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MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                                                            

1. Through such sources as governmental, Central Bank, World Bank and IMF mission reports, the press, and other published sources, as well as through extensive contacts, incumbent prepares reporting on economic, commercial and labor matters.  Uses own judgment to issue early reports and assessments on events that may impact on economy.  Reports on government budget, with particular reference to policies and legislation designed to effect economic restructuring, promote competition, create employment opportunities, and attract investors. Assesses these policy combinations and evaluates their actual impact on the ground.  Compiles, maintains and interprets country data on trade, investment, marketing, consumption, pricing, export/import figures, and any other economic activities.  Monitors and evaluates Lesotho’s policy and legislative responses designed to comply and gain maximum benefit from regional and global trade agreements.

2. Co-operates with Foreign Commercial Service at the Ron Brown Center, Johannesburg, regional US investment funds, and regional USAID offices to promote US trade and investment in Lesotho. Reports on developments in the textile industry and attempts at diversification and decentralization of the country’s industrial base. Works closely with textile exporters, government ministries of trade, labor and customs to arrive at timely reporting mechanisms for smooth movement of exports under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Evaluates, promotes, and assists in obtaining market access for indigenous products that qualify for export to the US. Identifies for the USG international visitor program private sector actors and government trade promotion officials who are best suited to promote such trade links.

3. Updates Lesotho’s commercial guide and country data. Responds to inquiries relating to the textile industry, labor conditions, economic indicators and investor guidance.

4. Coordinates country visits by US investors and senior USG officials and provides background and biographical information pertinent to the assignments. Handles all logistics of such visits and coordinates with relevant Ministries within the Government of Lesotho.

5. Keeps contact and reports on developments in labor movement, employee associations and ministry of labor. Issues voluntary reports on events that may impact on labor relations. Assess efforts to create a productive environment and dispute resolution mechanisms and structures. Monitors, reports on and assesses government efforts to comply with ILO conventions. Compiles employer data for use in evaluating their compliance with existing national laws ILO conventions and AGOA provisions. Identifies capacity shortfalls in labor unions and government structures and recommends USG-assisted training programs. Monitors and evaluates effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and recommends USG interventions. Updates Human Rights Reports on the labor situation.  Candidate should already have a wide-ranging network of contacts within the government of Lesotho whom they could contact as needed for additional information.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

a. Education:
Must possess a Bachelors Degree in Economics, Marketing, Business Administration or other closely related field. 

b. Prior Work Experience:
Four to six years of progressively responsible experience in the economic research and analysis or other closely related field. Two to four years of progressively responsible experience in sales, marketing, commercial banking or other closely related field.  Work in one of Lesotho’s relevant Ministries would be a plus.

c. Post Entry Training:
One to two years, depending on prior experience and educational qualification. Budget allowing, will attend economic course for FSNs at the NFATC inN Rosslyn, VA.

d. Language Proficiency:  Level 4 written and spoken English and Sesotho.

e. Job Knowledge:
A good working knowledge of Lesotho’s economic structure, government and related institutions; thorough knowledge of statistical methodology and techniques; good understanding of economic reporting requirements and procedures; US and Foreign Commercial Service programs; (see separate page)

f. Skills, and Abilities
Ability to develop, organize and analyze statistical data; to determine trends; to make factual and concise demonstrations of such data; to develop sources and contact; to maintain contacts over an extensive range of society.

NOTE:  All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

SELECTION CRITERIA:
When equally qualified, Appointment Eligible Family Members (AEFMs) and U.S. Veterans will be given preference.  Therefore, it is essential that the candidate address the required qualifications above in the application.

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA:

1.  Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy. 

2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
3.  Currently employed AEFMs who hold a FMA appointment are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.

TO APPLY: 

Interested candidates must submit the following, or the application will not be considered:

1. Application for U.S. Federal Employment (SF-171 or OF-612); or

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information as an OF-612 is strongly recommended; plus

3. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application. All forms are available from the Embassy Human Resources Office. 

4. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above are strongly encouraged.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

Human Resources Office
P.O. Box 333,
Maseru. 100.
Tel: 22-312-666
Fax: 22-310-116
E-mail: infomaseru@state.gov

Salary Range:  M161, 771. – M242, 654 per annum.

OPENING DATE:   June 12^th, 2009

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION:  June 26^th, 2009

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

POINT OF CONTACT:

HR Assistant Ts’epang Mohale (Miss)
Telephone: (+266) 22-312-666 (ext. 4160)
FAX:  (+266) 22-310-116
E-mail: Mohaletv@state.gov