Chief Livestock Research Officer (SOG/ST 7) – (Montpelier Research Station)

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Senior Research Director, the Chief Livestock Research Officer is responsible for the transfer of the technological outcomes of Livestock Research to livestock practitioners aimed at the conservation, development and utilization of local/introduced animal genetic resources and the utilization of forage species, for the enhancement and sustainability of the production of milk and meat.

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Collaborates with organizations involved in research and development in livestock, to identify priority research projects; 
• Collaborates with the extension agency in developing and implementing strategies for the dissemination of research findings to farmer clients; 
• Assists in co-ordinating the operations of the Animal Nutrition and Forage Research (ANFR) Unit; 
• Assists in supervising the Animal Nutrition and Forage Research and Milk Testing Laboratories; 
• Assists in co-ordinating the daily operations of the Livestock Research and Improvement Unit; 
• Assists the Senior Research Director with annual inventory of the Animal Nutrition and Forage Research and Milk Testing Laboratories; 
• Makes representation concerning the provision of materials and equipment necessary for the effective implementation of Unit’s research and development programmes;
• Assists the Senior Research Director and Deputy Research Director with preparation of the ANFR Unit’s Budget, for inclusion in the overall national agricultural research and development Budget; 
• Assists in the co-ordination of budgetary allocation for each project/programme in the Unit, and the procurement of materials necessary for the Unit; 
• Initiates and maintains an adequate and effective communication system between members of the Unit and Sections of the Division; 
• Represents the Ministry/Division at meetings, conferences and seminars. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Maintains a current awareness of the work being undertaken at the frontiers of knowledge, and maintains contact and collaborates with local and regional institutions;
• Ensures the preparation and publication of monographs, scientific reports and articles;
• Collates the presentation of research and development projects and programmes and Animal Reports for dissemination; 
• Assists the Senior Research Director in the organization of seminars and meetings, in order to communicate and disseminate research findings; 
• Supervises the utilization of computer hardware and software suitable for the storing, collating and analyzing records of performance; 
• Acts as liaison in the implementation of collaborative projects with other agencies;
• Assists the Senior Research Director in oversight for accuracy of laboratory analyses;
• Conducts site visits to local farmers/stakeholders; 
• Conducts site visits to other research stations, where livestock are kept;
• Assists the Senior Research Director with laboratory methods/protocol review. 

Human Resource: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares Performance Appraisals, and recommends corrective action, where necessary; 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division/Unit; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports; 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Unit are addressed;
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork;
• Conducts monthly meetings with ANFR laboratory staff; 
• Assesses and evaluates staff performance; 
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned, from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

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

Technical: 

• Knowledge and experience with Feed Formulation 
• Excellent knowledge of Animal Nutrition 
• Excellent knowledge of Farm Animals and Livestock Production and Management
• Excellent knowledge of Livestock Research Methodologies 
• Excellent knowledge and experience with nutritional analyses, inclusive of proximate analysis, in-vitro digestibility analysis, NIR and spectrophotometer use
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Master of Science Degree in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science and Production or related field from an accredited tertiary institution, with (2) years’ experience; 

OR 

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Livestock Production, Animal Science or related field, with five (5) years’ experience in the field. 
• Experience with laboratory equipment and troubleshooting. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Physical interaction with large animals; 
• Exposure to animals body fluids, liquid and solid excretions; 
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals; 
• Exposure to disease conditions; 
• Prolonged exposure to the vagaries of the environment. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.