MINISTRY: Energy and Mining
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 energy and mining.
- 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 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 the energy and mining industry.
- 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 social partners and other stakeholders, including development partners, to 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: Relevant Engineering Studies, Geology, Metallurgy, Environmental Sciences, Project/Business Management, Economic Sciences, 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 and in the Energy Sector 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 the mining sector.
- 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 Energy and Mining?
Candidates usually need a Master's degree in Public Administration, Energy Policy, Mining Engineering, or a related field, plus at least 10-15 years of senior management experience in government or the energy/mining sector. Proven leadership in policy formulation and stakeholder engagement is essential. Membership in relevant professional bodies 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 energy and mining matters, and coordinate with international partners like the Southern African Power Pool. Daily tasks include chairing meetings, reviewing regulatory frameworks, and ensuring compliance with national development goals. You also represent Lesotho at regional energy forums and manage crisis responses in the sector.
How does the work culture and expectations differ in Lesotho's public service compared to the private sector?
Lesotho's public service emphasizes hierarchical respect, protocol adherence, and consensus-building across ministries and traditional leadership structures. Decision-making can be slower due to bureaucratic processes and political oversight, but job security is stronger than in private firms. Demonstrating loyalty to government priorities and maintaining diplomatic relationships with chiefs and community leaders is culturally expected.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Permanent Secretary?
Successful Permanent Secretaries may advance to Principal Secretary positions, head multiple ministries, or transition into ambassadorial roles or international organization postings. Some move into advisory positions for the Prime Minister's office or pursue secondments to regional bodies like SADC. Retirement often leads to board appointments in state-owned enterprises or consultancy work in energy policy.
What benefits are typically included in senior government positions like this in Lesotho?
Benefits generally include a government pension scheme through the Public Officers' Defined Contribution Pension Fund, medical aid coverage, and generous annual leave allowances. You may receive an official vehicle with fuel allowance, housing or housing subsidy, and security provisions depending on the role's sensitivity. Gratuity payments apply upon completion of contract terms, though specific entitlements vary by appointment type.
How should I apply for a Permanent Secretary position, and what do selection panels in Lesotho prioritize?
Applications are submitted through the Public Service Commission or Directorate of Public Service Management when vacancies are advertised in local newspapers and official gazettes. Panels prioritize candidates with demonstrable integrity, experience navigating Lesotho's political landscape, and track records in transformational leadership within resource sectors. Strong references from senior government officials and evidence of successful project delivery in infrastructure or natural resource management significantly strengthen your candidacy.