MINISTRY: Finance and Development Planning
DUTY STATION: Maseru
GRADE: L
RESPONSIBLE TO: Government Secretary
DAY-TO-DAY REPORTING: Minister
DURATION: 5 Years
DUTY STATION: Maseru
GRADE: L
RESPONSIBLE TO: Government Secretary
DAY-TO-DAY REPORTING: Minister
DURATION: 5 Years
Job Purpose
The Permanent Secretary is the Chief Accounting Officer of the Ministry and provides strategic guidance and supervision in the implementation of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan towards attainment of national development priorities.
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Government Secretary and the general direction of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary (PS) will be responsible for the development and review of the Ministry’s strategic plan and legal frameworks; implementation of the Ministry’s strategic plan, programmes and legal frameworks; financial and budget management; implementation of Government decisions and directives; supervision of subordinates; and other duties and responsibilities in line with Section 97(1,2,3(b),(c)) of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, Act 2025 and Section 13(2) of the Public Service Act, 2005.
Job Summary
- Employer: Office of the Prime Minister
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho
- Category: Government & Public Administration
- Closing Date: 2026-10-02
Key Responsibilities
- Leads the development of the strategic plan in line with the National Strategic Development Plan to ensure that the Ministry responds to national needs pertaining to the micro and macroeconomic goals of the country.
- Presents the strategic plan to Cabinet for approval.
- Supervises the development of policies, laws and regulations governing the Ministry’s strategic intentions to improve the country’s financial management and project design and implementation for accelerated economic growth.
- Facilitates presentation of developed policies, laws and regulations to Cabinet for consideration and approval.
- Reviews the strategic plan and legal frameworks regularly to address emerging issues affecting economic development.
- Supervises the development of the implementation plan for the strategic plan, programmes and legal frameworks to ensure that the Ministry achieves the intended targets.
- Liaises with key stakeholders, including development partners, to forge working relations and ensure that the implementation plan is widely communicated for maximum participation and contribution to national development.
- Convenes weekly Executive Management meetings to solicit progress reports on the operations and activities of Departments.
- Reports to the Minister, Government Secretary, Development Partners and the Public on progress made on the implementation plan for regular updates and to solicit support when necessary.
- Leads the Ministry’s budgeting process to ensure that its strategic activities are adequately funded.
- Presents the budget to the Minister for his/her appreciation, buy-in and approval.
- Presents the budget to the Budget Office for funding of the Ministry’s annual operational plan.
- Authorizes procurement and payments of goods and services in line with Financial and Procurement Regulations to ascertain that the Ministry obtains value for money.
- Directs compilation of procurement, financial and reconciliation reports to assess the effectiveness of procurement services and track the financial performance of the Ministry.
- Directs preparation of reports, including budget execution and audit queries, for submission and presentation to the National Assembly.
- Supervises the development of the asset register to ensure safeguarding of assets and their proper record keeping.
- Supervises the implementation of Government decisions for improved service delivery.
- Supervises compilation of reports on the implementation of the decisions and submits them to the Government Secretary for consideration and approval.
- Convenes meetings with individual subordinates to develop annual work plans.
- Reviews progress on planned activities quarterly to monitor the performance of individual supervisees.
- Conducts annual performance appraisals of individual supervisees.
- Facilitates assessment of training and development needs of staff for the development of a needs-based ministerial training plan.
- Supervises execution of the training plan to enhance employees’ skills for improved service delivery.
- Leads monitoring and evaluation of the impact of undertaken training and development on staff to determine appropriate remedial action where necessary.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree from a recognized university in: Economics, Macroeconomics, Economic Development, Financial Economics, Financial Management, Related field
- OR Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree from a recognized university in the same disciplines or related field.
- OR First Degree from a recognized university in the same disciplines or related field.
- Five (5) years’ work experience for Master’s Degree holders.
- Seven (7) years’ work experience for Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree holders.
- Ten (10) years’ work experience for Degree holders.
- Experience must be in a senior management position.
- Experience in public service management will be an added advantage.
- Good leadership traits.
- Motivation and persuasive skills.
- Planning, coordination and budgeting skills.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Appreciation of the Government Procurement Act, Public Financial Management and Accountability Act, Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations and Basic Conditions of Employment for Public Officers.
- Computer skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Proposal and report writing skills.
- Ability to communicate fluently in Sesotho and English.
- Ability to work in a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary professional setup.
- Ability to work under pressure within short timelines.
How to Apply
Address: Office Address: P.O. Box 527, Maseru 100
REF Code: GS/MIN/10 | Vacancy Circular No: External Circular Notice No. 5 of 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Permanent Secretary role in Lesotho's Ministry of Finance?
Candidates usually need a Master's degree in Economics, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field, plus at least 10-15 years of senior management experience in the public sector. A proven track record in policy formulation, budget management, and leading large government departments is essential. Membership in professional bodies like ACCA or CIMA is often highly regarded.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Permanent Secretary in Lesotho's Ministry of Finance?
The role involves advising the Minister on fiscal policy, overseeing national budget preparation and implementation, and coordinating with development partners like the World Bank and IMF. You will manage senior staff, ensure compliance with Public Financial Management laws, and represent the ministry in Cabinet and parliamentary committees. Regular engagement with donors and private sector stakeholders is also expected.
How does the work culture and expectations differ in Lesotho's public service compared to the private sector?
The public service emphasizes hierarchical decision-making, formal protocols, and extensive documentation for accountability to the Public Service Commission. Work pace can be slower due to bureaucratic procedures, but job security is significantly higher than in the private sector. Respect for authority and adherence to government regulations are deeply valued cultural norms.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Permanent Secretary in Lesotho?
Successful Permanent Secretaries may advance to Head of the Public Service or be appointed as Principal Secretaries in larger ministries. Some transition to regional organizations like SADC or the African Development Bank, while others move into diplomatic postings or international development roles. Retirement often leads to board appointments in state-owned enterprises or advisory positions.
What benefits typically come with a Permanent Secretary position in Lesotho's government?
Benefits usually include a government pension scheme, medical aid coverage for the employee and dependents, and generous annual leave entitlements as per Public Service regulations. You may also receive an official vehicle with driver, housing allowance or government residence, and security detail depending on seniority. Specific packages vary by grade and are determined by the Public Service Commission.
How should I apply for a Permanent Secretary position, and what do selection panels in Lesotho prioritize?
Vacancies are advertised in the Government Gazette, local newspapers, and sometimes on the Ministry of Public Service website; applications require detailed CVs, certified qualifications, and references from senior government officials. Selection panels prioritize demonstrated integrity, experience in public financial management, and ability to navigate Lesotho's political and administrative landscape. Strong performance in competency-based interviews and psychometric assessments is typically required.