Job Purpose
Under the general direction of the Director, Project Monitoring & Evaluation, the Sociologist designs and implements sociological models to strengthen and promote economic growth, poverty reduction, gender equality and other sociological benefits, to enhance the management and development of the agricultural sector. The incumbent is also required to develop strategic linkages with farmers and relevant groups and associations, to establish stakeholder networks, and to develop group dynamics, techniques and tools to enhance group performance in targeted farming communities. There is the requirement to maintain records and up-to-date database to collect, collate and analyze data concerning social phenomena, conduct research and write papers, studies and reports as required.
Key Responsibilities
Management/Administrative:
- Attends meetings and other functions;
- Assists in the preparation of the Branch’s budget, Corporate and Operational Plans;
- Collaborates with the entire Project Management & Co-ordination Division in assessing the impact of projects/programmes of the Ministry;
- Sensitizes the Director, Project Monitoring and Evaluation on social matters, interventions, and projects of social concern;
- Represents the Director/Unit at various committees and meetings;
- Prepares and submits reports.
Technical/Professional:
- Designs plans, programmes, projects, and initiatives to solve social problems, to strengthen and promote economic growth and gender equality in the agricultural sector;
- Collaborates with various stakeholders to determine specific research projects, to plan sociological interventions, and to ensure that they are implemented in accordance with the Authority’s programmes and work plans;
- Keeps abreast of trends and developments in the Social Sciences and research fields, and develops and designs appropriate strategies, methodologies, tools and techniques to achieve targets;
- Collaborates and shares information with local, regional and international organizations on the best practices, for the inclusion of stakeholders in the innovation and sustainable utilization of fisheries resources;
- Undertakes investigations and research to support social objectives for the development and management of the agricultural sector;
- Analyses and interprets data to increase the understanding of human social behaviour within the targeted groups/communities;
- Collaborates with research workers in other Agencies, Ministries and organizations to promote social objectives for the development and management of the agricultural sector;
- Collects data on the attitudes, values and behaviours of beneficiaries/end users and stakeholders, using observation, interviews, document reviews and other methodologies;
- Develops, co-ordinates and maintains databases for the storage of social and other agricultural related data for the sector;
- Consults with and advises the Director, internal and external stakeholders on social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings relating to the agricultural sector;
- Develops, implements and evaluates methods of data collection such as questionnaires and focus groups;
- Works with planning and other groups to determine the potential impacts and mitigating measures to safeguard agricultural stakeholders during the implementation of developmental projects and programmes;
- Plans and conducts social surveys to determine stakeholders’ needs and capabilities to include issues relating to gender, youth and vulnerable groups and their willingness to adapt to new innovations and projects to be implemented;
- Plans and guides the development of farms, farmers and community-based organizations in order to transmit best practices on conservation, management and development of the agricultural industry;
- Provides technical advice and writes technical reports and publications containing research findings;
- Develops approaches to the solution of farming groups’ problems, based on sociological data and findings;
- Analyses and interprets relevant information and makes recommendations to the Director on new projects and programmes to meet global changes in the agricultural sector; Develops problem intervention procedures, utilizing techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing and observation of group interactions;
- Observes group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for change;
- Writes technical reports, research papers, monthly/quarterly and annual reports;
- Manages and evaluates projects and programmes, and ensures high standards of operation and expenditure control;
- Investigates stakeholders’ complaints, identifies problems/issues, and/or facilitates corrective action;
- Co-ordinates and develops seminars and workshops for clients, communities, public and private sector representatives, other interest groups and stakeholders, and delivers presentations;
- Participates in the development of promotional material to creatively present information to ensure maximum engagement of stakeholders;
- Performs any other related duties that may be assigned by the Director, Project Monitoring and Evaluation Unit.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Core:
- Good oral, written communication skills
- Good presentation skills
- Excellent interpersonal and people management skills
- Sound analytical skills
- Sound problem solving and decision-making skills
- Sound conflict management skills
- Good project management skills
- Ability to think creatively and work independently
- Good leadership and team building skills
- Ability to manage external partners
- Excellent planning and organizing skills
Technical:
- In-depth knowledge of sociology, and sociological impacts and issues in the context of agriculture and economics
- Good knowledge of project management frameworks
- Excellent knowledge and expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, reporting, data quality assessments, data analysis and presentation
- Good knowledge of the analysis, revision and implementation of projects, procedures, guidelines, and programmes
- Excellent ability to synthesize multiple ideas and complex information into a coherent summary, as in reports and briefing notes, and to make cogent recommendation for the modification or creation of projects and programmes
- Good judgment
- Excellent knowledge in the preparation of reports
- Good research skills and knowledge in research methodologies related to sociological and demographic analyses.
- Knowledge and appreciation of issues related to rural development matters.
- Knowledge of the operations of Government / Knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Master’s Degree in Social Sciences or a related discipline
- Three (3) years’ experience in a comparable working environment.
OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences or a related discipline.
- Post Graduate Certification in Social Sciences or related discipline
- Three (3) years’ experience in a comparable working environment.
Special Condition Associated with the Job
- Exposure to challenges and crises which require response at very short notice.
- Field investigations, surveys and studies may entail exposure to the elements, sunlight, rainfall and dust.
- Required to travel islandwide, including travel to remote locations.
- Travels overseas for short periods.
- May be required to work for extended hours to conduct trials, surveys and investigations.
- Moderate exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
- Exposure to working in volatile communities.
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
