Deputy Research Director (Crop) (SOG/ST 9)

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Manages the daily operations of the Crop and Plant Protection Unit; 
• Collaborates with organizations involved in research and development in crop and plant protection to enhance research projects throughout the Caribbean; 
• Collaborates with external agency in implementing strategies for dissemination of research findings to farmers; 
• Co-ordinates and oversees the direction, planning and implementation of the National Research and Development programmes in agronomy and breeding; 
• Prepares the budget for the Crop Research Unit; 
• Prepares Corporate Plans and reports on the Crop and Plant Protection Unit 

Technical/Professional: 

• Plans and executes weekly work programme for Crop and Plant Protection Units; 
• Establishes guidelines and methodologies for conducting studies in areas of plant nutrition; 
• Executes seeds (scotch bonnet, pumpkin) production programmes, in order to satisfy the need of farmers; 
• Conducts training and field days, on and off station, to impart new techniques to farmers;
• Conducts visits to farmers holdings, in order to offer advice on the suitability of land for various crop production; 
• Guides researchers through research strategies, where methods are applicable or not. 

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; 
• 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, 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: 

• Deputizes for the Principal Research Officer; 
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned, from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core:

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

Technical: 

• Knowledge of agronomy and plant breeding methods 
• Knowledge of plant and soil 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

• Master of Science Degree in Agriculture; 
• Five (5) years’ experience in Crop Research Management. 

Special Condition Associated with the Job

• Exposure to pesticides.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.