Job Vacancy: Director of Agriculture

Job Title: Director of Agriculture
Location: Basseterre
Reports To: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture

Job Summary:
The Director of Agriculture is the Chief Technical Officer responsible for guiding and overseeing all agricultural policies, programs, and initiatives within the Department of Agriculture, St. Kitts. This role is essential to advancing sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security, supporting economic growth, and fostering innovation in the agricultural sector. The Director will collaborate with government officials, industry stakeholders, and the community to promote sustainable practices, improve agricultural productivity, and address key challenges affecting the sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Policy Development:
  • Lead the development and implementation of short-term and long-term agricultural policies and strategies.
  • Advise government officials on current agricultural trends, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Identify and support new areas for agricultural development, innovation, and sustainable practices.
• Program Management and Oversight:
  • Oversee and manage agricultural programs, projects, and funding initiatives to enhance crop and livestock productivity and food security
  • Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of all programs to align with national and regional agricultural goals.
  • Lead initiatives on food import reduction by promoting and supporting local food production and consumption.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:
  • Build and maintain relationships with farmers, cooperatives, agricultural organizations, research institutions, and international agencies.
  • Serve as the primary contact for agricultural partnerships, grants, and collaborative projects, including technical assistance and international development initiatives.
  • Facilitate public-private partnerships to support agricultural advancements and sustainable practices.
• Research, Innovation, and Education:
  • Promote research and innovation in agriculture by working with universities, research institutions, and local partners to implement new techniques and technologies.
  • Advocate for capacity-building initiatives to train farmers and agricultural workers on best practices, crop diversification, and organic farming.
  • Oversee educational outreach programs on sustainable agriculture, organic gardening, and food security.

• Regulatory and Compliance Oversight:
  • Ensure compliance with national and international agricultural standards and regulations.
  • Oversee the development of guidelines and protocols for safe and sustainable farming practices.
  • Address and mitigate issues related to environmental sustainability, including soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.
• Budget and Resource Management:
  • Develop and manage the budget for agricultural programs, ensuring efficient allocation and use of resources.
  • Secure funding through grants, partnerships, and government allocations to support ongoing projects and new initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Agricultural Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly preferred.
• Over five years of experience in agriculture, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership or senior management role.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural policies, practices, and technologies, including sustainable and organic farming.
• Proven experience in managing large programs, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of national and international agricultural regulations and standards.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, farmers, NGOs, and research organizations.
• Project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Knowledge of modern agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices.
• Commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food security.

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and 2 references to Mr. Miguel Flemming, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources by December 20, 2024, at 4pm at Building No.16 Port Zante, Basseterre or via email at psagriculture@gov.kn.