Senior Livestock Research Officer (SOG/ST 6)

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, Livestock (SOG/ST 7), the Senior Livestock Research Officer (SOG/ST 6) is responsible for conducting investigations (feeding and nutrition; reproduction and health; husbandry; breeding) on various classes of stock, supervising production units and the delivery of technical and advisory services to the farming public.

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Reviews fortnightly paybills and other Work/Service Invoices for approval; 
• Assists in the development of the Operational Plan and Annual Budget for the Unit; 
• Assists in the execution of the Operational Plan; 
• Represents the Unit at meetings, seminars and other functions; 
• Assists in the procurement and delivery of inputs required for the Unit’s operations; 
• Conducts assessment of the Unit’s infrastructure to determine maintenance requirements;
• Prepares and submits prescribed reports; 
• Participates in training programmes. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Research and Development Investigations 
• Develops and implements individual research/development projects related to area of focus; 
• Ensures that proper techniques are employed for the collection, collation, input and analysis of data; 
• Prepares and presents written/oral reports; 
• Reviews local and international literature pertinent to the area of focus; 
• Provides technical advice to the farming public. 

Supervision of Production Units 

• Supervises the implementation and maintenance of the prescribed breeding programmes;
• Supervises the implementation of prescribed husbandry and nutrition programmes for all classes of stock; 
• Supervises the maintenance of all records pertinent to births, deaths, sales and inventory of animals; 
• Supervises the maintenance of records on animal performance; 
• Supervises the timely breeding and treatment of animals in need of veterinary attention; 
• Monitors the developments in the Industry in order to guide research and development programmes. 

Human Resources: 

• Monitors the performance of direct reports; 
• Prepares performance appraisals, conducts evaluations and makes recommendations; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to staff through effective planning, delegation, communication and training; 
• Facilitates and supports personal growth and development of staff members including the implementation of conflict resolution strategies. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Strong leadership and management skills 
• Good interpersonal and people management skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Teamwork and co-operation 
• Ability to demonstrates good initiative 
• Strong integrity 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Good analytical thinking skills 

Technical: 

• Knowledge of the operations of Government policies and procedures
• Excellent knowledge of Livestock Husbandry and Management 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Masters Degree in Animal Science specialty with two (2) years related experience;
• Training in Supervisory Management. 

OR 

• Bachelor of Science Degree in General Agriculture/Biological Sciences and three (3) years in-service experience; 
• Publications including at least one (1) Research Paper; 
• Training in Supervisory Management. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Frequent exposure to animals and their body fluids, with associated parasites, vectors and micro-organisms which could cause injury and possible transmission of zoonotic diseases; 
• Periodic exposure to chemicals associated with Livestock Husbandry and care which can be harmful to humans. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.