Senior Plant Breeding Officer (SOG/ST 6) - Bodles

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Plant Breeding Officer (SOG/ST 7), the Senior Plant Breeding Officer (SOG/ST 6) plays a technical and coordinating role in the area of plant breeding research. The Senior Plant Breeder assists the Chief Plant Breeder with the development and implementation of research, training, scientific and technical knowledge dissemination, and in the evaluation and implementation of technical cooperation to meet the national food security goals. 

The incumbent is also a team member in carrying out major phases of complex projects. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Research proposals prepared 
• Research projects implemented 
• Crop breeding methodologies adapted or developed 
• Crop varieties improved and/or developed 
• Data collected 
• Reports produced 
• Technical information and technologies developed and transferred
• Meetings attended 
• Assisted in Budget preparation 
• Training conducted 
• Staff needs identified and addressed 
• Competent and productive staff 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Assists with the preparation of the annual recurrent and capital budgets
• Produces reports (monthly, quarterly and annually) 
• Represents the Ministry/Division/Unit at meetings 
• Develops and manages cost-effectiveness of projects 
• Liaises with other Divisions & Units within the Ministry, RADA, and other clients/stakeholders 
• Participates in seminars, meetings and conferences representing the Division at different fora. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Identifies and implements plant breeding projects.
• Ensures appropriate technologies are developed/adapted or utilized to facilitate plant breeding activities 
• Manages/supervises the development, design and execution of experiments
• Research findings presented 
• Assists in on-the-job training of the Plant Breeding Officers to describe cultivars developed and/or improved at the station 
• Facilitates transfer of knowledge and technologies generated 

Human Resources Responsibilities 

• 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 attaining 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. 
• In collaboration with the Human Resource Division, develops and implements 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. 

Other responsibilities 

• Performs any other related functions assigned from time to time 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Green house and field activities conducted with best practices and within agreed time frames 
• Plant breeding methodologies developed according to approved standards and in line with scientific ethics 
• Crops data collected in a timely manner 
• Confidentiality and integrity exercised 
• Crops reaped and delivered within agreed time frame and to required standards
• Machinery maintained in a timely manner according to required standard
• Stocks/ inventory are managed according to set guidelines 
• Staff needs are clearly identified and addressed in a timely manner
• Staff performance meets or exceeds set targets

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core 

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

Technical 

• Knowledge of research procedures 
• Sound knowledge of plant and crop breeding principles and practices
• Sound background in agronomy or plant physiology 
• Excellent knowledge of good agricultural practices 
• Sound knowledge of crop production 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government / Knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications & software 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters of Science Degree in Plant Breeding from a recognized University
• Two (2) years experience in related field and at least two publications
• Training/Certification in Supervisory Management is desired 

OR 

• BSc. in Plant Breeding and five (5) years experience and at least two publications
• Project management and coordination an advantage 
• Training/Certification in Supervisory Management is desired 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Exposure to sun, rain 
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals 
• Rough terrain 
• Ability to lift 22kg 
• May be required to work on weekends and public holidays

AUTHORITY

• Signs off on task done daily.

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