Chief Livestock Research Officer (SOG/ST 7)

Under the direction of the Senior Research Director (SOG/ST 8), the Chief Livestock Research Officer (SOG/ST 7) is responsible for the transfer of the technological outcomes of livestock research to livestock practitioners aimed at the conservation, development and utilization of local/introduced animal genetic resources, and the utilization of forage species for the enhancement and sustainability of the production of milk and meat.



KEY OUTPUTS

• Genealogy and performance of animal database generated
• Reports produced
• Sires tested
• Milk  / meat  animals produced
• Projects implemented
• Breeding programmes implemented
• Forage species evaluated and recommended for utilization
• Training delivered
• Information disseminated
• Staff needs identified and addressed
• Competent and productive staff
• Staff performance evaluated and assessed

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Collaborates with organizations involved in research and development in livestock to identify priority research projects
• Collaborates with the extension agency in developing and implementing strategies for the dissemination of research findings to farmer clients
• Coordinates the daily operations of the livestock unit
• Makes representation concerning the provision of materials and equipment necessary for the effective implementation of Unit’s research and development programmes
• Prepares the budget of the Unit for inclusion in the overall national agricultural research and development budget
• Coordinates budgetary allocation for each project / programme in the Unit.
• Initiates and maintains an adequate and effective communication system between members of the unit and sections of the division
• Represents the Ministry/Division at meetings, conferences and seminars

Technical/Professional Responsibility

• Maintains a current awareness of the work being undertaken at the frontiers of knowledge and maintains contact and collaborates with local and regional institutions
• Ensures the preparation and publication of monographs, scientific reports and articles
• Collates the presentation of research and development projects and programmes and animal reports for dissemination
• Assists the Senior Research Director in the organization of seminars, and meetings in order to communicate and disseminate research findings
• Supervises the utilization of computer hardware and software suitable for the storing, collating, analyzing records of performance
• Reviews and updates the maintenance of the accepted systems of herd records
• Participates in livestock appraisals / administration of the Breeders societies, advising the national sire service schemes
• Evaluates the application of models of biotechnology
• Acts as liaison in the implementation of collaborative projects with other agencies

Human Resource Responsibilities

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommend corrective action where necessary.
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division/Unit.
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports.
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Unit are addressed.
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork.
• Assesses and evaluates staff performance

OTHER RESPONSIBILITY

• Perform any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

• Research and development plan prepared and supports the strategic objectives according to set guidelines and within agreed time frame
• Accurate and comprehensive reports prepared and submitted for review within the agreed time frame
• Research projects conducted, data collected and analyzed in accordance with established statistical protocols
• Research findings reported in accordance with established standards.
• Technical advice is given in a timely manner and is relevant and accurate.
• Operational plan prepared in according to set guidelines and within agreed time frame
• Budget prepared according to set guidelines and within agreed time frame
• Breeding programmes implemented within agreed time frame
• Recording systems upgraded to meet Breed Registry and Herd recording standards
• Staff needs identified and addressed in accordance with the Ministry’s human resource policy.
• Staff performances assessed and evaluated in keeping with the Ministry’s Performance Management and Appraisal System (PMAS).

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong leadership skill
• Good interpersonal and people management skills
• Strong customer relations skills

Technical

• Excellent knowledge of farm animals and livestock production and management
• Excellent knowledge of livestock research methodologies
• Knowledge of the operations of Government / Knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures
• Good problem solving and conflict management skills
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• MSc. Degree in Animal Nutrition, Animal Husbandry or related field with at least two (2) years experience

OR

• BSc. Degree in Livestock Production or related field with at least eight (8) years experience in the field

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

AUTHORITY

• Recommends termination / continuation of research / development programmes / projects
• Recommends updated prices for livestock sales
• Recommends implementation of new methodologies and systems for livestock management
• Recommends leave.

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