About NARO:
The National Agricultural Research Organization is established by the National Agricultural Research Act, 2005 as a body corporate with the mandate to provide strategic direction for publicly funded agricultural research in Uganda. The organization is composed of the Council as its governing body, Committees of Council, a Secretariat for its day-to-day operations with seven national and nine zonal semi-autonomous Public Agricultural Research Institutes (PARI’s) under its policy guidance.
Job Summary: The Director of Research will serve as the Head of Bulindi Agricultural Research and Development Institute and will be responsible for providing professional, technical and administrative Leadership necessary for implementing the institute mandate.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage the implementation of Research and ensure the prompt delivery of adequate and quality research outputs,
Provide leadership in priority setting as a requisite for the implementation of research programs.
Provide policy advice on appropriate technologies and information for responsible agricultural practice;
Develop and implement a strategy on Resource Mobilization to enable the institute have additional funding for research and staff remuneration;
Formulate and implement strategic plans, research programs and annual budget in line with approved government policies;
Implement effective financial management policies and systems for tracking, monitoring and reporting financial performance against budget to ensure proper management and accountability of funds;
Implement effective human resource management policies and systems;
Develop effective communication, publicity and advocacy programs to ensure that role of the Institute is recognized by the public;
Putting in place participatory approaches and methods to monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of the Institute’s research activities and technologies;
Work closely with private sector to bring technology and research applications to the marketplace with a view to enhancing commercialization and availability of appropriate technologies to a wide array of stakeholders;
Monitor challenges in the operating environment to ensure that the Institute complies with relevant legislation as well as agricultural and environmental laws including other relevant policies and guidelines;
Ensure that research projects and program comply with National and sector development plans and strategies;
Participate up to 25 percent of his/her time in scientific research activities
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate must hold a PhD in the field of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences or Agricultural Economics
A minimum of ten years’ experience in Livestock or agricultural research planning or management.
Equivalent experience obtained from a related field is acceptable
A proven record in research evidenced by at least five peer reviewed publications in the last five years.
Broad knowledge and understanding of the role of agricultural research to poverty reduction
Excellent leadership, negotiations and communication skills including demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams.
Proven ability to influence and motivate staff towards the achievement of strategic objectives and goals.
Excellent working relationships with national, regional and international research institutions/centers as well as development partners and private agencies.
Must demonstrate a clear understanding and ability to uphold provisions of the Leadership Code Act, 2002.
The applicant should have served in a research, academic or related reputable research institution at a senior research/management level and above.
Age limit: Below 55 years
How to Apply:
All interested applicants should submit a hard copy of the application with a detailed curriculum vitae prefaced with a statement of not more than 250 words explaining why he or she considers oneself a suitable candidate for the job. He/She should provide names, day-time telephone numbers, e-mail and physical addresses of 3 (three) respectable referees who are able to provide a candid opinion on his/her professional abilities, personal attributes and suitability for appointment to this position. The application letter, CV, photocopies of academic certificates and testimonials should be submitted to:
The Director General,
National Agricultural Research Organization,
Plot 11-13, Lugard Avenue,
P.O. Box 295,
Entebbe. Uganda
Deadline: 17th July 2017