Director, Field Data Collection (SOG/ST 8 )

JOB PURPOSE 

Under the direction of the Principal Director, Agricultural Marketing Information and Incentives (GMG/SEG 6), the Director, Field Data Collection (Primary) (SOG/ST 8) is responsible for managing and coordinating the collection of agricultural data island-wide and for providing technical support for the Data Collection programme thereby ensuring that information flows timely and securely to internal and external stakeholders. 

The incumbent leads a team of Regional and Parish Data Collection Officers in the collection of Agro-Socio-Economic d a t a and information, market and livestock information, fisheries statistics and objective yield measurements research. Additionally, he/she provides dissemination summaries, surveys, reports, and analyses of findings and participates in the preparation of quarterly, annual and other reports for various internal and external stakeholders. 

The incumbent is also required to represent the Ministry at meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops locally, regionally, and internationally, as required. 

KEY OUTPUTS 

• Data collection systems, processes and procedures formulated. 
• Policies and procedures implemented and monitored 
• Incoming Data scrutinized, assessed and recorded 
• Data collection and retrieval systems designed. 
• Surveys analyzed and reports finalized. 
• Regional reports and documents produced. 
• Data bases developed and updated. 
• Dissemination summaries, surveys, and reports formulated 
• Recommendations and technical advice provided. 
• Dialogue and working relationships with stakeholders facilitated 
• Data storage facilities managed and secured 
• Data collection training sessions conducted 
• Staff needs identified and addressed 
• Staff evaluated and assessed 

KEY RESPONSIBILITES AREAS 

Management / Administrative Responsibilities 

• Establishes priorities, develops short and long-term plans and provides overall direction and leadership for the staff. 
• Coordinates work, sets objectives and goals, and ensures the achievement of targets.
• Develops work schedules, programmes and work activities and recommends improved methods and changes as required. 
• Participates in the development of work, corporate and operational plans and budgets.
• Writes monthly, quarterly and annual reports on the various programmes and activities
• Ensures that regional objectives are compatible with the overall objectives of the Branch and Division.
• Ensures compliance with laws, regulations and procedures governing activities and operations. 
• Keeps abreast of Data Research and Collection methodologies and developments as well as evolving best practices and supports the Branch/Section Head in creating a culture of compliance. 
• Provides guidance, interpretation, and information on quality assurance issues;
• Coordinates the training of staff in the Regions to ensure enhanced work standards.
• Ensures that best practices and established international standards and practices are utilised. 
• Convenes staff meetings to discuss operational problems experienced in conducting surveys, and censuses and devises ways of solving problems. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Leads a team of Data Collection Officers in the collection of Agro-Socio-Economic data and information, market and livestock information, statistical data and objective yield measurementsresearch. 
• Provides dissemination summaries, surveys, reports and analyses on findings and participates in the preparation of quarterly, annual and other reports for various internal and external stakeholders. 
• Supervises the collection of data and information for agricultural surveys and censuses.
• Collaborates with the Director, Data Analysis & Design in the design of questionnaires/forms for data collection and information from farmers, farmers’ organization and agro-industries. 
• Institutes and implements a system of review and monitoring of completed questionnaires/forms. 
• Monitors and reviews the work of the Data Collection Officers in the region and reports monthly to the Branch Head. 
• Establishes and maintains an effective communication system between Data Collection Officers of the Region and members of RADA Parish Offices. 
• Participates in the conduct of Quarterly Domestic Crop Production Revision Exercises for the Region. 
• Monitors domestic agricultural production in the region and provides technical advice to farmers and other stakeholders as required. 
• Implements yield measurement procedures in order to measure objectively the yield of various crops on a regular basis and to correlate these with the measurements collected from the other sources. 
• Maintains constant dialogue with RADA Extension Officers and other staff in the region for the collection and evaluation of production and yield data. 
• Examines staff assignments in order to ensure complete staff coverage and equitable distribution of work. 
• Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies for the data collection programme. 
• Conducts Data collection training for staff. 
• Manages the storage and security of data. 
• Monitors, facilitates, and enforces policies, systems and procedures for effective data 
• management. 
• Devises and implements efficient and secure procedures for data handling.
• Ensures databases are protected from security breaches and data losses. 
• Collates and records information relevant to the MoAF from industry stakeholders and other sources. 
• Scrutinizes incoming data (crops and livestock production, agricultural prices etc.) for accuracy and consistency and make recommendationsto improve the quality of data collected so that conclusions drawn from the information supplied can be statistically sound. 
• Conducts field visits to determine levels of agricultural production in specified areas and records findings. 
• Ensures accurate recording of climate and ecological factors which influence production yields and incidence of pests and infestation. 
• Supports staff in the daily use of data systems and with reports and data extraction as required. 
• Ensures that databases are populated by field staff. 

Human Resource Management Responsibilities 

• Provides leadership and guidance to staff through effective objective setting, effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching; 
• Identifies the training and developmental needs of staff and ensures that they are adequate; 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Branch and recommends transfers, promotions, termination and leave in accordance with established Human Resource policies and procedures; 
• Ensures that staff are aware of and adhere to the policies, procedures and guidelines governing the operations of the Ministry and the Public Service; 
• Recommends/administers disciplinary action in keeping with established human resource policies and guidelines; 
• 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 attaining established personal and/or organizational goals; 
• Collaborates with the Human Resources Unit to develop and implement a succession planning programme to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Unit; 
• Monitors and reviews the performance of the entire team to ensure that performance targets are met; 

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs other related duties assigned by Principal Director, Marketing Information & Incentives. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 

• Data collection processes and procedures are instituted in a timely manner and meet the 
• required standards. 
• Effective and comprehensive policies and procedures implemented and monitored in keeping with the agreed format and timelines 
• Data collection, evaluation and recording are completed in accordance with established processes and procedures within a timely manner 
• Data collection and retrieval systems developed and updated in keeping with international standards and agreed timelines. 
• Accurate surveys analysed and reports finalized 
• Reports and findings are comprehensive, well written encompassing recommendations and other options. 
• Databases developed and updated in keeping with international standards
• Dissemination summaries, surveys, trials, censuses, reports and analyses developed and updated in keeping with international standards. 
• Recommendations and technical advice are accurate, well researched and provided within the agreed timeframe. 
• Excellent relations are established and maintained with stakeholders 
• Data storage facilities are secure and facilitate easy retrieval 
• Data collection training successfully conducted as evidenced by the performance of staff in the field. 
• Staff needs clearly identified and addressed in a timely manner. 
• Performance of staff evaluated in keeping with the Performance Management Appraisal System (PMAS) 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES 

Core 

• Strong leadership and management skills 
• Excellent time management skills 
• Good negotiating skills 
• Excellent interpersonal and people management skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Excellent problem solving and conflict management skills 

Technical 

• Good knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures. 
• Sound knowledge of research methodologiesincluding research design and investigative techniques 
• Working knowledge of Project management. 
• Excellent knowledge of Data Collection and management. 
• Ability to apply quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting research/evaluation 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s Degree in Social or Natural Sciences or a related discipline. 
• Data Management and Analysis training 
• Three (3) years’ experience in Supervisory Management 

OR 

• Bachelor’s Degree in the Social/Natural Sciences or similar discipline. 
• Data Management and Analysis training 
• Five (5) years’ experience in Supervisory Management

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