Deputy Research Director (SOG/ST 9) - Crop & Plant Protection

The Deputy Research Director (SOG/ST 9), is responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the overall implementation of the National Crop and Plant Protection Research Programme.

Salary Scale : $7,716,512.00 per annum

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Principal Research Director (SOG/ST 10), the Deputy Research Director (SOG/ST 9), is responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the overall implementation of the National Crop and Plant Protection Research Programme to meet the objectives of the Division.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Operational and corporate plans produced, implemented and evaluated
• Budget produced
• Work plans produced
• Research papers and reports produced, implemented and supervised
• Trials implemented
• Programmes and plans evaluated and reviewed
• Training conducted
• Staff needs identified and addressed
• Staff performance evaluated and assessed

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Manages the daily operations of the Crop and Plant Protection Unit

• Collaborates  with organizations involved in research and development in crop and plant protection to enhance research projects throughout the Caribbean
• Collaborates with external agency in implementing strategies for dissemination of research findings to farmers
• Coordinates and oversees the direction, planning and implementation of the national research and development programmes in agronomy and breeding
• Prepares the budget for the Crop Research Unit
• Prepares corporate plans and reports on the Crop and Plant Protection Unit

Technical/Professional Responsibility

• Plans and executes weekly work programme for Crop and Plant Protection Units
• Establishes guidelines and methodologies for conducting studies in areas of plant nutrition
• Executes seeds (scotch bonnet, pumpkin) production programmes in order to satisfy the need or farmers
• Conducts training and field days on and off station to impart new techniques to farmers
• Conducts visits to farmers holdings in order to offer advice on the suitability of land for various crop production
• Guides researchers through research strategies where methods are applicable or not

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 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 RESPONSIBILITY

• Deputizes for the Principal Research Officer
• Perform any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

• Research and operational plan prepared in accordance with set guidelines and in agreed time frame
• Budget prepared in accordance with set guidelines and in agreed time frame
• Work plans produced, implemented and evaluated in accordance with set guidelines and in agreed time frame
• Research papers and reports prepared in accordance with set guidelines and in agreed time frame
• Trials implemented in accordance with set guidelines and in agreed time frame
• Staff needs clearly identified and addressed in a timely manner
• Staff performance meets or exceeds set targets

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core

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

Technical

• Knowledge of agronomy and plant breeding methods
• Knowledge of plant and soil methodologies
• 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

• M.Sc. Degree in Agriculture
• Five (5) years experience in Crop Research Management

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Exposure to pesticides

AUTHORITY

• Recommends termination/continuation of research development programmes/projects
• Recommends leave, disciplinary actions and assignments
• Movement of plant and soil assets from one station to another
• Authorizes funds for purchase of goods and services
• Certifies travel and subsistence claims
• Signs cheques