Jobs at 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 and Mining (MAFM). Its mandate is carried out by strategically deploying a cadre of managerial, technical, and support employees across its island-wide network of service centres in order to bring the service closer to the farming community. The Authority is seeking qualified persons to fill the following positions:
1. Principal Director, Corporate Services (GMG/SEG 6)
2. Director, Human Resource Development (GMG/SEG 2)
3. Chief Internal Auditor (FMG/AS 4)
4. Social Services/ Home Economics Officer (SOG/ST 6)
5. Public Procurement Officer (GMG/AM 3)
6. Senior Salaries Officer (FMG/AT 3)
1. Principal Director, Corporate Services (GMG/SEG 6)
Under the broad direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the incumbent is responsible for the management of the Authority’s corporate operations. This involves overseeing the development and implementation of plans and programmes to effectively support the achievement of the Authority’s mission, goals and objectives in the areas of Human Resource Management and Administration, Finance and Accounts, Procurement, Communication & Public Relations; and Information & Communication Technology.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serves as a member of the Authority’s Strategic Management Team who are collectively responsible for providing leadership and guiding the strategic direction and overall achievements of its policy agenda
Provides technical advice to the CEO, Board Chairman, and other members of staff on matters relating to the designated areas of responsibility
- Coordinates the development and monitors the implementation of the Division’s corporate/operational plans.
- Monitors and gives guidance to the adherence of GOJ protocols for the procurement and maintenance of office and plant equipment.
- Reviews recommendations for material and equipment needs to ensure that are in keeping approved plans and budgets and established standards
- Ensures the development of a security plan for the Authority and oversees its implementation
- Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommend and/or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance and/or attaining established personal and/or organizational goals.
- Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures.
- In collaboration with the Human Resource Division, develops and implements a succession planning programme to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Division.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES
- Planning and organizing skills
- Strategic planning skills
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Good problem solving and conflict management skills
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
1. Post-graduate degree in the Social Sciences or any equivalent education and training that provides the required knowledge
2. Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible and related experience in a managerial or leadership capacity.
2. Director, Human Resource Development (GMG/SEG 2)
Under the direction of the Senior Director, Human Resource Management and Administration, the incumbent is responsible for the providing training opportunities to satisfy the training and developmental needs of the Authority’s employees in order to maximize their potentials and enable the Authority to achieve its goals and objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepares a long-term plan as well as an annual operational plan for training and development.
- Prepares and implements an annual training budget.
- Prepares and submits regular performance and other reports on the work of the Unit.
- Maintains a training database with pertinent records on all training and development activities.
- Conducts training needs surveys to ensure that planned training programmes are relevant to the needs of the Authority.
- Develops the Authority’s training policy and designs training and development plans to support its mission and objectives
- Develops and implements a suitable training programme which supports the Authority’s Succession Planning Policy.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES
- Sound knowledge of human resource management
- Good negotiating/persuading skills
- Strong planning and organizational skills
- Excellent presentation skills
- Good time management skills
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences
- Training Certification/Teacher Diploma
- Five (5) years experience in a training environment at a senior level
3. Chief Internal Auditor (FMG/AS 4)
Under the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Internal Auditor is responsible for managing the Authority’s Internal Audit activities to ensure that there is consistent adherence to internal policies and procedures and there are adequate internal controls in place to maintain the integrity of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority and all of its operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conducts risk assessment in order to determine areas to be audited.
- Develops audit programmes and the relevant systems and procedures for examination and assessment of designated audit areas.
- Plans, directs and coordinates the work of members of the audit team.
- Reviews and signs off working papers of team members.
- Conducts operational and financial audits and special investigations to determine compliance with the Financial Administration and Audit Act, regulations and policies.
- Consolidates overall audit findings from team members and prepares and submits final audit reports indicating deficiencies, implications and recommendations for improvement. Meets with relevant managers to discuss audit findings and provide guidance in the preparation of responses.
- Follows ups on the areas of weakness to ensure that deficiencies are corrected, improved procedures implemented and internal controls are adhered to.
- Serves as key advisor to managers in the development and verification of operational systems.
- Maintains a system for the control and safe custody of audit files.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES
- Sound knowledge of Financial Administration and Audit Act and Instructions, Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act, Handbook of Public Sector Procurement Procedures, Contractors Levy Act, Staff Orders for the Public Service other regulations and procedures governing the Public Sector.
- A thorough knowledge of current auditing standards and procedures
- Good knowledge of the organization’s laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Considerable knowledge of accounting principles and techniques.
