Chief Economist

Vacancy: Chief Economist
Ministry: Ministry of Finance and Development Planning – Lesotho
Department: Macroeconomic Policy and Management
Grade: I
Reports To: Director of Economic Policy
Reference: External Circular Notice No. 1 of 2025 (FIN/HR/ADVERTS/02)
Deadline: Friday, 14 April 2025

Purpose of the Position

The Chief Economist will lead efforts in monitoring fiscal performance, guiding macroeconomic planning, and providing evidence-based policy advice. This includes managing economic modeling tools for budget preparation, sectoral planning, and macro-fiscal forecasting to support effective public financial management and structural reform programs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fiscal Monitoring and Policy Advisory

• Coordinate regular fiscal performance reviews and propose targets
• Provide macro-level revenue and expenditure estimates
• Analyze policy proposals for fiscal and macroeconomic impact
• Review debt sustainability and recommend debt strategies
• Assess and advise on tax policy changes and set revenue targets for RSL

2. Public Expenditure Reviews & Budget Advisory

• Develop macroeconomic forecasting models
• Maintain and improve the national economic data systems
• Contribute to forecasts for the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF)
• Analyze economic issues like SACU trends and AGOA-related impacts

3. Macroeconomic Policy Analysis

• Produce annual economic performance reviews
• Ensure alignment between macroeconomic and sectoral policies
• Support macroeconomic criteria for project evaluation and investment appraisals
• Engage with external review agencies and rating firms like Fitch

4. Supervision and Staff Management

• Lead and manage Senior Economists in the division
• Align individual staff plans with departmental goals
• Conduct performance appraisals and identify training needs
• Report on staff output through regular progress reviews

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Preferred: Master’s Degree in Economics
• Acceptable: Bachelor’s Degree in Economics + additional relevant experience

Work Experience

• With Master’s Degree: 5 years as a Senior Economist or Senior Economic Planner
• With Bachelor’s Degree: 7 years in the same roles
• Must have strong skills in financial programming, macroeconomic analysis, and econometrics

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• Proven analytical and data management capabilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, and Codes of Conduct
• Ability to manage teams and conduct economic reviews independently

🗓️ Deadline: Friday, 14 April 2025

This is a key leadership role in shaping Lesotho’s fiscal and economic policies. Qualified economists with a strong public finance background are encouraged to apply and help influence the country’s macroeconomic future.