Senior Research Director (SOG/ ST 8) - (Orange River, St. Mary)

Summary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining is inviting suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Senior Research Director (SOG/ ST 8) at Orange River, St. Mary. Under the supervision of the Principal Research Director, the Senior Research Director is responsible for providing overall management of the research station to ensure fulfilment of the aims and objectives, as prescribed by the Corporate and Work Plan. Salary Range: 💰 $7,716,512 - $10,377,851 JMD per annum

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 Skills

• 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

Qualifications

• • M.Sc. degree in Agronomy/Plant Breeding or related discipline; management training an asset.
• • Five (5) years experience in Crop Research and/or extension, three years of which should be in a senior management position with a government or similar institution; plus completion and publication of several research papers.

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

  • • Extensive travelling
  • • Travelling over rough terrain, poor farm roads, and encountering hostile individuals.
  • • Position involves fieldwork including visiting farms and agricultural organizations.

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: Senior Research Director (SOG/ ST 8) 🔑 Please include the job title in the subject line of your email.

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