Chief Post Entry Officer (SOG/ST 7)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Research Director (SOG/ST 8), the Chief Post Entry Officer (SOG/ST 7) is responsible for planning, organizing directing and controlling the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) programme of Government and conducting relevant research to screen imported high and medium risk plant germplasm in order to prevent introduction of new pests in Jamaica’s agricultural system. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Corporate, Operational Plans and Budget for PEQ developed, implemented and managed. 
• Project proposals with accompanying implementation schedules and budgets prepared and submitted. 
• Research Protocols for PEQ activities developed. 
• Healthy germplasm conserved and maintained. 
• Pest-free planting materials held in quarantine are certified for release in national agricultural industry. 
• Infected planting material held in quarantine are cleaned up or destroyed. 
• Data formatted for analysis; and analysis conducted.
• Monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc reports prepared and submitted. 
• Inventory of PEQ material and equipment maintained.
• Linkages established/maintained with relevant local and international institutions/organizations. 
• Staff needs identified and addressed 
• Staff performance evaluated and assessed

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Consults regularly with the Principal and Senior Directors of the R&D Division and the Director of Plant Quarantine/Produce Inspection Division to formulate and co-ordinate plans and monitor and review progress. 
• Prepares short and long term PEQ programmes based on current and projected needs. 
• Develops formats of reports, to be prepared by staff, that indicate work accomplished over specific periods and provide other relevant information. 
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the service by utilizing reports and other available information. 
• Consults with the Principal Research Director and Senior Directors regarding the provision of necessary resources for the execution of projects. 
• Schedules acquisition and utilization of resources for projects.
• Maintains inventories of materials and equipment at PEQ.
• Reviews and documents procedures and records to effectively achieve objectives. 
• Schedules and chairs monthly and ad hoc staff meetings.
• Evaluates the performance of the unit and initiates appropriate changes to effect improvement. 
• Authorizes and manages the Unit’s expenditure within the scope of authority. 
• Prepares and submits the annual, monthly, and other reports on the activities of the Unit. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Exercises responsibility for the acceptance, treatment, propagation, certification and ultimate destruction of panting material introduced into the PEQ facility. 
• Conducts research in plant quarantine methodology as applied to the PEQ programme. 
• Collects and studies literature and data relevant to the definition and development of research projects. 
• Develops, evaluates, and modifies methodologies relating to the execution of such investigations. 
• Co-ordinates data management (and analyses) during the execution of the project. 
• Ensures regular maintenance of equipment and infrastructure of the PEQ Unit. 
• Updates the PEQ operation manual for phytosanitary procedures.
• Keeps abreast of literature concerning the distribution of pests already present on crops in Jamaica as well as exotic pests that may threaten agriculture in Jamaica. 
• Keeps abreast of recent advances in PEQ operations through visits and observation of other facilities, participates in seminars, and reviews scientific literature. 
• Provides technical advice in Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine.

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 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 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 commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Advises the Chief of Plant Quarantine/Produce Inspection Branch about changes in regulations, treatments or safeguard that may be warranted as a result of pest risk analysis or literature searches.
• Performs other related duties that may be assigned from time to time. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Corporate, Operational Plans and Budget for PEQ completed in the required format and submitted within the agreed timeframe.
• Project proposals with adequate background literature, justification, statistically sound methodologies, implementation schedules, logical framework and adequate budgets. 
• Research Protocols for PEQ activities accurately documented in accordance with established standards and in a timely manner.
• Germplasm always conserved and maintained in healthy condition, and in accordance with international best practice. 
• Germplasm bank maintained in accordance with international best practices. 
• Plant material certified within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with established standards and timeframe. 
• Data accurately verified for analysis. 
• Data analyses conducted in accordance with established standards and timeframe. 
• Accurate and concise monthly, quarterly, annual, and other reports completed in accordance with established standards and submitted within the required timeframe. 
• Accurate and complete inventory of PEQ materials and equipment maintained at all times in accordance with approved standards.
• Pertinent training programs identified to fulfill areas where deficiencies are identified. 
• Staff needs clearly identified and addressed in timely manner
• Staff performance meets or exceeds set targets 
• Linkages established and maintained with relevant local and international institutions/organizations. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core 

• Good leadership skills 
• Good management skills. 
• Good organizing and planning skills. 
• Good oral and written communication skills. 
• Good customer and quality focus skills 
• Ability to manage the client interface 
• Good judgment, initiative and tact. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills 

Technical 

• General knowledge of Plant Biology, Plant Pathology and integrated Pest Management. 
• Knowledge of Biosafety and Pest Risk Analysis. 
• Knowledge of Crop Physiology, Soil Microbiology, Virology, Entomology, Experimental Design and Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Information Systems, and Good Laboratory practices would be advantageous. 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters Degree in Agriculture with eight (8) years’ experience in two (2) or more disciplines related to Plant Protection. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Exposure to toxic/corrosive chemicals. 
• Exposure to high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation in green houses. 
• Exposure to long hours of solar radiation in the field.

AUTHORITY 

• Manages the financial allocation to the unit 
• Procures goods and services for the unit 
• Participates in the recruitment of new staff. 
• Authorizes payments for temporary staff and casual laborers,
• Authorizes leave of staff. 
• Authorizes the release of material held in quarantine.
• Reviews the performance of staff and recommends appropriate action. 

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