Senior Research Director (SOG/ST 8) (Orange River)

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Prepares and presents the Budget for research programmes; 
• Ensures the availability of resources for research programmes; 
• Monitors, evaluates and reports on the status of all development programmes;
• Ensures the security of the Station; 
• Represents the Division at the national, regional and international levels;
• Manages the development of the Station’s Corporate/Operational Plans, Budget and Individual Work Plans; 
• Prepares reports for submission to the Principal Research Director; 
• Convenes and attends Internal Committee Meetings to address Enterprise Risk Management matters. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Determines the priorities and objectives of the annual programme of research, in collaboration with the Heads of Research Units and Chief Research Officers;
• Develops in collaboration with Project Heads the procedures and systems for the efficient conduct of research; 
• Provides advice on all matters related to research at the Station; 
• Liaises with local, regional and international organizations on matters relevant to improvement in the conduct of research and development; 
• Plans and delivers presentations of research results through seminars, field days, professional societies, scientific publications; 
• Establishes research trials, in keeping with the national programme; 
• Disseminates research and development information. 

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 management skills 
• Good interpersonal and people management skills 
• Strong customer and quality focus skills 
• Good problem solving and decision-making skills 
• Good conflict management skills 

Technical: 

• Sound knowledge of modern agricultural practices 
• Sound knowledge of associated disciplines of plant protection 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 
• 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 Agronomy/Plant Breeding or related discipline (Management training an asset); 
• Five (5) years’ experience in Crop Research and/or extension, three (3) of which should be in a senior management position with a Government or similar institution; plus completion and publication of several research papers. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Extensive travelling; 
• Will be required to travel over rough terrain, poor farm roads and encounter hostile individuals; 
• Position involves fieldwork including visiting farms and agricultural organizations.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.