Agricultural Database Administrator (MIS/IT 5)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the Director, Agricultural Information Systems, (MIS/IT 7), the Database Administrator (MIS/IT 5) is responsible for designing, developing implementing and maintaining databases and computer applications to satisfy the specific needs of the Branch to collect, store and disseminate agricultural productions and marketing data to all stakeholders 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Data structures and tables developed and maintained 
• Data input forms and screens developed and reviewed 
• Reports formats produced 
• Guidelines, standards and procedure documents for programme developed
• Programme codes reviewed and maintained 
• Test data and sample reports produced 
• Relevant and reliable software solutions 
• Statistical analyses and summaries produced 
• Trend data analysed 
• Current databases of agricultural stakeholders reviewed and updated 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Administrative Responsibilities 

• Participates in the development of the Section’s Corporate/Operational Plans, Budget and Individual Work Plans; 
• Maintains customer service principles, standards, and measurements; 
• Prepares and submits monthly/quarterly/annual reports on activities. 
• Attends Committee meetings and executes directives as necessary; 
• Represents the Director/Section at meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Develops and maintains current listings and registries of agricultural stakeholders at all critical points on the production and marketing chain for all crops and livestock Develops and maintains relevant databases to ensure the delivery of a modern agricultural marketing information system that is capable of collecting and disseminating real-time price and availability information through the production and market chains 
• Delivers complete, accurate and timely reports from databases and applications systems Provides detailed reports on farming demographics, production and availability of agricultural products. 
• Assists in the development of logical and physical specifications 
• Assists Divisional staff in identifying necessary software and data analysis tools and provides training and guidance in the use of these tools 
• Installs databases and application software and applies fixes when necessary Revises existing programmes to increase operation proficiency or adapt programmes to new requirements 
• Monitors programme development schedules and targets to ensure that objectives and goals are net and to, when necessary, institute corrective measures 
• Reviews and evaluates software solutions specific to the needs of the Division, existing or to be required and makes appropriate recommendations 
• Keeps abreast of statistical software development trends and make recommendations for training and professional development programmes 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITY 

• Performs any other related duties which may be assigned from the Director, Agricultural Information Systems, Principal Director Agricultural Marketing Information and Incentives.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Databases and computer application programmes developed and maintained according to users/organizational needs, required standards and within the agreed timeframe. Databases and application software installed and applied fixes done in accordance with the required standards when necessary. 
• Reports and documents are comprehensively and accurately prepared from databases and applications systems according to the required standards and within the agreed timeframe; 
• Efficient software solutions developed and maintained to support marketing information requirement of the Ministry within the agreed timeframe; 
• Accurate programme flow diagrams, data dictionary, metadata and computer processes planned and coded in accordance with specifications, industry standard and best practices Efficient information applications to support decision-making computerized in accordance with user’s requirements and timeframe. 
• Corporate, Strategic and Operational Plans, Budget for the section supported within established guidelines, resources and timeframes; 
• Technical advice and recommendations provided are sound and supported by qualitative/quantitative data in a timely manner; 
• Work plans conformed to established procedures and implemented accorded to establish rules; 
• Reports are evidence-based and submitted in a timely manner; 
• Confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism displayed in the delivery of duties and interaction with staff.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent teamwork and cooperation skills
• Excellent oral communication skills
• Excellent written communication skills
• Strong analytical thinking skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong customer and quality focus skills
• Good and organizing skills
• Good judgment and conceptual skills
• Good strategic vision skills
• Ability to influence and motivate others
• Ability to use initiative
• Integrity
• Good change management skills

Technical 

• Sound knowledge of relational database design, optimization, and Level troubleshooting 
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server and/or Access database software
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Office products 
• Sound knowledge of data extraction, reporting, and analysis tools. 
• Sound knowledge of database management trends and standards 
• Sound knowledge of established database management policies and procedures
• Working knowledge of Internet technologies including HTML, PHP, ASP, etc.
• Sound knowledge of the analysis and documentation of complex business processes 
• Sound knowledge of current technological trends with respect to software development 
• Working knowledge of relevant computer platforms and solutions 
• Web Development tools 
• Integration and multi-vendor application software 
• Statistical software including but not restricted to SPSS 
• GIS software 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/ICT/Management Information Systems or related field or equivalent 
• Four (4) years experience as a Programmer/Database Administrator 
• A background of working in agriculture and/or training in agriculture or biological systems would be an asset. 
• Experience in working with statistical software and statistical databases 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB 

• Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software. The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions. 
• Maybe required to travel island wide in execution of duties. 
• Exposure to computer monitor for long periods 

AUTHORITY

• Nil

Please note that we thank all for responding, but only short listed applicants will be contacted