Executive Assistant

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Chief Technical Director (GMG/CTD 1), the Principal Research Director (SOG/ST10), is responsible for the overall planning, directing, coordination, supervision and management of the Research and Development Division including four (4) Agricultural Research Stations. The incumbent is responsible for the monitoring and implementation of agricultural policies, programmes and projects. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Divisional budget, strategic and operational plans and individual work plans developed and implemented 
• Priority settings and guidelines developed 
• Technical papers prepared and presented 
• Agricultural research projects and programmes developed, implemented and monitored 
• Technical workplans, business plans and project proposals prepared
• Evaluations conducted and recommendations made 
• Contacts with local, regional and international organizations maintained
• Seminars, meetings, workshops coordinated 
• Staff appraised

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Participates in the Ministry’s strategic planning and develops the Research and Development component of the strategic plan 
• Coordinates the development of operational plans and budgets for the Division and monitors the implementation of these plans and budgets to ensure that the Division’s work is carried out according to plan and within budget and that the agreed targets are met 
• Develops priority settings for the Division 
• Provides guidance and framework for the development of agricultural research projects, programmes and their implementation 
• Coordinates and monitors the operations of four (4) Research Stations and reviews and approves the setting of objectives and goals and ensures the achievement targets 
• Collaborates with local, regional and international organizations on matters relative for the improved conduct of research and development
• Represents the Ministry and Government of Jamaica International Conferences, Seminars and Workshops 
• Evaluates the capacity of the Division to effectively manage the animal and plant genetic resources within its portfolio and makes recommendations where necessary 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Evaluates the Research and Development activities to ensure that they are relevant and cost effective 
• Develops guidelines and priorities for crops, livestock and plant protection activities 
• Priorities technical advice to the Chief Technical Directors, Permanent Secretary and Minister of Agriculture 
• Oversees the development of research, technical papers and a variety of documents and directs and manages the development of methodologies and strategies for research and development 
• Develops collaborative programmes and projects with local and international agencies 

Human Resource Responsibilities 

• 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 availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Unit 
• 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 committed to the Division’s and organization’s goals. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Any other related duties as directed by the Permanent Secretary and the Chief Technical Director 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Divisional budget, strategic and operational plans and individual work plans developed and implemented within established guidelines and timeframes
• Priority settings and guidelines developed within agreed timeframes
• Technical papers accurately prepared and presented within the agreed timeframe 
• Projects and programmes developed and implement within the agreed timeframe 
• Workplans, business plans and project proposals formulated and presented within the agreed timeframe 
• Evaluations conducted and recommendations made within the agreed timeframe 
• Good coordination and effective working relations with local, regional and international organizations maintained on an on-going basis 
• Staff evaluated and appraised within the given timeframe 
• Staff needs are identifies and addressed 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core 

• Strong leadership and management skills 
• Good interpersonal and people management skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Good presentation skills 
• Good problem solving and conflict management skills 
• Excellent customer and quality focus skills
• Strong integrity 
• Managing the client interface 
• Managing external partners 

Technical 

• Excellent knowledge of Ministry’s policies and procedures 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer 
• Sound knowledge of topical issues in agriculture, agriculture economics and cutting-edge technology in agricultural research and development
• Technical, business and scientific writing skills 
• Knowledge of Programme Budgeting and Financial Management 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• M. Sc. or PH.D Degree in Agriculture or a related discipline
• A minimum of ten (10) years, research experience at Senior Management level or Head of a Research Department of a University, Government or other recognized research institution, as well as completion of substantial projects and publications 

CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Nil 

AUTHORITY

• Recommends hiring of staff 
• Recommends leave, disciplinary action and promotion of staff according to established human resources policies 
• Recommends study leave 
• Signs off on budget and authorizes various expenditure within the Division

We appreciate your interest in these positions; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.