MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
EXTERNAL CIRCULAR NOTICE No: 23 of 2025
REF: ED/A/30
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following position tenable in the Ministry of Education and Training:
JOB TITLE: Senior Procurement Officer
GRADE: H
NO. OF POSITIONS: One (1) Position
RESPONSIBLE TO: Regional Inspector
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To facilitate proper implementation of procurement policies on the acquisition of goods and services.
MAIN DUTIES
1.0 Establishes Mechanisms to Implement Procurement Policies and Systems
1.1 Holds consultative meetings with procurement entities to sensitize them on new policy changes.
1.2 Develops a set of performance standards and indicators for procurement entities and ensures that these are implemented.
1.3 Provides continuous guidance and training to line ministries to ensure compliance.
1.4 Advises on current and emerging procurement trends and practices to proactively assist procurement entities and the private sector to achieve their operational requirements.
1.5 Participates in the review and drafting of procurement Bills.
2.0 Coordinates the Consolidation of Procurement Statistics
2.1 Directs the maintenance of procurement records and filing standards.
2.2 Develops and evaluates procurement databases.
2.3 Consolidates quarterly reports on procurement contracts.
2.4 Provides guidance to procurement entities on the compilation and maintenance of procurement records.
2.5 Devises appropriate reporting mechanisms for all procurement entities.
2.6 Consolidates and updates data to avail the information on the Ministry’s website.
2.7 Provides information to answer Parliamentary or similar enquiries on PPAD’s sphere of activity.
3.0 Creates and Maintains Long-Term Relationships with Procurement Entities and Suppliers to Foster Feedback and Continuous Improvement
3.1 Holds continuous meetings to clarify issues of concern within operations.
3.2 Develops strategies to resolve disputes between vendors and procurement entities in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
3.3 Promotes a strong customer service orientation.
4.0 Monitors the Implementation of Procurement Standards and Best Practices
4.1 Initiates and provides guidelines to procurement entities on developing clear specifications for the acquisition of materials and services.
4.2 Provides expert advice, consultation, counselling, and support on all procurement matters to procurement entities.
4.3 Liaises with the Ministry of Trade and Industry on standards and quality assurance.
4.4 Monitors and evaluates the performance of procurement entities with regard to set standards.
5.0 Manages and Coordinates the Activities of the Section
5.1 Approves individual work plans for effective performance management.
5.2 Supervises staff in the unit to ensure that duties are carried out in line with the Department’s objectives.
5.3 Appraises subordinate staff to assess performance.
5.4 Designs in-house training and orientation programmes for staff.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Education and Experience
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration/Management, Public Administration, or Economics with at least 2 years’ experience in procurement work at the level of Procurement Officer, plus CIPS Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply.
OR - Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management, Public Administration, or Economics, plus CIPS Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply with at least 4 years’ experience in procurement work at the level of Procurement Officer.
Note: Membership of a relevant professional body in procurement and supply chain management shall be an added advantage.
Other Relevant Knowledge
- Knowledge of the Public Service Rules and Regulations.
- Knowledge of Financial and Procurement Regulations.
Core Competencies
- Ability to understand and implement Regulations, the Procurement Manual, Procurement Process Operating Instructions, and other guidance as may be issued.
- Ability to interpret generally accepted procurement standards and stock procedures.
- Report writing skills to inform decision-making.
- Understanding of procurement and project-related risks and how to manage them.
- Proficiency in relevant software (Pastel-V6, PowerPoint, MS Office Suite).
- Ability to identify trends and inform the Procurement Manager of potential opportunities for development.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Ability to make confident, informed decisions and apply corrective measures where necessary.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
- Focus on achieving high standards of service for user divisions.
- Adherence to generally accepted accounting standards and principles.
- Teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication skills.
- Ability to guide, mentor, and assign tasks effectively.
- Leadership and influence across different management levels.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and productivity.
RESPONSIBILITY
For the work of others:
Responsible for ensuring that policy guidelines and procedures are adhered to.
For resources controlled:
Significant responsibility for controlling expenditure and maintaining a database of government assets.
For safety of others:
Minimal, but relevant during site visits and visits to firms’ premises.
For effect of errors:
Requires high concentration, accurate calculations, and strict enforcement of legislation, instructions, and guidance.
COMPLEXITY
Decision-Making:
Proven ability to make decisions regarding daily activities of the Procurement Unit and approving annual work plans for staff.
Problem-Solving:
Ability to solve or escalate procurement-related issues. Must handle queries, complaints, and appeals from the business community and address staff challenges within management control.
Supervision Received:
Accountable to the Procurement Manager and guided by the Lesotho Constitution, Public Service Act, and Public Procurement Regulations 2007.
Change Management:
Ability to champion, inspire, and deliver change and continuous improvement in a results-focused environment.
Knowledge Management:
Ensures knowledge and information are recorded, shared, and utilized effectively.
Dexterity:
Required in understanding and handling figures.
Contacts:
Maintains regular professional contact with procurement staff in other organizations, PPAD, Accountant General, Audit Authorities, financial institutions, the business community, and the public.
Mental Effort:
High mental effort required due to the complexities of procurement, financial analysis, and conflict management.
Physical Effort:
Minimal.
Emotional Effort:
Must manage and resolve staff and stakeholder issues while maintaining professionalism.
Unfavourable Working Conditions:
Minimal.
Hazards:
Minimal.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications on the relevant forms:
- G.P 104 for serving officers
- G.P 103 for job seekers
Must be accompanied by:
- Certified copies of educational certificates
- Identity document (ID)
- Performance appraisal forms (for serving officers)
- Transcripts, diplomas, etc.
Applications must be addressed to:
Principal Secretary
Ministry of Education and Training
P.O. Box 47
Maseru 100
IMPORTANT NOTE
The Ministry of Education and Training operates in all ten districts of the country. Applicants should therefore be aware that they may be deployed in any of the ten districts.
Deadline for submission: 15th October 2025