Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development
General Circular Information
Office: Office of the Prime Minister
Circular: External Circular Notice No. 5 of 2026
Circular Reference: GS/MIN/10
Office Address: P.O. Box 527, Maseru 100
Application Deadline: 2 October 2026 at 16:00hrs
Job Details
MINISTRY: Trade, Industry and Business Development
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 development needs pertaining to trade, industry and business development.
- Presents the strategic plan to Cabinet for approval.
- Supervises the development of policies, laws and regulations governing the Ministry’s strategic intentions to accelerate 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 trade, industry and business 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 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: – Trade Studies – Economic Policy – Business Management/Administration – Related field
- OR – Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree from a recognized university in: – Trade Studies – Economic Policy – Business Management/Administration – Related field
- OR – First Degree from a recognized university in: – Trade Studies – Economic Policy – Business Management/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 trade, industry and business 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
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 Trade, Industry and Business Development?
Candidates usually need a Master's degree in Economics, Public Administration, Business, or a related field, plus at least 10-15 years of senior management experience in government or large organizations. A proven track record in policy formulation, trade negotiations, and public sector leadership is essential. Membership in professional bodies like the Lesotho Institute of Accountants or similar credentials strengthens applications.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Permanent Secretary in this ministry?
The Permanent Secretary oversees policy implementation, advises the Minister on trade and industrial development matters, and manages departmental budgets and staff. Daily activities include coordinating with the Lesotho Revenue Authority, engaging with private sector stakeholders, and representing the ministry in regional bodies like SACU and SADC. They also ensure compliance with Public Financial Management and Treasury regulations.
How does the work culture and expectations differ in Lesotho's public service compared to the private sector?
Lesotho's public service emphasizes hierarchical decision-making, formal protocols, and extensive documentation for accountability to the Public Service Commission and Parliament. Work hours typically follow government schedules, but senior officials often attend evening meetings with ministers or regional trade delegations. Respect for authority, patience with bureaucratic processes, and strong networking within political and administrative circles are crucial for effectiveness.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Permanent Secretary?
Successful Permanent Secretaries may advance to Principal Secretary positions overseeing multiple ministries, or be seconded to ambassadorial roles in trade-focused diplomatic postings. Some transition to regional organizations like the African Development Bank or UN agencies. Others move into advisory roles for international development partners operating in Lesotho, leveraging their policy expertise and government networks.
What benefits typically accompany a Permanent Secretary position in the Lesotho government?
Benefits include a government pension scheme through the Public Officers' Defined Contribution Pension Fund, medical aid coverage for the employee and dependents, and generous annual leave entitlements as per Public Service regulations. Senior officials often receive official vehicles with fuel allowances, housing or housing allowances, and coverage for official travel. Specific packages vary by grade and are determined by the Directorate of Public Service Management.
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 the Public Service Commission website; applications require detailed CVs, certified qualifications, and references from senior government or professional contacts. Selection panels prioritize candidates with demonstrated integrity, experience in trade policy, and ability to navigate Lesotho's political-administrative interface. Strong performance in competency-based interviews and a clean security clearance from the National Security Service are typically required.