Liaison Officer (GMG/AM 4)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Director, Agricultural Information Systems (MIS/IT 7), the Liaison Officer (GMG/AM 4) is responsible to provide and maintain an effective web-based interface for the collection, dissemination of marketing intelligence and technical information to the farming community and the general public. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Smooth operation of the dissemination system managed and ensured. Client/server information technology services designed, implemented and facilitated. Organizational programmes’ needs coordinated 
• Training needs identified and addressed 
• Progress reports prepared 
• Research conducted and data analyzed 
• Coordinated data collection and reporting systems developed and implemented Clients/user needs satisfied

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Administrative Responsibilities 

• Assists in the development of objectives, work schedules, and plans for performing the duties of the Section. 
• Represents the Ministry/Director/attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and seminars as required. 
• Maintains customer service principles, standards, and measurements; Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design. 
• Contributes to and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment, and commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals. Prepares and submits reports/documents as required. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Prepares and submits reports on database maintenance and network administrative activities. 
• Researches and analyses data, compiles information, develops and prepares reports from agencies/private sector 
• Responds to queries from internal and external clients. 
• Consults with various agencies regarding design, implementation and facilitation of technology services for the collection and reporting of statistical data. Designs and manages systems for the dissemination of statistical data and reports to internal and external clients 
• Assists in the design, maintenance and management of a communication and information system that provides accurate and current agricultural marketing intelligence to stakeholders. 
• Provides, maintains and carries out periodic evaluations of data collection and reporting systems within the Ministry 
• Updates web-based interface for the collection of agricultural data by RADA and other field officers 
• Ensures that the current needs of internal and external clients are met Ensures the accuracy and integrity of data on the database. 
• Liaises with the RADA and other stakeholders in the conversion of technical information and recommendations into web-enabled interfaces 
• Liaises with other disciplines for coordination purposes. 
• Assists with the preparation of Weekly, Monthly and Annual Reports Initiates, and generates technical instructions, site needs and other sites observation 
• Coordinates work, questionnaires, provides information and deals with queries 
• Responds to complaints and seek to resolve concerns
• Deals with people issues in a positive manner and ensures that satisfaction is achieved. 
• Establishes an effective communication system and maintains a good relationship with RADA and other agricultural agencies 
• Researches and collates information from private agencies and the private sector for analyses and decision-making. 
• Retrieves data from agencies, the private sector and other agricultural stakeholders to support marketing intelligence information 
• Inputs and maintains the computerized database collected from farmers, RADA Officers and other stakeholders concerning marketing information. 
• Trains users in system operation. 
• Coordinates organizational programme needs with an information technology system Develops and reviews user training materials. 
• Maintains a reliable backup and recovery plan for system data. 
• Designs data tables and database queries to produce reports. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs other related duties and responsibilities assigned by the Director, Agricultural Information Systems, Principal Director, Agricultural Marketing Information and Incentives. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Reports are accurately prepared in accordance with the required format and standards, and submitted within the agreed timeframe. 
• Client/server information technology services designed, implemented, and facilitated efficiently, adhering to agreed standards. 
• Effective programmes and training needs identified and coordinated efficiently in keeping with agreed standards and in a timely manner, 
• Research data is analyzed, and findings are documented and produced within the agreed timeframe and required standards. 
• Effective coordinated data collection and reporting systems developed and implemented in keeping with established standards and timeframe. 
• Recommendations, communication mechanisms and database information are sound, effective, accurate, current, reliable and adhere to the required standards.
• Clients/user needs are courteously satisfied in keeping with established standards at all times. 
• Displays confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity in the execution of duties at all times 
• Confidentiality, integrity and professionalism displayed in the delivery of duties and interaction with staff. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core 

• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Good analytical thinking skills 
• Good teamwork and cooperation skills 
• Good customer and quality focus skills 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Good oral communication skills 
• Good communication skills 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills 

Technical 

• Expert knowledge of database/data collection applications software 
• Good knowledge of Information Technology and Web Browsers.
• Ability to read and interpret technical material. 
• Excellent knowledge of the agricultural sector 
• Good research and report-writing skills 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture or Statistics with exposure to Agricultural Science, Computer Science or equivalent from an accredited tertiary institution 
• A background of working in Information Technology and usage of statistical software would be an asset. 
• Two (2) years working experience in a related area.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Exposure to computer monitor for long periods 
• Requires interaction with other IT professionals internally and externally.
• Being able to meet specific deadlines. 

AUTHORITY

• Recommends computer hardware 
• Recommends computer software.

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