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 Department and provides strategic guidance and supervision in the implementation of the Department’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 Department’s strategic plan and legal frameworks; implementation of the Department’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: 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 Department responds to national needs pertaining to gender, youth and social development.
- Presents the strategic plan to Cabinet for approval.
- Supervises the development of policies, laws and regulations governing the Department’s strategic intentions to improve the standard of living of Basotho, including vulnerable people.
- 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 gender, youth and social development.
- Supervises the development of the implementation plan for the strategic plan, programmes and legal frameworks to ensure that the Department 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 Department’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 Ministry of Finance & Development Planning for funding of the Department’s annual operational plan.
- Authorizes procurement and payments of goods and services in line with Financial and Procurement Regulations to ascertain that the Department 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 Department.
- 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: Social Work, Social Policy, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Child and Youth Development, Public Policy, Strategic 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: Social Work, Social Policy, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Child and Youth Development, Public Policy, Strategic Management, 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, Basic Conditions of Employment for Public Officers and legal frameworks related to Gender, Youth and Social Development.
- 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
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 Gender, Youth and Social Development?
Candidates usually need a Master's degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field, plus at least 10-15 years of senior management experience in government or development sectors. Demonstrated experience in policy formulation, gender mainstreaming, and youth development programmes is highly valued. Membership in relevant professional bodies and proven leadership in public sector reform strengthen applications.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Permanent Secretary in this ministry?
The Permanent Secretary oversees strategic planning, coordinates implementation of national gender and social protection policies, and manages departmental budgets and staff. Daily activities include advising the Minister on legislative matters, liaising with development partners like UNDP and EU, and ensuring compliance with Public Financial Management Act requirements. You will also chair inter-ministerial committees and represent Lesotho at regional forums such as SADC gender protocols.
How does the work culture and expectations differ in Lesotho's public service compared to private sector roles?
Lesotho's public service emphasises hierarchical decision-making, formal protocols, and extensive consultation with Principal Secretaries and Cabinet before action. Punctuality and respect for traditional authority structures matter greatly, with Sesotho language skills often essential for community engagement. Expect slower processes due to procurement regulations and political oversight, but greater job security than private alternatives.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Permanent Secretary in this ministry?
Successful Permanent Secretaries may advance to Cabinet Secretary positions, ambassadorial postings, or head larger ministries like Finance or Foreign Affairs. Some transition to regional organisations such as the African Union or UN agencies specialising in gender and development. Others move into academia or consultancy, leveraging their policy expertise and international networks developed during tenure.
What benefits typically accompany this senior public service position in Lesotho?
Benefits generally include government pension scheme membership through the Public Officers' Defined Contribution Pension Fund, medical aid coverage for family, and generous annual leave entitlements. Official vehicles with drivers, security details, and subsidised housing or allowances often apply at this level. Specific packages vary by employer and are negotiated through the Public Service Commission.
How should I apply for this position, and what do selection panels in Lesotho prioritise?
Applications are submitted through the Public Service Commission or Directorate of Public Administration, requiring certified copies of qualifications, police clearance, and detailed CVs highlighting policy achievements. Panels prioritise candidates with proven track records in gender-responsive budgeting, youth employment programmes, and managing donor-funded projects. Strong references from current or former Principal Secretaries and demonstrated integrity through lifestyle audits significantly improve prospects.