Job Summary
- Employer: Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho
- Category: Financial Management
- Salary: competitive with those offered by comparable regional organisations
- Closing Date: 2026-10-23
Key Responsibilities
- Identify needs/skills gaps in sovereign asset management to design workshops that address these needs.
- Plan and coordinate country specific technical assistance missions.
- Prepare and conduct MEFMI workshops/seminars including those delivered on MEFMI e-learning management system.
- Coordinate and conduct joint workshops or technical assistance missions with technical cooperating partners.
- Prepare an annual work programme on sovereign asset management for inclusion in the MEFMI prospectus.
- Design programmes covering traditional assets, emerging instruments, and other technology enabled assets.
- Guide member countries on strengthening asset allocation and risk management.
- Assist in selection of candidate Fellows, develop a customized training plan (CTP) for Fellows, and ensure effective utilisation of the graduated and accredited fellows in capacity building activities in sovereign asset management.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Economics, Financial Economics, Finance/Investment Management, Banking.
- Five years working experience of which at least 3 years should be in either a supervisory or managerial role.
- Demonstrable understanding of the macroeconomic environment as it relates to Reserves.
- Proven track record in central bank foreign exchange reserves management, financial market operations and financial sector capacity building.
- Experience in investment management, portfolio management (portfolio risk management and external manager selection) related to global fixed income, money markets and interest rate derivatives, as well as sound understanding of other asset classes is desirable.
- A good understanding on how technology can be applied across investment options, portfolio construction, risk oversight and demonstrate exposure to digital assets and fintech.
Salary
competitive with those offered by comparable regional organisations
How to Apply
About the Company
The Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI) operates in Lesotho as a regional capacity-building institution serving member states including the Kingdom of Lesotho. Headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe, MEFMI maintains active programming in Lesotho through training workshops, technical assistance, and policy advisory services delivered to the Central Bank of Lesotho, Ministry of Finance, and other government agencies. The institute focuses on strengthening skills in debt management, monetary policy, financial sector supervision, and macroeconomic forecasting among Lesotho's public sector professionals. MEFMI's work in Lesotho supports the country's participation in regional economic frameworks and enhances domestic institutional capacity for sustainable economic governance.
Building capacity for sound macroeconomic and financial management
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Programme Manager – Sovereign Asset Management role in Lesotho?
Employers usually require a Master's degree in Economics, Finance, Public Policy, or a related field, plus at least 8-10 years of relevant experience. Professional certifications such as CFA, CAIA, or PRM are highly valued. Experience with public financial management or sovereign wealth funds is often essential given Lesotho's focus on fiscal stability.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You will oversee portfolio strategy for sovereign assets, coordinate with government ministries and central bank officials, and manage technical assistance programmes. Daily tasks include risk assessment, stakeholder meetings, report preparation, and guiding national teams on asset allocation decisions. Travel within the SADC region is common for this position.
How does the local work culture in Lesotho affect expectations for this role?
Lesotho's professional environment values respect for hierarchy and relationship-building before business transactions. Punctuality is expected, though meetings may start with formal greetings and cultural acknowledgements. Understanding Sesotho customs and demonstrating patience in negotiations will strengthen your effectiveness with local counterparts.
What career progression opportunities exist for Programme Managers in sovereign asset management in Lesotho?
With proven performance, you may advance to Regional Director, Chief Investment Officer, or advisory roles in multilateral institutions like the African Development Bank. Some professionals transition to senior positions within Lesotho's Ministry of Finance or central bank. Regional mobility within MEFMI's member states is a realistic pathway for growth.
What benefits are typically included in contract positions with regional institutions like MEFMI?
Contract roles usually include medical aid coverage, pension or provident fund contributions, and annual leave of 20-25 days. Housing allowances and relocation support are often provided for international hires. Specific entitlements vary by contract duration and grade level, so review your offer letter carefully.
How should I apply and what do employers in Lesotho prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through official channels with a tailored CV highlighting public financial management experience and regional knowledge. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated SADC experience, strong stakeholder management skills, and familiarity with sovereign debt or reserve management frameworks. Local references and fluency in English are typically required.