Career Jamaica - Chief Livestock Research Officer (SOG/ST 7)

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Job Information Chief Livestock Research Officer (SOG/ST 7) Company Information

Company Government of Jamaica

Website http://bit.ly/GOJJobListing

Contact Name Office of the Services Commission

Contact Email communications@osc.gov.jm

Job Information

Job Type Full-time

Department Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

Category Policy & Research

Posted 25-01-2023

Job Status

Start Publishing 25-01-2023

Stop Publishing 04-02-2023

Description

Applications are invited to fill the following posts in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries: Chief Livestock Research Officer (SOG/ST 7) – (Vacant) – Research and Development Division (Hounslow, St. Elizabeth), salary range $4,060,697 $5,461,186 per annum

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Research Director, Livestock Unit, the Chief Livestock Research Officer (SOG/ST 7) is responsible for the transfer of the technological outcomes of Livestock Research to Livestock Practitioners aimed at the conservation, development and utilization of local/introduced animal genetic resources: the utilization of forage species for the enhancement and sustainability of the production of milk, meat, products and by-products.

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative:

Co-ordinates and oversees the direction, planning and implementation of the Nation’s
Research and Development Programmes and specialized programmes of the Livestock Research and Improvement Division;
Collaborates with Organizations involved in research and development in livestock in identifying and determining priority research projects consistent with the overall policy and programmes;
Collaborates with the Crop and Plant Protection Deputy Director in order to identify common operating problems and areas of duplication of effort in carrying out the various functions and devising strategies;
Collaborates with the Extension Agency in developing and implementing strategies for the dissemination of research findings to farmer clients;
Co-ordinates the daily operations of the Livestock Division;
Makes representation concerning the provision of materials and equipment necessary for the effective implementation of the Division’s Research and Development Programmes;
Requests and ensures the availability of adequate physical and other facilities necessary for the efficient and effective conduct of the Research and Animal Production Programmes;
Prepares the Budget of the Section for inclusion in the overall National Agricultural Research and Development Budget;
Co-ordinates/Controls budgetary allocation for each project/programme and recommends vehement of allocated funds to projects of higher priority;
Initiates and maintains an adequate and effective communication system between members of all Branches, Units and Sections of the Divisions.
Technical/Professional:
Maintains a current awareness of the work being done at the frontiers of knowledge and maintains contact and collaborates with local agencies and leading regional and international institutions;
Ensures the preparation and publication of Monographs, Scientific Reports and Articles, collates the timely presentation of research and development projects and programmes and animal reports for dissemination;
Represents the Ministry at International Scientific and Professional Meetings and undertakes missions as required in relation to the above duties;
Assists the Principal Director in the organization of seminars, meetings in order to communicate and disseminate research findings;
Establishes criteria, guidelines and methodologies for conducting studies in the areas of Husbandry, Large and Small Stock Breeding and Nutrition and Biotechnological Interventions in ruminant and non-ruminant animals;
Co-ordinates animal breeding activities at the Centre of the Genetic Improvement of Livestock Research and Development Division by developing and directing a National
Animal Breeding Policy for the conservation and improvement of the gene pool of native animals;
Co-ordinates and supervises the utilization of computer hardware and software suitable to store, collate and analyze records of performance and progeny test data for animal genetic evaluation and other statistical analysis and interpreting and using performance results in designing breeding strategies and selection methods;
Reviews and updates the maintenance of the accepted systems of herd records for the identification of animals, maintenance of progeny and performance records, births, deaths, transfers and disposal records;
Participates in livestock appraisals/administration of the Breeders Societies and advising the National Sire Service Schemes;
Evaluates the application of models of biotechnology for the rapid increase in the production of seedstock and improved performance;
Guides researchers through alternative research strategies where present methods are not applicable/advisable;
Acts in liaison to international organizations that are directly concerned or related to animal genetic resources;
Acts as liaison in the implementation of collaborative projects with other agencies;
Participates in training days and seminars.
Human Resource:
Monitors and evaluates the performance of Direct Reports, prepares Performance Appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action, where necessary, to improve performance and/or attain established personal and/or organizational goals;
Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division/Unit and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established Human Resource policies and procedures;
Collaborates with the Human Resource Division to develop and implement a Succession Planning Programme for the Division/Unit to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Division;
Provides leadership and guidance to Direct Reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching;
Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Division/Unit are clearly identified and addressed;
Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals;
Performs any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core:

Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong leadership and management skills
Good interpersonal and people management skills
Strong customer and quality focus skills
Good problem solving and conflict management skills

Technical:

Excellent knowledge of farm animals and livestock production methods
Excellent knowledge of livestock research methodologies
Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

Masters Degree in specialized Livestock area;
Five (5) years related experience in Livestock Research and Management with professional achievement recognized by a University.

Special Conditions Associated with the Job