Job Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Research Director, the Chief Livestock Research Officer is responsible for the transfer of technological outcomes of Livestock Research to Livestock Practitioners, aimed at the conservation, development and utilization of local/introduced animal genetic resources: the utilization of forage species for the enhancement and sustainability of the production of milk, meat, products and by-products.
Key Responsibilities
Management/Administrative:
- Co-ordinates and oversees the direction, planning and implementation of the National Research and Development Programmes and specialized programmes of the Livestock Research and Improvement Division;
- Collaborates with organizations involved in research and development in livestock, in identifying and determining priority research projects, consistent with the overall policy and programmes;
- Collaborates with the Crop and Plant Protection’s Deputy Director, in order to identify common operating problems and areas of duplication of effort in carrying out the various functions and devising strategies;
- Collaborates with the extension agency in developing and implementing strategies for the dissemination of research findings to farmer clients;
- Co-ordinates the daily operations of the Livestock Division;
- Makes representation concerning the provision of materials and equipment necessary for the effective implementation of the Division’s Research and Development Programmes;
- Requests and ensures the availability of adequate physical and other facilities necessary for the efficient and effective conduct of the Research and Animal Production Programmes;
- Prepares the Budget of the Section, for inclusion in the overall National Agricultural Research and Development Budget;
- Co-ordinates/Controls budgetary allocation for each project/programme, and recommends vehement of allocated funds to projects of higher priority;
- Initiates and maintains an adequate and effective communication system among members of all Branches, Units and Sections of the Divisions.
Technical/Professional:
- Maintains a current awareness of the work being done at the frontiers of knowledge and maintains contact, and collaborates with local agencies and leading regional and international institutions;
- Ensures the preparation and publication of monographs, scientific reports and articles, collates the timely presentation of research and development projects and programmes and animal reports, for dissemination;
- Represents the Ministry at International Scientific and Professional Meetings, and undertakes missions, as required, in relation to the above duties;
- Assists the Principal Director in the organization of seminars and meetings, in order to communicate and disseminate research findings;
- Establishes criteria, guidelines and methodologies, for conducting studies in the areas of Husbandry, Large and Small Stock Breeding and Nutrition and Biotechnological Interventions in ruminant and non-ruminant animals;
- Co-ordinates animal breeding activities at the Centre of the Genetic Improvement of Livestock Research and Development Division, by developing and directing a National Animal Breeding Policy for the conservation and improvement of the gene pool of native animals;
- Co-ordinates and supervises the utilization of computer hardware and software, suitable for storing, collating and analyzing records of performance and progeny test data for animal genetic evaluation and other statistical analysis, and interprets and uses performance results, in designing breeding strategies and selection methods;
- Reviews and updates the maintenance of the accepted systems of herd records for the identification of animals, maintenance of progeny and performance records, births, deaths, transfers and disposal records;
- Participates in livestock appraisals/administration of the Breeders Societies, advising the National Sire Service Schemes;
- Evaluates the application of models of biotechnology for the rapid increase in the production of seedstock and improved performance;
- Guides researchers through alternative research strategies, where present methods are not applicable/advisable;
- Acts as liaison to international organizations that are directly concerned or related to animal genetic resources;
- Acts as liaison in the implementation of collaborative projects, with other agencies;
- Participates in training days and seminars.
Human Resource:
- 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 and implementing 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;
- Performs any other related duties, which may be assigned, from time to time.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Core:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Good interpersonal and people management skills
- Strong customer and quality focus skills
- Good problem-solving, decision-making and conflict management skills
Technical:
- Excellent knowledge of Farm Animals and Livestock Production methods
- Excellent knowledge of Livestock research methodologies
- Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Masters’ Degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics, Livestock Science, Animal Science and Production or related field, from an accredited tertiary institution;
- Two (2) years related experience in Livestock Research and Management, with professional achievement recognized by a University;
OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, Animal Husbandry and Agriculture, specializing in Animal Husbandry, or related field from an accredited tertiary institution;
- Five (5) years Management/Supervisory experience in the related area.
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
- Physical interaction with large animals;
- Exposure to animal’s body fluids, liquid and solid excretions;
- Exposure to disease conditions;
- Prolonged exposure to the vagaries of the environment.
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
