Regional Data Collection Officer (SOG/ST 5) (Central Region - St. Ann, Clarendon and St. Catherine)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Director, Field Data Collection (Primary), the Regional Data Collection Officer is responsible for supervising the collection of Agro-Socio-Economic data and information, market and livestock information, fisheries statistics, and objective yield measurements research for a region. The incumbent is also responsible for the preparation of reports, briefs and correspondence, and to organize and ensure that information flows timely and securely to internal and external stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative 

• Participates in the preparation of Work, Operational and Corporate Plans and Budgets;
• Writes monthly, quarterly and annual reports on the activities of the Region;
• Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies for the data collection programme; 
• Participates in training and developmental activities for staff; 
• Manages the storage and security of data. 

Technical and Professional 

• Oversees the collection of data for agricultural surveys and censuses;
• Collaborates with the Statistician in charge of Sample Survey, and designs questionnaires/forms for data collection and information; 
• Institutes and implements a system of control for the receipt and editing of completed questionnaires/forms; 
• Monitors domestic agricultural production in the region, and provides technical advice to farmers when the need arises; 
• Implements yield measurement procedures in order to measure objectively the yield of various crops on a regular basis and to correlate these with the measurements collected from other sources; 
• Maintains constant dialogue with RADA personnel and the Agricultural Extension Officers in the region for the collection and evaluation of production and yield data;
• Monitors staff assignments to ensure that there is operational efficiency and equitable distribution of work in the region; 
• Co-ordinates and monitors the implementation of an effective data collection programme for the Region; 
• Participates in an efficient system of data collection for Agro-Socio-Economic data for the planning and policy processes; 
• Reviews data provided by the Data Collection Officers; 
• Monitors, facilitates and enforces policies, systems and procedures for effective data collection; 
• Devises and implements efficient and secure procedures for data handling, security breaches and data losses; 
• Formulates techniques and strategies for quality data collection to ensure adequacy, accuracy and legitimacy of data; 
• Establishes rules and procedures for data sharing; 
• Conducts field visits to determine levels of production in specified areas of agricultural production, noting climate and ecological factors which influence production yields and incidents of pests and infestation and records findings for review meetings;
• Oversees the collection of data for special surveys and censuses; 
• Keeps abreast of trends and developments in Data Collection. 

Human Resource Management 

• Assigns work, determines priorities, and advises on methodology and work procedures;
• Provides direction, support and guidance to staff supervised; 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff; 
• Recommends leave, appointments, training, incentive arrangements and disciplinary action for staff supervised; 
• Ensures the implementation of training and development programmes for staff;
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching; 
• Develops and sustains teamwork, unity, and commitment to organizational goals;
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core 

• Good oral communication and presentation skills 
• Good analytical thinking skills 
• Good interpersonal skills. 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Good leadership skills 
• Good customer and quality focus skills. 
• Good written communication skills 
• Good people management skills. 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills. 
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines 
• Confidentiality and integrity. 

Technical 

• Excellent knowledge of Data Collection methods. 
• Good knowledge of public sector regulations and guidelines. 
• Good knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of modern database and information system management.
• Good knowledge of writing technical reports
• Good knowledge of statistical terms and concepts 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer operations 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Economics or related field in the Social Sciences,
• Training in Data Collection 
• Three (3) years’ related experience 

OR 

• Associate Degree from an accredited tertiary institution /Diploma in Agriculture from Jamaica School of Agriculture/College of Agriculture Science and Education.
• Training in Data Collection 
• Four (4) years ‘related experience 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• The job entails supervising Data Collection Officers in assigned Regions.
• Travelling over rough terrain, poor farm roads, and encountering hostile individuals.
• Position involves extensive fieldwork including visiting farms and agricultural organizations. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.