Job Information Chief Plant Protection Officer (SOG/ST 7) Company Information
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 Computer/IT
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 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
 
 
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
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