Chief Agronomist (SOG/ST 7)

The Chief Agronomist is responsible for all aspects of the Ministry's Crop Research Agronomy Programmes.

The incumbent is also responsible for planning, organizing and executing all programmes for testing, verifying and or adaptation of results obtained from investigations conducted on experimental stations/ and or actual farm conditions 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Research projects prepared.
• Research projects implemented.
• Reports coordinated and produced.
• Data collected.
• Research plans produced.
• Training and field days conducted.
• Individual work plans produced.
• Technical information and technologies developed and transferred.
• Operational plans developed
• Staff needs identified and addressed
• Staff performance evaluated and assessed

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and implementation of Operational Plans.
• Assists the Director, Crop Research in preparation of annual budgets.
• Collaborates with the Extension Agency in implementing strategies for dissemination of research findings to farmers.
• Represents the Division/Ministry at meetings, conferences and seminars.
• Ensures timely preparation and submission of reports (monthly, quarterly and annually).

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Assists in the planning of weekly work programmes for Crop Research.
• Assists the Director, Crop Research in the development of program goals.
• Participates in training and field days on and off station.
• Writes proposals, research papers and facts sheets.
• Liaises with Agricultural Agencies such as CARDI, RADA, UWI and farmers groups.
• Keeps abreast of local and international development in various aspects of agriculture.

Human Resource 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 attain 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
• Collaborates with the Human Resource Division, in developing a Succession Planning programme for the Division/Unit to facilitate continuity and availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Unit
• 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 committed to the Division’s and organization’s goals.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs any other related duties assigned by senior managers from time to time

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Annual budget prepared in accordance with required format and submitted within the specified timeframe.
• Operational plans prepared in accordance with required guidelines, submitted and presented within the specified timeframe.
• Weekly work programmes and training schedules prepared and presented within the specified timeframe.
• Agronomy programmes in the Crop Research Unit implemented within the specified timeframe.
• Reports are accurate and comprehensive and submitted within the specified timeframe.
• Training conducted in accordance with the Ministry’s policies.
• Information disseminated is accurate and provided upon request.
• Staff needs are identified and addressed on a timely basis.
• Staff performance meets or exceeds set targets

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies

• Good oral communication skills.
• Good written communication skills
• Good human resource management skills.
• Ability to work in teams.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good people management and human relations skills
• Good problem solving and decision making skills
• Good conflict management skills
• Good customer and quality focus skills

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of agronomy methods.
• Good knowledge of plant and soil methodologies.
• Good knowledge of research procedures
• Sound knowledge of agricultural practices
• Good analytical skills
• Proficiency in the relevant computer applications.
• Knowledge of the operations of Government/knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters of Science in  Agronomy with at least two (2) years experience in the field

OR

• Bachelor of Science Degree in General Agriculture with at least five (5-10) years experience in Crop Research Management

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Exposure to pesticides

AUTHORITY

• Recommend leave application.
• Participate in interviews.
• Prepare bi-weekly pay bill.
• Implement research projects on and off stations.