Research Assistant (Plant Breeding) (SOG/ST 4)

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Supervises staff; 
• Monitors Green House; 
• Prepares reports; 
• Manages stocks. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Identifies plot and oversees the preparation; 
• Maintains and repairs machine and equipment; 
• Applies pesticides and fertilizers; 
• Sows seeds and harvest and establishes crops; 
• Collects data based on crop production and pest infestation/resistance. 

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, in collaboration with the Human Resource Division, 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 functions 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 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Good analytical thinking skills 
• Customer and quality focus 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Teamwork and cooperation 

Technical: 

• Practical knowledge of Research Procedures and Field Research 
• Excellent knowledge of good agricultural practices 
• Sound knowledge of Crop Production 
• Knowledge of the Operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science or similar discipline from an accredited Tertiary Institution;
• Two (2) years’ relevant experience. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Exposure to: 
  • sun, rain and frost; 
  • hazardous chemicals; 
  • tough terrain; 
  • frequent landslides.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.