Background
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is implemented pursuant to the Treaty between the Government of Lesotho (GOL) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA).
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), a statutory body constituted under the LHDA Order No. 23 of 1986, is responsible for the implementation, operation and maintenance of the LHWP in Lesotho.
The LHWP entails the generation of hydropower for Lesotho and the transfer of water to South Africa, while taking into consideration the protection of the existing quality of the socio-economic and biophysical environment.
LHDA intends to procure the services of a Terrestrial and Riverine Ecologist to serve as one of five (5) members of the Environmental Panel of Experts (EPOE) for a three (3)-year contract term.
Job Purpose
The EPOE’s mandate is to advise and support LHDA in meeting its environmental and social commitments.
The Terrestrial and Riverine Ecologist will serve as an independent member of the EPOE and provide independent scientific review, assurance and expert advice to LHDA on matters relating to terrestrial and riverine ecology.
The expert will provide expert oversight and apply independent professional judgement in assessing the adequacy, effectiveness and sustainability of the project’s ecological management approaches.
The expert will, as appropriate, provide recommendations to strengthen environmental performance and long-term ecosystem resilience.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Candidates should meet the following requirements:
- At least a Master’s degree in:
- River Ecology;
- Freshwater Ecology;
- Terrestrial Ecology;
- Aquatic Ecology;
- Conservation Biology;
- Environmental Science; or
- A closely related discipline.
- A PhD will be an added advantage.
- At least 20 years of professional experience in terrestrial and riverine ecology.
- Demonstrated expertise and leadership in the assessment, management, monitoring and conservation of ecosystems associated with:
- Large dams;
- Hydropower developments; or
- Other complex water infrastructure projects.
- Demonstrated experience providing independent scientific review, environmental assurance or expert advisory services on major infrastructure projects.
- Experience with ecological monitoring frameworks.
- Demonstrated regional or international experience, preferably including exposure to projects applying recognised international environmental and social safeguard standards.
- Experience working as an independent advisor, external reviewer or member of an expert panel on projects of comparable scale and complexity to the LHWP will be highly advantageous.
Relevant Assignment Experience
Candidates should provide details of relevant assignments, including:
- Project name;
- Dates;
- Roles; and
- Responsibilities.
Contract Term
Three (3) years
How to Apply
Applications must be hand-delivered or electronically submitted in sealed envelopes or in an electronic folder.
Applications should be clearly marked:
“THE ENVIRONMENTAL PANEL OF EXPERT (EPOE) FOR THE LHWP”
Applications should be submitted to:
Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA)
7th Floor, LHDA Tower Building
Kingsway
Maseru, Lesotho
Electronic applications should be sent to: [email protected]
A register of submissions will be kept confirming compliance with the specified submission date and time.
Enquiries
All enquiries may be addressed to the LHDA Procurement Section by email: [email protected]
Closing Date
Friday, 2 October 2026 at 12:00 noon