as appropriate and share the experience and lessons.
m) Keep abreast of contemporary issues in agricultural development and in the country, assessing
their relevant to and implication for SADP-II and guide strategy and implementation in the context of the project design, as may be appropriate.
n) Ensure appropriate arrangement necessary for supervision and other mission fielded by the World Bank/IFAD
o) Safe keeping and up keeping of all Project assets.
3.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
• Masters Degree in Agriculture, Projects Planning Economics, Social Science, Business Management or a relevant field from a recognized University.
• Minimum of Five years experiences in Project Management.
• At least 3 years of specific experience in a donor funded project preferably World Bank and IFAD agriculture projects which must be at a senior management level.
• In-depth knowledge of agriculture in Lesotho.
OR
• Bachelors Degree in Agriculture, Project Planning, Economics, Social Sciences, Business Management, or relevant field at a recognized University.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Project Management.
• At least 5 years of specific experience in a donor funded project preferably World Bank and IFAD agriculture projects which must be at a senior management level.
• In-depth knowledge of agriculture in Lesotho.
4.0 SKILLS / ABILITIES
• Be a professional of high standing;
• Proven Managing skills and have a good understanding of participatory approaches to activity-based planning, budgeting and accounting;
• Full Command in planning and budget as well as of M&E;
• Have clear understanding of government policies and operations;
• Be up to date with the reform process in the relevant sectors;
• Be computer literate and able to apply basic software for the project;
• Be conversant with appropriate technologies used in the various project components;
• Be able to mobilize funds and be familiar with development partners and financiers;
• Be able to work in a multi-sector and multi-disciplinary professional set-up;
• Be able to communicate in national language and English;
• Have proposal and report writing skills
5.0 CONDITIONS
• Renewal of the contract will be subject to satisfactory performance and funds availability.
• The client shall render the officer with all such facilities as may be reasonably required to enable the officer to discharge his/her duties that is office space laptop/computer, landline telephone and transport.
Expressions of interest accompanied by detailed CV must be delivered in a written form to the address below by 16:00hrs local time on the 2nd July 2021 clearly marked ‘’ Expression of Interest for Consulting Services’’ LS- MAFS- 234327- CS-INDV.
To: The Director Human Resources
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100
Lesotho.
Email address: [email protected]
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.