MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
CIRCULAR NO. 2 OF 2025
Reference: AG/CIR/2
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following position tenable in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition:
MINISTRY: Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
DEPARTMENT: Crops Services
DIVISION: Agricultural Engineering
JOB TITLE: Senior Agricultural Engineer
GRADE: H
RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal Agricultural Engineer
LOCATION: Maseru
NO. OF POSITIONS: One (1)
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Principal Agricultural Engineer, the Senior Agricultural Engineer is responsible for preparing plans, budget estimates and reports; developing designs, modifications and test codes for irrigation equipment and structures; coordinating manufacturing, supply and distribution of machinery; formulating and implementing projects/programs; developing training programs; and analyzing socio-economic and environmental data for irrigation development.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Preparation of Workplans, Budget Estimates and Reports
- Prepares work plans and budgets and submits them to the Principal Agricultural Engineer
- Compiles section reports and submits them to the Principal Agricultural Engineer
2. Development of Design, Modification and Test Codes for Agricultural Machinery
- Develops and adopts test codes for agricultural and animal-drawn machinery
- Liaises with institutions involved in design and testing for information exchange
3. Coordination of Manufacturing, Supply and Distribution of Machinery
- Liaises with manufacturers and dealers to facilitate access to quality machinery
- Collects and compiles information on import/export tariffs to support regulation development
4. Formulation and Implementation of Projects/Programs
- Identifies development areas requiring government intervention
- Produces project proposals and submits them for consideration
- Assists in articulating project documents and implementation modalities
- Acts as team leader during project implementation for monitoring and evaluation
5. Development of Training Programs
- Prepares training curricula for staff and farmers
- Identifies and engages resource personnel
6. Analysis and Interpretation of Socio-Economic and Environmental Data
- Analyzes and interprets data to support policy recommendations
JOB SPECIFICATION
Education and Training
- MSc in Irrigation Engineering / Civil Engineering / Water Engineering / Agricultural Engineering (with irrigation stream) plus 2 years of work experience as Agricultural Engineer
OR - BSc in Irrigation Engineering / Civil Engineering (with water modules) / Agricultural Engineering (with irrigation stream) plus 5 years of work experience as Agricultural Engineer
Other Necessary Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of Public Service Rules and Regulations
- Negotiation skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Good managerial and leadership skills
- Knowledge of computer design software
RESPONSIBILITY
- For Work of Others: Supervises two Agricultural Engineers and other staff
- For Property: Prepares divisional budget and work plans
- For Effect of Errors: Responsible for certifying designs and approving machinery; errors may cause financial loss
- For Safety of Others: Expected to enforce safety precautions
COMPLEXITY
- Authority for Decision-Making: Works independently and reports to the Principal Agricultural Engineer
- Problem Solving: Resolves disputes between machinery dealers, farmers, and staff
- Supervision Received: Works independently but informs Principal Agricultural Engineer of major decisions
- Dexterity: Not applicable
CONTACTS
- Daily contact with section members for planning
- Weekly contact with other divisions for progress reporting
- Occasional contact with machinery dealers and farmers
EFFORT
- Mental Effort: Involves planning, design analysis, mathematical and statistical computations
- Physical Effort: Mechanical physical effort required
- Emotional Effort: Requires emotional stability when dealing with demanding stakeholders
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Unfavourable Conditions: May work in remote areas under extreme weather conditions
- Hazards: Involves testing moving agricultural machinery, which can be dangerous
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications must be submitted on relevant forms:
- GP 104 for serving officers
- GP 103 for job seekers
Applications must be accompanied by:
- Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts
- Certified copy of National Identity Document
- Up-to-date performance appraisal forms (for serving officers)
Submission Address:
The Director Human Resources
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100
Deadline: Not later than 19th September 2025