Job Summary
- Employer: Office of the Prime Minister
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho
- Category: Management
- 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 education and training.
- 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 literacy capacity 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 in order to address emerging issues affecting education and training.
- 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 Ministry of Finance & Development Planning 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: Management Education, Education, Education Administration, Related field
- OR Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree from a recognized university in: Management Education, Education, Education Administration, Related field
- OR First Degree from a recognized university in: Management Education, Education, Education Administration, 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 education and training.
- 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 Education and Training?
Candidates usually need a Master's degree in Education, Public Administration, or a related field, plus at least 10-15 years of senior management experience in the public sector. A proven track record in policy development, strategic planning, and government operations is essential. Familiarity with Lesotho's education system and prior experience working with ministries or parastatals strengthens your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Permanent Secretary in this ministry?
You will oversee policy implementation, manage departmental budgets, advise the Minister on education matters, and coordinate with development partners and donors. Daily tasks include chairing senior management meetings, reviewing reports, and ensuring alignment between government priorities and ministry operations. You also represent the ministry in inter-ministerial forums and handle stakeholder relations with unions and educational institutions.
How does the work culture and expectations differ in Lesotho's public service compared to private sector management roles?
The public service emphasizes hierarchical decision-making, formal protocols, and adherence to government regulations and circulars. Relationships and respect for authority are highly valued, and processes can be slower due to bureaucratic requirements. Patience with administrative procedures and ability to navigate political sensitivities are critical for success.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Permanent Secretary?
Experienced Permanent Secretaries may advance to Head of the Public Service or Cabinet Secretary positions, the highest civil service ranks in Lesotho. Some transition to international organizations like UNESCO or the African Union, leveraging their expertise in education policy. Others move into advisory roles or academic positions at institutions such as the National University of Lesotho.
What benefits typically accompany a Permanent Secretary position in the Lesotho government?
Benefits usually include a government pension scheme, medical aid coverage, generous annual leave, and official transport or vehicle allowance. Housing allowances and security provisions may also be provided given the seniority of the role. Specific entitlements are governed by the Public Service Act and periodic government circulars on conditions of service.
How should I apply for a Permanent Secretary position, and what do selection panels in Lesotho prioritize?
Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, the Government Gazette, and official government portals; applications require detailed CVs, certified qualifications, and references from senior officials. Selection panels prioritize demonstrated integrity, political neutrality, and experience managing large public sector budgets and staff. Strong performance in competency-based interviews and a clean disciplinary record are crucial, as vetting by the Public Service Commission is standard.