Deputy Research Director, Crop (SOG/ST 9)

Summary

Under the direction of the Principal Research Director, the Deputy Research Director is responsible for planning, directing and co-ordinating the overall implementation of the National Crop and Plant Protection Research Programme, to meet the objectives of the Division. Salary Range: 💰 $7,716,512 - $10,377,851 JMD per annum

Responsibilities

• Management/Administrative:

  • • Manages the daily operations of the Crop and Plant Protection Unit
  • • Collaborates with organizations involved in research and development in crop and plant protection to enhance research projects throughout the Caribbean
  • • Collaborates with external agency in implementing strategies for dissemination of research findings to farmers
  • • Coordinates and oversees the direction, planning and implementation of the national research and development programmes in agronomy and breeding
  • • Prepares the budget for the Crop Research Unit
  • • Prepares corporate plans and reports on the Crop and Plant Protection Unit

• Technical/Professional:

  • • Plans and executes weekly work programme for Crop and Plant Protection Units
  • • Establishes guidelines and methodologies for conducting studies in areas of plant nutrition
  • • Executes seeds (scotch bonnet, pumpkin) production programmes in order to satisfy the need or farmers
  • • Conducts training and field days on and off station to impart new techniques to farmers
  • • Conducts visits to farmers holdings in order to offer advice on the suitability of land for various crop production
  • • Guides researchers through research strategies where methods are applicable or not

• Human Resource:

  • • Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommend and/or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance and/or attaining 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.
  • • In collaboration 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.

• Other:

  • • Deputizes for the Principal Research Officer
  • • Perform any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time

Required Skills

• Core:

  • • Strong leadership and management skills
  • • Good interpersonal skills
  • • Good people management skills
  • • Excellent oral communication skills
  • • Excellent written communication skills
  • • Strong customer and quality focus skills
  • • Good problem solving and decision making skills
  • • Good conflict management skills

• Technical:

  • • Knowledge of agronomy and plant breeding methods
  • • Knowledge of plant and soil methodologies
  • • Knowledge of the operations of Government / Knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures
  • • Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

Qualifications

• • M.Sc. Degree in Agriculture
• • Five (5) years experience in Crop Research Management

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

  • • Exposure to pesticides

Applications, accompanied by résumés, should be submitted no later than Wednesday, 9th July, 2025, to: Senior Director Human Resource Management and Development Division Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Hope Gardens Kingston 6 📧 Email: jobopportunities@moa.gov.jm ℹ️ Subject: Deputy Research Director, Crop (SOG/ST 9) 🔑 Please include the job title in the subject line of your email.

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