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The Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL) is a network of church-owned health facilities comprising 8 hospitals, 71 health centres and 4 nursing training institutions across Lesotho. CHAL collaborates with the Government of Lesotho, development partners and other stakeholders to provide quality health services and strengthen the health system.
CHAL has entered into an agreement with EGPAF Lesotho to implement a new project under the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD) through the United States Department of State. The project aims to strengthen health service delivery, optimise programme performance, build health facility capacity and improve health outcomes across CHAL-supported facilities.
The project will use a data-driven approach to strengthen service delivery, improve programme performance and promote accountability and efficient use of resources. CHAL therefore invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following positions:
Programme Optimisation Officer – 1 Position
The Programme Optimisation Officer will support the effective implementation, optimisation and continuous improvement of the GHSD Project across CHAL-supported health facilities.
The position will lead efforts to identify programme performance gaps, analyse programme data, coordinate targeted interventions and support health facilities and project teams to achieve agreed programme targets and milestones.
Job Summary
- Employer: CHAL
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Maseru, Lesotho
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-06
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with the GHSD Project Coordinator, Data Clerks, Registered Nurse Midwives, Health Facility Management and technical teams.
- Monitor and improve programme performance.
- Analyse programme data and identify performance gaps.
- Develop and support performance improvement interventions.
- Help ensure project resources and interventions are directed towards areas of greatest need.
- Support achievement of agreed project deliverables under the Fixed Amount Award funding arrangement.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Health Services Management, Nursing, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Epidemiology, Development Studies, Project Management, Social Sciences or a related field.
- A Master’s Degree in Public Health, Health Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Epidemiology, Project Management or a related discipline is an added advantage.
- Training or certification in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Analytics, Quality Improvement or Project Management is an added advantage.
- At least 3-5 years’ relevant experience in programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation, health programme optimisation or performance improvement.
- Experience working in a donor-funded health programme is highly desirable.
- Experience working with health facilities and frontline health workers.
- Demonstrated experience analysing programme data and developing performance improvement interventions.
- Experience in HIV/AIDS programmes or other public health programmes is an advantage.
- Experience working with Government health structures, NGOs or faith-based health organisations is an advantage.
- Knowledge of donor-funded programme reporting and compliance requirements is desirable.
How to Apply
Address: P.O. Box 1632
About the Company
The Chaldean Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic particular church descended from the historic Church of the East. It is in full communion with the Holy See and the worldwide Catholic Church. It uses the East Syriac Rite in the Syriac language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Programme Optimisation Officer at CHAL or similar organizations in Lesotho?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in project management, public health, business administration, or a related field. Professional certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile are highly valued and can strengthen your application. Experience with monitoring and evaluation frameworks is often preferred given Lesotho's focus on donor-funded health and development programmes.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Programme Optimisation Officer?
You will analyse programme data to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements to project workflows. Daily tasks include coordinating with implementation teams, preparing progress reports for donors, and ensuring compliance with organisational and national standards. You may also facilitate training sessions and support resource allocation decisions across multiple project sites.
How does work culture in Lesotho affect this role, and what expectations should I be prepared for?
Lesotho's professional environment emphasizes respect for hierarchy and relationship-building before task execution. Punctuality is expected, though meetings may start with formal greetings and brief personal exchanges. Fluency in Sesotho alongside English is advantageous for community-level engagement, and flexibility is essential given occasional infrastructure challenges like transport disruptions.
What career progression opportunities exist for Programme Optimisation Officers in Lesotho?
With proven performance, you can advance to Senior Programme Officer, Programme Manager, or Director-level positions within NGOs and international organisations. Specialising in data analytics or grant management opens pathways to regional roles covering multiple Southern African countries. Some professionals transition into consultancy or establish their own monitoring and evaluation firms serving the active NGO sector in Maseru.
What benefits are typically offered for full-time project management roles in Lesotho?
Standard packages usually include annual leave of 15–25 days, medical aid or health insurance contributions, and pension or provident fund arrangements. Many NGOs and international organisations additionally provide transport allowances, professional development funding, and sometimes housing support for roles based outside Maseru. Specific benefits vary significantly between local NGOs, government parastatals, and international agencies.
How should I apply for a Programme Optimisation Officer position, and what do Lesotho employers prioritise in candidates?
Submit a concise CV highlighting quantifiable achievements and a tailored cover letter demonstrating knowledge of the organisation's programmes. Employers prioritise candidates with demonstrable experience in Lesotho's health or development sector, strong data analysis skills, and references from previous supervisors. Networking through professional associations and LinkedIn connections with current staff can significantly improve your visibility in a competitive job market.