Mr. Apesi Ratsele (PhD Candidate)

MSc. Agricultural Economics (Majoring in Resource and Environmental Economics)

Contacts: +266-********

E-mail: ad04d4@r.postjobfree.com

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

2022-to date PhD Candidate (Agicu

2003-2004 MSc. Agricultural Economics (Majoring in Resource

and Environmental Economics), University of Free State.

2001-2003 BSc (Honours) in Resource and Environmental Economics,

University of Free State

1998- 2001 BSc (Agriculture), National University of Lesotho

1993-1996 Diploma in Resource Management and Forestry, Lesotho

Agricultural College

2007 Certificate in National Project Implementation, The African Development

Institute of the African Development Bank Group

2009 Certificate in Natural Resources Management and Sustainability, Pan African Training Institute Pretoria, South Africa

PUBLICATIONS:

Ramakhula M., Kheleli M. & Ratsele A. (2015). Climate Change Education in the Formal Curriculum in Lesotho. In Nhamo G. & Shava S. (eds) Climate Change Education in the SADC School Curriculum (pp.30-47). Braamfontein: DARLO.

Ratsele A. (2005). Yield Gap Analysis for Rainfed Maize Production at Glen Research Station [Masters Mini-Dissertation, University of the Free State].

WORK EXPERIENCE

2016-2017 National Energy Expert for EU funded project Lesotho Climate Change Response

Responsibilities:

Provided oversight support for development of Lesotho Climate Change Policy.

Facilitated development of Lesotho Sustainable Energy Strategy.

Collected and analyzed data to inform the above-mentioned climate change interventions.

Organized and held public gatherings to ensure public participation in the Project’s activities.

Supported and assisted the International Energy Expert in carrying out all the assignments of the project.

2015 – 2016 Full-time Lecturer at the National University of Lesotho.

Responsibilities:

Imparted knowledge on Resource and Environmental Economics courses to the National University of Lesotho students.

Supervised undergraduate students’ research projects on Agricultural Economics.

Set examination papers and to marked them accordingly.

Carried out qualitative and quantitative research related to Resource and Environmental Economics.

2013-2014 Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship and Parliamentary Affairs.

Responsibilities:

Oversaw the Ministry’s activities and provided strategic direction.

Supervised the finalization of Decentralization Policy.

Mediated and resolved disputes pertaining to land acquisition and chieftainship.

Liaised with responsible personnel to oversee the performance of the Local Community Councils throughout the country.

2012-2013 Deputy Minister of Education and Training

Responsibilities:

Managed the Ministry’s functions and provided strategic direction.

Sourced and secured funding for the Ministry’s activities from both the local and International Community and Donors.

Supervised development of both Non-Formal Education Policy and Early Childhood Policy.

Reported and accounted to the Cabinet and Parliament on behalf of the Ministry.

2011-2012 Project Officer for Africa Adaptation to Climate Change Programme (AAP) Project funded by UNDP

Responsibilities:

Developed Terms of Reference for consultants in conjunction with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

Reviewed project deliverables by consultants.

Proactively managed and monitored project risks and identifying avoidance measures.

Carried out periodic monitoring of study sites.

Organized and facilitated trainings for Climate Change Committee members, National Climate Change Committee, and community groups.

Facilitated the development of District climate change adaptation (CCA) management hubs for relevant Sectors.

Developed induction mechanisms for including Private Public Partnership and private participation in financing/ investing in CCA interventions in energy and health.

Developed AAP-Lesotho information sharing system.

Developed social integration programs in selected communities with focus on women, youth, and children.

2011-2012 Part-time Lecturer, National University of Lesotho

Responsibilities:

Imparted knowledge on Resource and Environmental Economics courses to the National University of Lesotho students.

Set examination papers and to mark them accordingly.

Supervised research proposal.

2007 – current: Consultant for several Projects on Environmental Issues

Carried out study on range management in Lesotho for Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Lesotho.

Awareness raising for sustainable rangelands of Lesotho.

Hosted stakeholder engagement workshop to improve knowledge base on wetlands and rangelands.

2008- 2010 Principal Environment Officer and Head of Division (Environmental Planning)

Responsibilities:

A focal point for Lesotho on Mountain Partnership.

Headed the Environmental Planning Division and supervised the ten (10) District Environment Officers.

Synchronized the development and implementation of national environmental action plans.

Supported the Local Government Authorities in the coordination of activities of line Ministries for the protection and Management of the environmental conservation and sustainable utilization of Natural resources in each district.

