Job Purpose
Under the direction of the Deputy Research Director, the Senior Research Director is responsible for managing the technical and advisory services and programmes of the Animal Nutrition and Husbandry Section, and overseeing the delivery of services to clients, in an effort to achieve research objectives geared towards technology transfer for conservation and the maintenance of animal genetic diversity and the provision of food security from livestock.
The incumbent is also responsible for undertaking analytical studies in specific technical and policy issues that affect animal nutrition and husbandry.
Key Responsibilities
Management/Administrative:
- Collaborates with organizations involved in research and development in livestock, in conducting priority research projects, consistent with the overall policy and programmes;
- Collaborates with the Senior Research Director, Crop and Plant Protection, in identifying 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 the 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;
- Participates in the preparation of the Budget of the Section, for inclusion in the overall national agricultural research and development Budget;
- Manages the budgetary allocation for each project/programme and recommends vehement of allocated funds to projects of higher priority;
- Maintains an adequate and effective communication system among members of all Branches, Units and Sections of the Divisions;
- Represents the Ministry at international scientific and professional meetings, and undertakes missions, as required, in relation to the above duties.
Technical/Professional:
- Manages the direction, planning and implementation of the Division’s research and development programmes and specialized programmes for livestock research and improvement;
- 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;
- Prepares publication of monographs, scientific reports and articles, collates the timely presentation of research and development projects and programmes and animal reports, for dissemination;
- Assists the Deputy Research Director in the organization of seminars and meetings, in order to communicate and disseminate research findings;
- Assists the Deputy Research Director in establishing 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;
- Conducts and manages animal nutrition and husbandry activities geared towards the development of a national animal nutrition and husbandry policy for the conservation and improvement of nutrition and the genetic pool of native animals;
- Co-ordinates and supervises the utilization of computer hardware and software suitable for storing, collating and analyzing records of performance and progeny test data for animal nutrition evaluation and other statistical analysis, and interpreting and using performance results in designing nutrition 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 seedstock and improved performance;
- Guides researchers through alternative research strategies, where present methods are not applicable/advisable;
- Acts as 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, 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;
- 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 management skills
- Good interpersonal and people management skills
- Strong customer and quality focus skills
- Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Good planning and organizing skills
- Good analytical thinking skills
Technical:
- Excellent knowledge of farm animals and livestock production methods
- Excellent knowledge of livestock research methodologies
- Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
- Knowledge in the application of Animal nutrition and Husbandry principles and procedures
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Post Graduate Degree in Agriculture with specialization in Livestock;
- Four (4) years related experience in Livestock Research and Management, with professional achievement recognized by a University.
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.
