The Kingdom of Lesotho

Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition

Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project

The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition (MAFSN) has just started implementation of the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WaMCoP), which is a 7 years project that covers the 10 districts of Lesotho. The project is financed by the Government of Lesotho, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), OPEC Fund for International Development, Global Environment Facility and beneficiary’s contributions. The projects overall goal is to increase the economic and climate resilience of wool and mohair value chain stakeholders, with emphasis on wool and mohair farmers’ livelihoods, including women and youth. The MAFSN has established the key positions of the project coordination unit and would like to make a call to the relevant professionals for the following additional positions:

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Position: Assistant Monitoring &Evaluation Officer

Duty Station: Maseru, Lesotho

Reports to:     Monitoring &Evaluation officer 

Number of positions: 1

 Job Summary

The Assistant M&E Officer will support the M&E Officer in all data collection, analysis, and learning activities to help ensure accountability and efficiency of the project implementation for the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WaMCoP). The incumbent will provide technical field support to the M&E unit and liaise with all beneficiary project departments engaging in the WaMCoP.  The Assistant M&E Officer will work closely with technical offices (Livestock Production and Business Development) to assess field conditions, support capacity building initiatives, and facilitate the collection of quality data under the supervision of the M&E Officer. 

 Duties and Responsibilities

1. Program management Support

1.1 Support all M&E initiatives for assigned project, including monitoring data quality, tracking progress of activities, and contributing to staff capacity building initiatives as necessary.

2. System Development

2.1 Support in creating framework and procedures for the monitoring and evaluation of project activities

2.2 Support in defining and implementing key performance indicators as well as monitoring them throughout the duration of the projects.

2.3 Assist in proposing strategies to increase data use, communication and M&E culture

2.4 Support project staff and other stakeholders on ways to properly document, organize and capture project progress

2.5 Draft tools and their revisions as well as data collection procedures under the supervision of the M&E Officer (e.g.  logical framework, project performance tracking, indicators, data flow chart, M&E manuals)

2.6 Support in the development of the management information systems.

3. Data Management and Analysis

3.1 Keep abreast of developments in project changes and progress in order to advise and recommend tools and strategies to increase project performance and results

3.2 Suggest ways to facilitate data collection and flow of data within project components

3.3 Identifie strengths and weaknesses in existing data collection and management systems and propose solutions along with the M&E Officer

3.4 Perform regular field visits to ensure quality of data collected by project field staff and verify accuracy of reported data

3.5 Analyse changes and patterns in key performance indicators data and performance reports in order to support project beneficiaries  

3.6 Supports data queries to ensure accurate and timely presentation and submission of required data.

3.7 Support and participate in project evaluations.

4. Communication and Reporting

4.1 Support M&E Officer in preparing required reports for timely submission.  

4.2 Assist project stakeholders in developing log frames, M&E work plans, and targets throughout project implementation

4.3 Review and analyse periodic reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual) with the M&E Officer to identify the causes of potential bottlenecks in project implementation and to enhance quality of reporting.

4.4 Collaborat with stakeholders in reviewing and preparing monthly, quarterly and final narrative and financial reports.

Qualification and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation Plusminimum of 3 years in a similar position

 Skills and Competencies

• Capacity to produce high-quality briefs and reports in English
• Proficiency in Ms Project, Ms Excel and any other quantitative data analysis tool
• Ability to design M&E tools, surveys, surveillance systems, and evaluations
• Demonstrated ability to train and build capacity of others
• Cultural sensitivity and flexibility are desired characteristics.
• Excellent command of both Sesotho and English language
• Experience with Development Partner project implementation i.e IFAD, OPEC, and GEF is desirable.

Mode and Duration of Contract

The duration of the assignment will be three years, renewable depending on satisfactory performance.

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Position: AssistantProcurement Officer

Report to: Procurement and Contracts Manager

Duty Station: Maseru

Number of positions: 1

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of Procurement and Contracts Manager, the Procurement Assistant will be responsible for assisting with planning, coordinating, executing and delivering project procurement function consistent with the agreed project procurement arrangement with quality and efficiency. The project follows IFAD Procurement Guidelines and procedures as stated in the Financing Agreement.

Duties and responsibilities

• Ensure that the procurement function is delivered with the agreed requirements, and procedures stipulated in the agreements entered in by the Government of Lesotho and IFAD.
• Assist in the compilation of the requirements of different user departments to enable preparation of annual procurement plans
• Prepare bidding documents, evaluation reports and draft contracts using IFAD standard bidding documents;
• Prepare procurement plan and Uploads all procurement documents in the OPEN system for IFAD review and keeping the Contract Monitoring Tool updated;
• Participate in relevant tender committee meetings and assist with the preparation of committee reports;
• Solicit quotations from Suppliers for national and international shopping procurement methods;
• Prepare advertisements for the local and international newspapers pertaining to active procurement activities;
• Support safekeep and confidentiality of all procurement documents, including bids/quotations/proposals received, various securities.
• Take part in evaluation of quotations /bids and prepare draft evaluation reports for review by the Procurement and Contracts Manager;
• Fill in the requisition forms and initiate preparation of purchase orders to commence contractual relationship with the selected Supplier;
• Inspect the goods delivered in consultations with the user department to ensure that the supplier has satisfied its contractual obligations, and the goods delivered are in accordance with the agreed specifications;
• Keep track of various contractual deliverables from the suppliers/contract/consultants and send reminder as needed
• Guide the user departments on how to prepare terms of reference for consultancy services;
• Track payment to suppliers/contract/consultant against all contracts and follow up on delays in payments
• Maintain the contract register and regularly update the same with monitoring data on progress of all contracts;
• Liaise with user departments, bid evaluation committees, procurement staff of MAFSN and other stakeholders for smooth conduct of procurement functions
• Participate in procurement audits and reviews of the Project;

Qualification and Experience

Degree in Business Management Studies/ Business Administration/ Supply Chain Management/ Procurement. CIPS Advanced Diploma Certificate is an added advantage

Have a minimum of 3 years dealing with procurement of civil works, goods, and services, and award of contracts.

Skills and Competencies

• Planning and organizing skills
• Effective Communication & negotiation skills
• Results oriented
• A high level of interpersonal skills and ability to work with teams.

Mode and Duration of Contract

The duration of the assignment will be three years, renewable depending on satisfactory performance.

SUBMISSION

Interested candidates’ applications should be accompanied by detailed CVs, certified copies of national identity document, educational certificates and transcripts and be delivered to the address below not later than 18 April 2025 At 16:00hrs

The Director Human Resources

Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition

80 Constitution Road

P.O. Box 24

Maseru 100

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

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Thabo Moleko (Mr.)

Principal Secretary – MAFSN

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