Job Information
Chief Plant Protection Officer (SOG/ST 7)
Company Information
Job Information
Description
Company
Government of Jamaica
Website
http://bit.ly/GOJJobListing
Contact Name
Office of the Services Commission
Contact Email
communications@osc.gov.jm
Job Type
Full-time
Department
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Category
Computer/IT
Posted
25-01-2023
Job Status
Start Publishing
25-01-2023
Stop Publishing
04-02-2023
Applications are invited to fill the following posts in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries: Chief Plant Protection Officer (SOG/ST 7) – (Vacant) – Research and Development Division (Bodles, Old Harbour, St. Catherine), salary range $4,060,697 $5,461,186 per annum.
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Research Director (SOG/ST 8), the Chief Plant Protection Officer (SOG/ST 7) will:
- Assist the Senior Research Director with the planning, co-ordination, control and implementation of the National Research and Development Programme in Plant Protection, guided by the policy objectives and overall National Programme defined by the Senior Managers/Officers in Research and Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and external stakeholder;
- Co-ordinate the National Plant Pest and Disease Diagnostic and Advisory Services.
Key Responsibilities
Management/Administrative:
- Assists in the development and implementation of administrative procedures and directives;
- Participates in the rationalization, preparation and administration of Budgets;
- Participates in the formulation and implementation of quality controls;
- Assists with the co-ordination of Plant Protection activities with related work in other Government and Private Sector Entities;
- Advises the Senior Research Director of changes in legislations, polities, procedures and staffing to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of National Plant Health Services;
- Ensures spending of budgetary allocations according to approved plan, ensuring that materials and resources are secured and properly used for maximum efficiency.
Technical/Professional:
- Ensures the overall work programme for Plant Protection and that of the component disciplines are consistent with current and projected need, as well as pre-determined priorities;
- Keeps abreast of both local and international developments in Plant Health Management;
- Leads strategic, long-term multi-disciplinary Plant Protection Research;
- Ensures that researchers/diagnosticians in each discipline contribute actively to the continual updating of the Pest Register and Reference Collection;
- Ensures that research proposals are written up and consistent with pre-determined priorities and policies;
- Collaborates with and facilitates the work of consultants (local and foreign) and contact workers in Plant Protection;
- Co-ordinates the activities of the National Plant Health Surveillance and Pest Response System through monitoring, reports and meetings of the Senior Managers of the Ministry;
- Provides a comprehensive technical brief for the Minister and Cabinet through the Chief Technical Director regarding emergency pest response surveys and organizational needs;
- Liaises with external stakeholders in the area of Plant Health and convenes and chairs meetings;
- Ensures through subordinates, a reliable pest identification, diagnostic and advisory service, pest risk assessment and management;
- Writes research papers, fact sheets and other information products;
- Participates in conferences, meetings and seminars representing the Division at local and overseas fora;
- Represents Research and Development on Technical Committee of the Plant Health Co-ordination Committee;
- Provides scientific advice on Plant Health matters to internal and external stakeholders.
- 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 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 assigned from time to time by the Senior Managers in the Ministry.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
- Through knowledge of material and manpower resources
- Excellent knowledge of the Organization’s policies and procedures
- Comprehensive knowledge of legislation and regulations governing the Ministry and areas of Plant Health, both locally and internationally
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
- Excellent presentation and oral and written communication skills
- Excellent problem-solving and research skills
- Excellent technical knowledge of plant health standards and components
- Good leadership and interpersonal skills
- Ability to lead and work in teams
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Masters Degree in Plant Protection;
- Six (6) years’ experience in Plant Protection Research and/or Extension;
- Two (2) years’ experience in a managerial position with a Government or similar institution, plus completion and publication of several research papers.
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
- Long hours of exposure to field environment with its attendant vagaries, such as pest attack, sun stroke and rain soak;
- Risks associated with long distance road travel, often off-track in unfamiliar places and high risk areas;
- Exposure to toxic pesticides used in plant protection research, as well as encountered in the course of field visits;
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- Will be required to work long hours.
Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted no later than Friday, 3rd February, 2023 to:
Senior Director
Human Resource Management and Development Division
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Hope Gardens
Kingston 6
Email: jobopportunities@moa.gov.jm
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
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