Safeguarded the formulation of physical and structural plans in line with the requirements of environmental legislation, policies, and regulations.

Supported implementation of the Natural Environment Policy.

Reinforced in collaboration with the appropriate authority, the integrated sustainable land use and planning process.

Represented the Environmental Planning Unit in National Planning Board meetings.

Facilitated development of District Environment Policy.

2005-2008: Senior Environmental Economist, Department of Environment.

Responsibilities:

Administered the economic viability of all the Departmental Projects such as Maloti Drakensburg Transfrontier Project funded by World Bank, National Capacity Self-Assessment Project (NCSA) funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Highlands Natural Resources and Rural Enhancement Project (HNRRIEP) funded by African Development Bank.

Facilitated formation and registration of resource user groups such as Herders Associations, Traditional Healers Associations, and School Environment Clubs.

Trained community groups such as Community Councils and village chiefs, herders, traditional healers, schools on the conservation of the Environment.

Assisted communities to identify economically and environmentally viable projects as well as small, medium, and micro enterprises such as Biodiversity conservation projects, establishment of orchards, botanical gardens and tourism income generating activities.

Supported the communities to diversify their efforts in crop production, animal production, tourism related activities which can improve their livelihoods.

Promoted soil conservation activities such as tree planting, donga reclamation, and grass seeding.

Supervised development of the framework of the economic activity for the Ministry’s projects and programs, and to enable the Ministry to use enhanced ecological economics and valuation methods to support Environmental conservation.

Carried out field work for developing socio-economic profiles, resource valuation and economic livelihoods.

2001-2004: Research Assistant, Department of Agricultural Economics (University of Free State)

Responsibilities:

Lectured and supervised practicals on Resources and Environmental Economics and Project Planning and Analysis courses to undergraduate students.

Supervised and engaged in Infield Rainwater Harvesting for crop production Projects funded by Water Research Commission of South Africa (WRC).

Collected and analyzed Socio-economic, Environmental impacts of Water Harvesting in Botshabelo.

Assisted with data analysis for Rainfed Agricultural Projects funded by International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

1996-1998: High School Teacher

Responsibilities:

Imparted knowledge on Agricultural and Biological Sciences at Qholaqhoe, Botha-Bothe, and St. Paul’s High School.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES:

National Energy Expert for European Union Funded Project working on the development of Climate Change Policy for Lesotho.

A Board Member for Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC).

A Board Member for Meso Diamonds (Mining Company).

Needs assessment review exercise for tertiary institutions for Lesotho.

SIGNIFICANT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

Exceptionally good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team including as a leader.

In-depth knowledge of Integrated Water Resources Management Principles

In-depth knowledge of Environmental Conservation Principles

Extensive experience of implementing Donor funded projects.

Good Presentation and negotiation skills

Research and investigation skills as well as analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to work with minimal supervision and supervise.

Skilled in budgeting and expenditure control

Ability to communicate effectively in English and Sesotho.

Computer literate

oHighly proficient with the use of standard computer packages (Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation), and the use of electronic communication media

Light motor vehicle driver's license (code 8).

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Member of Institute of Directors (Southern Africa), 2015 – Present.

A member of Electrification, Enterprise, and Environment Committee of Lesotho Electricity Company (Pty) Ltd Board, (2015–2019).

A Member of the Agricultural Economics Association of Southern Africa 2001-2004.

A Member of Highlands Natural Resources Income and Enhancement Project Steering Committee, 2005-2006.

SELECTED SHORT COURSES, WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES

Finance for Non-Finance Managers – Lesotho Institute of Accountants (March 2016).

15th Corporate Governance Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa – March 2015.

December 2005: Biodiversity Conservation training course – InfoTech, Swaziland.

February 2006: A training course on Resource Economics – University of Pretoria.

June 2003: Attended an Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) Conference – Pretoria.

September 2004: Attended an Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) Conference – Bloemfontein.

Dec 2007: Attended African Development Bank Training workshop on Procurement for Donor Funded Projects.

May 2008: Attended World Bank & African Development Regional workshop on Climate Change.

June 2009: Attended a short course on Natural Resources Management and Sustainability – Pan African Training Institute (Pretoria).

REFERENCES

1. Prof. Molibeli Taele

Associate Professor Applied Physics

National University of Lesotho

P. O. Box Roma 180

Maseru

+266-********

Email: ad04d4@r.postjobfree.com

2. Ms. Puseletso Likoetla

Lecturer Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics

National University of Lesotho

P. O. Box Roma 180

Maseru

+266-********

Email: ad04d4@r.postjobfree.com

Contact this candidate