Chief Agronomist (SOG/ST 7) - Bodles

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Research Director (SOG/ST 8), the Chief Agronomist (SOG/ST 7) is responsible for all aspects of the Ministry’s Crop Research Agronomy programmes. The incumbent also is responsible for planning, organizing and executing all programmes for testing, verifying and/or adaptation of results obtained from investigations conducted on experimental stations and/or actual farm conditions. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Research projects prepared. 
• Research projects implemented. 
• Reports coordinated and produced. 
• Data collected. 
• Research plans produced. 
• Training and field days conducted. 
• Individual work plans produced. 
• Technical information and technologies developed and transferred.
• Operational plans developed 
• Staff needs identified and addressed 
• Staff performance evaluated and assessed 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Assists in the development and implementation of Operational Plans.
• Assists the Director, Crop Research in preparation of annual budgets.
• Collaborates with the Extension Agency in implementing strategies for dissemination of research findings to farmers. 
• Represents the Division/Ministry at meetings, conferences and seminars.
• Ensures timely preparation and submission of reports (monthly, quarterly and annually). 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Assists in the planning of weekly work programmes for Crop Research.
• Assists the Director, Crop Research in the development of program goals. 
• Participates in training and field days on and off station.
• Writes proposals, research papers and facts sheets. 
• Liaises with Agricultural Agencies such as CARDI, RADA, UWI and farmers groups. 
• Keeps abreast of local and international development in various aspects of agriculture. 

Human Resource Responsibilities 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of Direct Reports, prepares Performance Appraisals and recommend 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, in developing a Succession Planning programme for the Division/Unit to facilitate continuity and availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Unit 
• 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 committed to the Division’s and organization’s goals. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs any other related duties assigned by senior managers from time to time 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Annual budget prepared in accordance with required format and submitted within the specified timeframe. 
• Operational plans prepared in accordance with required guidelines, submitted and presented within the specified timeframe. 
• Weekly work programmes and training schedules prepared and presented within the specified timeframe. 
• Agronomy programmes in the Crop Research Unit implemented within the specified timeframe.
• Reports are accurate and comprehensive and submitted within the specified timeframe. 
• Training conducted in accordance with the Ministry’s policies.
• Information disseminated is accurate and provided upon request.
• Staff needs are identified and addressed on a timely basis. 
• Staff performance meets or exceeds set targets 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies 

• Good oral communication skills. 
• Good written communication skills 
• Good human resource management skills. 
• Ability to work in teams. 
• Good interpersonal, people management and human relations skills
• Good problem solving and conflict management skills 

Technical Competencies 

• Knowledge of agronomy methods. 
• Good knowledge of plant and soil methodologies. 
• Good knowledge of research procedures 
• Sound knowledge of agricultural practices 
• Good analytical skills 
• Proficiency in the relevant computer applications. 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government/knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters of Science in Agronomy with at least two (2) years experience in the field 

OR 

• Bachelor of Science Degree in General Agriculture with at least five (5- 10) years experience in Crop Research Management

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Exposure to pesticides 

AUTHORITY

• Recommend leave application. 
• Participate in interviews.
• Prepare bi-weekly pay bill. 
• Implement research projects on and off stations.

Please note that we thank all for responding, but only short-listed applicants will be contacted.