Senior Research Director (Animal Breeding and Genetics) (SOG/ST 8)

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Deputy Research Director, the Senior Research Director is responsible for managing and facilitating the improvement of animal genetic resources. The officer is also accountable for undertaking systematic studies of specific technical and policy issues that affect the conservation and utilization of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Assesses the activities of the Unit to ensure that it is consistent and compliant with existing procedural and policy dictates and technical pre-requisites; 
• Participates in the Livestock Research and Improvement planning process;
• Monitors the animal breeding and genetics resources; 
• Prepares the Operational Plan and Budget for the Unit; 
• Ensures the management and husbandry of all animals in the Dairy Cattle Unit;
• Represents the Livestock Research and Improvement Unit at meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars; 
• Provides guidance to the Deputy Research Director and other Unit Managers, on matters relating to animal breeding and genetics;
• Develops schedules of requisition and programmes of utilization to facilitate the effective supply of inputs and services for the management of animal genetic resources. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Conducts research relevant to livestock genetics; 
• Estimates the breeding value or genetic merit, to establish the animal’s suitability as parents; 
• Estimates genetic and phenotypic parameters; 
• Collates and investigates livestock information; 
• Undertakes systematic studies in specific technical and policy issues affecting animal genetic resources, improvement and management; 
• Ascertains relevant development in animal breeding and quantitative genetics;
• Plans and establishes training, extension research and programmes for national livestock sub-sector; 
• Facilitates the dissemination and/or adoption of new and improved technology in the area of animal breeding and genetics; 
• Collaborates with the Deputy Research Director in preparing publication of monographs, scientific reports and articles, collating the timely presentation of research and development projects and programmes, and animal reports, for dissemination; 
• Establishes criteria, guidelines and methodologies for conducting studies in the areas of husbandry, livestock breeding and nutrition and biotechnological interventions in ruminant and non-ruminant animals; 
• Consults with research and development experts, to identify problems in the area of livestock research, that are amenable to breeding and genetics solutions. 

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 partnership with the Human Resource Division, to facilitate continuity and the availability of skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Division; 
• Provides management 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 dedication 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 
• Excellent social and interpersonal skills 
• Strong customer and quality focus skills 
• Excellent analytical thinking skills 
• Good problem-solving, decision-making and conflict-management skills
• Ability to manage external relationships 

Technical: 

• Knowledge of the application of animal breeding strategies and procedures
• Knowledge of Animal Husbandry 
• Proficiency in Research Methodology 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the application of animal breeding strategies and procedures 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Master of Science Degree in Animal Breeding and Quantitative Genetics from an accredited tertiary institution; 
• Ability to effect basic animal evaluations using the foregoing strategies within six (6) months;
• Three (3) years’ experience at a senior management level, with the completion of publications and/or research papers. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Exposure to dusty conditions; 
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals, drugs and zoonotic diseases conditions. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.