Senior Research Director -Breeding & Genetics

The Senior Research Director (SOG/ST 8), is responsible for managing all aspect of the improvement and management of dairy cattle genetics resources.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Reports produced
• Genetic evaluation summary and listing produced
• Breeding programmes developed
• Budget prepared
• Operational/work plans developed
• Publications produced
• Presentations made
• Staff needs identified and addressed
• Staff performance evaluated and assessed

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Assesses the activities of the Unit consistent with existing procedural and policy dictates and technical pre-requisites
• Participates in the Livestock Research and Improvement planning process
• Prepares and monitors the dairy cattle breeding and genetics operational plan
• Prepares budget to ensure the work of the Unit completed
• Ensures the management and husbandry of all dairy cattle animals under the stewardship of the Unit
• Represents the livestock research and improvement Unit at meetings, conferences workshops and seminars
• Provides guidance to the Deputy Research Director and other Unit Managers on matters related to animal breeding and genetics
• Develops schedules of requisition and programmes of utilization to facilitate the effective supply of inputs and services for the management of animal genetic resources constituting the Jamaica Hope nucleus herd

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Conducts research relevant to dairy cattle genetics
• Estimates the breeding value or genetic merit to determine the animal’s suitability as parents
• Estimates genetic and phenotypic parameters
• Collates and analyses livestock information
• Undertakes analytical studies in specific technical and policy issues affecting animal genetic resources, improvement and management
• Ascertains relevant development in animal breeding and quantitative genetics
• Plans and establishes training, extension research and programmes for national daily cattle sub-sector
• Facilitates the dissemination and/or adoption of new and improved technology in the area of animal breeding and genetics
• Consults with research and development principals to identify problems in the area of livestock research that are amenable to breeding and genetics solutions

Human Resources 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 responsibilities

• Attends meetings on behalf of the Director
• Performs any other related functions assigned from time to time

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

• Key deliverables are produced within agreed timeframe and required standards
• Reports are accurate and are produced within the required timeframe and in the established format
• Animal evaluations summary prepared and submitted within the agreed time frame
• Disclosure of outcomes of scientific investigations in acceptable formal at agreed time interval
• Operational/Work plans prepared within established format and time frame and supports the strategic objectives of the Livestock Research and Improvement Division
• Realization of periodic performance targets in keeping with outcomes previously specified
• Recommendations made and implemented to satisfactorily augment the process of animal genetic evaluation and the management and husbandry of the Jamaica Hope nucleus herd
• Presentations conducted as requested
• Publications produced within the specific timeframe
• Staff needs are clearly identified and addressed in a timely manner
• Staff performance meets or exceeds set targets

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Good interpersonal and people management skills
• Strong customer relations skills
• Good problem solving and conflict management skills

Technical

• Knowledge in the application of animal breeding principles and procedures
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
• Knowledge of the operations of Government/Knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• M.Sc. in Animal Breeding and Quantitative Genetics
• Knowledge in the application of Animal Breeding Principles and Procedures
• Ability to effect basic Animal Evaluation using the foregoing principles within six (6) months
• Five (5) years’ experience in Animal Breeding and Genetics.
• Three (3) years’ experience in a Senior Management position with a Government or similar Institution; plus completion and Publication of Several Research Papers.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Exposure to dusty conditions
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals and drugs and zoonotic diseases conditions

AUTHORITY

• Recommends leave and disciplinary action
• Signs off on technical documents emanating from the Unit