Job Opportunities in RADA

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is Jamaica's principal agricultural extension advisory and rural development agency and is a legislative authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MA&F). Its mandate is carried out by strategically deploying its cadre of managerial, technical, and support employees across its island-wide network of service centers in order to bring the service closer to the farming community. The Authority is seeking qualified persons to fill the following positions:

1.     Senior Director, Finance and Accounts (FMG/PA 4)

2.     Director, Engineering Services (SOG/ST 8)

3.     Senior Director – Social Services/ Home Economics (SOG/ST 9)
 

1. SENIOR DIRECTOR, FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS (FMG/PA 4)

The incumbent will be required to effectively perform the management of the finance and accounts functions of RADA in accordance with the following legislative framework and conventions: Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act and Regulations, RADA Act 1990, Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act, 2001, Government of Jamaica Procurement Guidelines, International Accounting Standards (IAS) and other relevant Financial Regulations, Legislations and Policies in force from time to time

Under the direction of the Principal Director, Corporate Services, the Senior Director of Finance and Accounts is responsible for the management of all financial and accounting administration of RADA in accordance with its strategic objective.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares, documents and implements effective financial, accounting procedures and processes
• Develops and maintain effective and efficient financial & accounting policies and systems to facilitate timely management decisions
• Prepares Monthly, Semi-annual and Annual Financial reports
• Ensures proper control of expenditure on approved budgetary programmes, projects and activities
• Engages in the successful development of  Income Generation and Revenue Earning Activities
• Fosters the development of  highly motivated and skilled staff
• Efficient management of the investments of RADA’s funds
• Timely preparations and presentation of audited financial statements
• Properly monitored projects, loans and other funds
• Contributes to the development of the strategic plans for RADA in conjunction with the other Senior Management Staff to ensure financial sustainability
• Leads in developing appropriate work plans and strategies for the efficient operation of the Finance and Accounts Department
• Oversees the performance assessment systems of all finance, accounting,  and payroll personnel

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent knowledge of financial and accounting management
• Competence in operating a computerized accounting system
• Good knowledge of information technology and the scope it offers for supporting management and operations
• Sound personal and professional integrity
• Excellent leadership and team building skills
• Excellent analytical and judgement skills
• Excellent planning, organizing and problem solving skills
• Excellent presentation and written communication skills
• Ability to prioritise amongst conflicting demands and make rational decisions based on sound understanding of the situation
• Ability to cope well under pressured working conditions to meet specific deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE    

• A Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Management Studies with major in Accounting  
• ACCA Level 3 Accreditation along with
• Appropriate Management Courses from a recognized tertiary institution
• Sound knowledge of Government Accounting
• Working experience of at least 5 years at a Senior Management level
• Knowledge of the Money Market and Investment Policies would be an asset

OR

• A Bachelor’s degree in Finance & Accounts
• ACCA Level 2
• At least 10 years at the Senior Management level
• Sound knowledge of the operations of Government and Government Accounting
• Knowledge of the Money Market and Investment Policies would be an asset

2. DIRECTOR, ENGINEERING SERVICES (SOG/ST 8)

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Director, Technical Services, the Director of Engineering Services is responsible for coordinating, directing, controlling and monitoring the operation of all civil, agricultural and mechanical engineering activities to be carried out in the Authority and in keeping with RADA’s Mandate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preparation of annual estimates of Capital and Recurrent expenditure on all engineering activities within RADA
• Management of engineering works, including certification of Contractors work for payment.
• Management of a Tractor Pool and Fleet Vehicle Scheme including the allocation of tractors, their repair and maintenance.
• Monitoring in consultation with the Parish Agricultural Manager and the Zonal Director all details of the Works  Engineering budget
• Confirmation of standard specifications and rates available to all Contractor
• Ensuring the Division is well staffed with experienced and motivated personnel
• Supervision of Regional Works Engineers

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

• Sound management and communication skills
• Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and practices of civil and agricultural engineering
• Ability to implement civil engineering development projects and programmes
• Knowledge of environmental and safety legislation, as it relates to civil  and agricultural engineering
• Sound understanding of civil engineering codes of practice as they apply to a hurricane-prone island like Jamaica
• Adept knowledge of government budgeting and procurement procedures
• Sound analytical and strategic thinking
• Ability to prioritize amongst conflicting demands and make rational decisions based upon a sound understanding of the facts in limited time
• Good knowledge of information technology and the scope it offers for supporting civil and agricultural engineers in their work

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE               

• B.Sc. Degree in Civil or Agricultural Engineering.
• Plus at least 5 - 7 years’ experience in the related field, along with two years’ experience at the  Senior management level.

SPECIAL CONDITION ASSOCIATES WITH THE JOB

• Valid Drivers Licence
• Working under extreme pressure
   

3. SENIOR DIRECTOR – SOCIAL SERVICES/ HOME ECONOMICS (SOG/ST 9)

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Director, Field Services/Operations the Senior Director, Social Services/Home Economics (SS/HE) is responsible for managing the work of the Unit in keeping with the Strategic direction of the Authority. This includes the oversight of  all programmes, projects and activities aimed at facilitating an improvement in the social, economic  and intellectual well being of rural farm families throughout Jamaica.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans and promotes programmes and projects designed to enhance the involvement of women in agricultural/social services to advance Rural Development.
• Directs the Senior Social Services/Home Economics Officers in  ensuring the implementation of programme activities within the 13 Rural Parishes
• Sets Performance Standards for the Senior SS/HE Officers and  Food Technologist
• Prepares Project documents, source funding and technical assistance from National and International Donors to support local initiatives
• Advances low cost technologies in agro-processing which are appropriate to the development of small agro-processing enterprises 
• Directs the establishment of Income Generating Enterprises amongst women and youths in rural communities to reduce rural/urban drift and increase income streams.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

• Highly motivated with good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent leadership and management skills
• Be technically competent in food systems, home management clothing and textile.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE    

• First Degree in Home Economics, Food & Nutrition or Human Ecology
• Post Graduate Qualification in Management Studies or Social Work
• At least ten (10) years practical experience in Social Services/ Home Economics extension work at a senior level

SPECIAL CONDITION ASSOCIATES WITH THE JOB

• Long working hours and extensive traveling Island wide.
• Own and operate a motor vehicle
• Food Handlers Certificate

   

Please submit your Applications and Resumes by Friday December 17, 2021 to:

Acting Senior Director – Human Resource Management & Administration

Rural Agricultural Development Authority

Hope Gardens

KINGSTON 6

Or email:  jobs@rada.gov.jm

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.