Senior Research Officer (Level 8)

JOB PURPOSE: 

Under the general direction of the Director, Aquaculture Research Branch, the Senior Aquaculture Research Officer is responsible for developing, designing, implementing and monitoring research activities to support the sustainable development of Aquaculture. 

There is a requirement to, inter alia, conduct, evaluate and analyze research findings in order to provide advice and recommendations on improved methods of production, the introduction of new initiatives within the aquaculture environment and the resolution of emerging issues. The incumbent also analyzes research findings and formulates recommendations to support policy development and the implementation of projects. 

Additionally, the incumbent advises the Director on the development of the annual research agenda and budget. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative 

• Collaborates with the Director of Aquaculture Research to develop operational plans and to determine the annual research agenda and budget; 
• Creates an effective team to achieve the agreed objectives and targets; 
• Participates in monitoring the implementation of the Research Branch’s operational plan to ensure that work is carried out as planned and within budget and that agreed targets are met;
• Develops in collaboration with staff, work programmes for the accomplishment aquaculture research plans; 
• Deploys material resources necessary for the implementation of the planned initiatives in research;
• Ensures that material and equipment are available in adequate supply and used efficiently and that research, development and technical support facilities are adequate; 
• Provides appropriate communication and knowledge management systems within the Branch and with other internal and external entities to facilitate the sharing of relevant information in an accurate and timely manner; 
• Manages continuous performance of staff within the section through the implementation of the PMAS system; 
• Represents the Authority at local conferences, seminars and workshops concerning aquaculture research; 
• Prepares and submits performance and other reports as required 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Advises the Director of Research on the annual research agenda and the methodology for the conduct of research; 
• Maintains and applies current knowledge of research techniques and mechanisms for the aquaculture environment to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of all research;
• Designs and implements experiments, collects, tabulates and analyzes data, summarizes results and submits findings and recommendations to the Director 
• Evaluates and analyses data on aquatic species, determines scientific out-put and recommends changes in policies, strategies and initiatives to enhance production ; 
• Calibrates specific research equipment to ensure that correct scientific data is collected;
• Conducts research on the reproduction/propagation, nutrition, growth and production methods of target aquaculture species;
• Conducts research on new and improved aquaculture practices to improve productivity;
• Recommends methods for improved and efficient production of aquaculture products;
• Conducts studies on the production efficiency of tilapia and feed conversion rates with different diets; 
• Conducts research in the socio-economics of fish farmers and production costs of fish farming ventures and practices; 
• Conducts studies to improve the culturing of oysters and to facilitate their sale to farmers for growing on to marketable size; 
• Organizes meetings and events designed to communicate the results of aquaculture research to fish farmers; 
• Formulates and/or contributes to monthly, quarterly and annual research reports
• Provides data and documents on research results at technical meetings with stakeholders and the general public; 
• Presents research findings to the Director, Aquaculture Research and other internal and external stakeholders in order to expose new initiatives within the aquaculture environment;
• Maintains a relationship with STATIN and PIOJ in support of accessing and sharing research data and analysis; 
• Maintains a network of other experts engaged in research in the aquaculture environment to facilitate sharing of relevant information and data; 
• Reviews and makes contributions to publications for aquaculture producers and their customers on health management, processing and relevant management practices, based on research;
• Monitors field trials in order to give assistance in identifying and resolving problems;
• Assists the Director, Aquaculture Research in the evaluation of various aquaculture ventures leading to prevention and control measures that minimize their impact on the fish stock;
• Makes recommendations on the technical feasibility of aquaculture projects which are proposed by the private and public sector agencies in Jamaica. 
• Identifies and investigates technical farm problems and makes appropriate recommendations, based on research; 
• Responds to fishery management and policy queries regarding the impact of management and policy decisions on aquaculture. 

Human Resource Management 

• Provides leadership to direct reports through effective objective setting, planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching. 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Branch and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures.
• 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. 
• Identifies the training needs of direct reports and recommends programmes to facilitate staff training and development; provides career guidance 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff are clearly identified and addressed.
• Participates in the development and implementation of a succession planning programme to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Branch. 
• Recommends disciplinary action to be taken when necessary 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Branch and Authority’s goals. 
• Represents the Division/Branch at meetings and workshops locally and internationally 

Other Responsibilities

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

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Operational plans and work plans prepared within agreed time frame and in accordance with established guidelines; 
• Research budget developed according to the required format and submitted to the Divisional Director within the agreed timeframe; 
• Research proposals are comprehensively developed and submitted within the agreed timeframe;
• Aquaculture research programmes designed and implemented within the agreed time frame; 
• Research findings and recommendations are accurate, documented, stored and maintained to facilitate easy retrieval; 
• Monthly and other Progress Reports are accurate, comprehensive and submitted within agreed time; 
• New initiatives are continuously researched and recommended on an ongoing basis;
• Effective partnerships established and maintained with Aquaculture research partners and stakeholders; 
• Technical/policy advice provided is sound and consistently accepted by the principals
• Training programmes developed/identified and staff satisfactorily trained; 
• Staff performance appraisals conducted in accordance with established guidelines and within the agreed timeframe 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core 

• Good leadership and organizational skills 
• Good interpersonal and people management skills 
• Good communication skills 
• Good customer relations skills 
• Good problem solving and conflict management skills 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Technical 

• Good knowledge of the Fisheries Act 2018 and related regulations and guidelines
• Sound knowledge of the policies and procedures of the National Fisheries Authority.
• Excellent knowledge of research methodologies and investigative techniques
• Sound knowledge of aquatic biology, fish genetics, hatchery production and fish pathology
• Good project management skills 
• Working knowledge and understanding of fisheries and aquaculture management
• Ability to take scientific knowledge and make recommendations for its incorporation into policy proposals 
• Sound Knowledge of the Jamaican aquaculture industry 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in Natural Science or related discipline 
• Three (3) years’ experience in a comparable working environment 

OR 

• First Degree in Natural Science or related discipline 
• Post Graduate Certification in Fisheries or related discipline 
• Three (3) years experience in aquaculture research

We appreciate your interest in this position; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.