Chief Plant Breeding Officer (SOG/ST 7)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Research Director (SOG/ST 8), the Chief Plant Breeding Officer (SOG/ST 7) is responsible for all aspects of the Ministry’s Crop Research Breeding programmes. The incumbent’s responsibilities include planning, organizing and execution of programmes relating to plant breeding, thus verifying and/or adaptation of results obtained from investigations conducted. 

KEY OUTPUTS

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Assists with the development and implementation of operational plans 
• Assists the Senior Research Director, Crop Research in preparation of annual budgets 
• Collaborates with extension agency in implementing strategies for dissemination of research finding to farmers 
• Represents Ministry/Division at meeting, conferences and seminars 
• Ensures timely preparation and submission of reports (monthly, quarterly and annually). 
• Participates in seminars, meetings and conferences representing the Division at local and international fora.

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Produces research aims and objectives and determine the budget of the research work. 
• Researches methods and techniques for improving plant breeding using best practices. 
• Identifies and selects plants exhibiting desirable traits, based on natural genetic variation. 
• Identifies the best varieties/species. 
• In collaboration with the Chief Agronomist conducts variety evaluations trials and introduce new varieties with desirable traits.
• Cross plants to produce new breeding material for field and greenhouse trials. 
• Analyses and scientifically assess plant breeding in laboratory and field trials and select the best varieties 
• Conducts scientific projects, which may be laboratory based.
• Establishes, maintains and utilizes current gene banks and characterizes imported/introduced gene banks. 
• Maintains detailed records throughout the research and development cycle. 
• Manages, supports and trains technical and field staff.
• Keeps up to date in the fast-moving area of science and translates ideas from scientific literature into new approaches to breeding problems. 
• Responds to enquiries from farmers, agronomists and other professionals. 
• Assists in the planning of weekly work programmes for crop research. 
• Assists Senior Research Director, Crop Research in the development of programme goals. 
• Participates in training and field days to disseminate technical information emanating from Research & Development activities to end users. 
• Keeps abreast of local and international developments in aspects of plant breeding. 
• Writes proposals, research papers, fact sheets etc. and publish scientific findings. 
• Liaises with Agricultural agencies such as CARDI, RADA, UWI and Farmers groups. 

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, monitoring and coaching 
• Ensures the welfare and development needs of staff in the 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 goal.

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs any other related functions assigned by the Principal Research Director, Deputy and Senior Directors, Crop/Plant Research from time to time. 

Performance Standards

• Data collected are accurate and submitted within the specified timeframe. 
• Operation plans prepared in accordance with required format and submitted within the specified timeframe. 
• Annual budget prepared in accordance with required format and submitted within a specified timeframe. 
• Work programs and training schedules prepared and submitted within the required timeframe. 
• Training programme delivered and field days conducted within the specified timeframe and according to agreed required standards.
• Plant Breeding programmes and technologies in the Crop Research Unit developed and implemented. 
• Reports submitted are accurate, comprehensive and submitted in the required format and within the specified timeframe.
• Research projects are prepared and programmes implemented within the specified timeframe and according to established required standards. 
• Staff needs identified and addressed in accordance with the Ministry’s human resource policy. 
• Staff performances assessed and evaluated in keeping with the Ministry’s Performance Management and Appraisal System (PMAS).
• Research plans produced are in keeping with Unit’s goals and objectives and submitted within the specified timeframe. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies 

• Excellent oral communication skills 
• Excellent written communication skills 
• Teamwork and cooperation 
• Good customer and quality focus skills 
• Good leadership skills 
• Analytical thinking skills 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Good people management skills 
• Good problem solving and decision-making skills 

Technical Competencies 

• Excellent research skills 
• Good knowledge of Plant Breeding and Agronomy methods
• Good knowledge of Plant and Soil methodologies 
• Sound knowledge of Agricultural practices 
• Good report writing and analytical skills 
• Proficient in computer applications 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government/knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters Degree in specialized areas of Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, Genetics or Botany 
• Two (2) years’ related experience 

OR 

• BSc. in Crop Research Management, Biotechnology, Genetics, Plant Science with professional achievements from a recognized University
• At least five (5) years’ Management/Supervisory experience in Crop Research Management 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Exposure to pesticides 

AUTHORITY

• Recommends leave application. 
• Participates in interviews. 
• Prepares biweekly pay bill. 
• Implements research projects on and off stations. 

Please note that we thank all for responding, but only short-listed applicants will be contacted.