Job Purpose
Under the direction of the Principal Research Director, the Deputy Research Director is responsible for co-ordinating and managing the planning and implementation of the specialized research and development programmes of the Livestock Research and Improvement Division of the Ministry, towards the provision of solutions to local and regional issues which challenge the Livestock Industry, and transferring such technologies for the conservation and maintenance of animal genetic diversity and the provision of food security from livestock.
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 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 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 between 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, analyzing records of performance and progeny test data for animal genetic evaluation and other statistical analysis, and interpreting and using 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 seed stock and improved performance;
- Guides researchers through alternative research strategies, where present methods are not applicable/advisable;
- Acts in 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 that may be assigned from time to time.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Core:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Good management skills
- Strong customer relations skills
- Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Ability to manage the client interface
- Ability to manage external relationships
- Good strategic vision
- Excellent analytical thinking skills
- Good impact and influencing skills
- Excellent planning and organizing skills
- Goal results oriented
Technical:
- Excellent knowledge of Farm Animals and Livestock Production methods
- Excellent knowledge of livestock research methodologies
- Good knowledge of Animal Nutrition and Husbandry
- Good knowledge of Animal Breeding and Genetics
- Good project management skills
- Knowledge of Biotechnology
- Knowledge of Budget preparation
- Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Post Graduate Degree in specialized Livestock area;
- Eight (8) years related experience in Livestock Research and Management (with professional achievement recognized by a University), three (3) of which should be at the senior management level;
- Training in Supervisory Management;
- Training in Project Management.
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
- Physical interaction with large animals;
- Exposure to animals’ 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.