- Good people management skills.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Management Studies with Accounting from a recognized university
OR
ACCA level 2
OR
Associate Degree in Accounting (MIND) and completion of the Revised Certificate in Government Accounting course
PLUS
Three (3) years auditing experience at a supervisory level
4. Social Services/ Home Economics Officer (SOG/ST 6)
The incumbent has significant responsibility in terms of group formation, and building their capability to become self-sustaining. This requires considerable skill and competences in group dynamics, conflict resolution and business planning for small and micro business enterprises.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify the needs of individual communities/groups and prepare a programme of activities to be implemented within each group in the Parish.
- Organize training sessions for Home Economics groups, 4-H club leaders and other groups needing technical support.
- Promote the production and utilization of local foods through home gardens and the development of recipes for use by farm families in meal preparation
- Guide groups in the preparation of Project Profiles for use by them to access funds for implementing income generating activities;
- Assist rural women with the development and marketing of agricultural value-added products;
- Visit homes to recruit new group members and attend to special needs of vulnerable families;
- Provide training and information on the Prevention and Management of Chronic Non- Communicable Diseases for families and communities;
- Collaborate with other extension workers in group activities such as demonstrations, exhibitions and shows
- Work with groups and individuals in identifying and establishing income generating activities to supplement family income;
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES
- Must be a good communicator, possess strong interpersonal skills, and relate easily to rural communities,
- Must be willing to live and work in rural areas.
- Must be trained in both the social sciences and home economics.
- Good understanding of group formation and dynamics is an important asset.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- First (1st) Degree in Home Economics
OR - Home Ecology from recognized Tertiary Institution
- Livelihood Assessment Training, can be provided in- house for new entrants
- Minimum of two years prior experience of working with rural communities required.
Specify licensing or certification necessary for the job
- Food Handlers Permit
5. Public Procurement Officer (GMG/AM 3)
The Public Procurement Officer under the general supervision of the Director Public Procurement is to assist in the procurement processes required for the acquisition of goods and services essential for the operation of the Rural Agricultural Development (RADA). The incumbent will ensure that all procurements are conducted in accordance with the Government of Jamaica procurement guidelines and procedures (Public Procurement Act 2015).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare tender notices and advertisements;
- Prepare RFQ for goods, general services and minor works;
- Obtain quotations/tenders from appropriately qualified suppliers;
- Represent Procurement Unit at Tender closing and opening exercises as Tender Officer;
- Maintain Procurement records in good order to facilitated audit and other reviews;
- Prepare Quarterly Contracts Award (QCA)report to be submitted to The Integrity Commission Office;
- Maintain a data base of all bonds and insurances and ensure that they are current all times and take responsibility for the safe keeping and return or all relevant documents
- Prepare Annual Contracts Cost Overruns and Variations Report (ACCOVR)
- Any other duties assigned by the Procurement Director.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES
- Extensive Knowledge of Government Procurement guidelines and procedures;
- Excellent knowledge of contract administration;
- Ability to research and evaluate technical proposals and recommend contracts for award;
- Knowledge of office management principles, practices and procedures;
- Excellent knowledge of Accounting practices as applied to procurement procedures;
- Working knowledge of computer applications.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Diploma in Public Administration/Management Studies/Accounting or any other related field;
- Three (3) years of procurement experience, in a similar position.
6. Senior Salaries Officer (FMG/AT 3)
Under the direction of the Payroll Supervisor, the Senior Salaries Officer has the overall responsibility for the operation and maintenance of an efficient payroll system at RADA.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare tender notices and advertisements;
- Prepare RFQ for goods, general services and minor works;
- Obtain quotations/tenders from appropriately qualified suppliers;
- Represent Procurement Unit at Tender closing and opening exercises as Tender Officer;
- Maintain Procurement records in good order to facilitated audit and other reviews;
- Prepare Quarterly Contracts Award (QCA)report to be submitted to The Integrity Commission Office;
- Maintain a database of all bonds and insurances and ensure that they are current all times and take responsibility for the safekeeping and return or all relevant documents
- Prepare Annual Contracts Cost Overruns and Variations Report (ACCOVR)
- Any other duties assigned by the Procurement Director.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES
- Extensive Knowledge of Government Procurement guidelines and procedures;
- Excellent knowledge of contract administration;
- Ability to research and evaluate technical proposals and recommend contracts for award;
- Knowledge of office management principles, practices and procedures;
- Excellent knowledge of Accounting practices as applied to procurement procedures;
- Working knowledge of computer applications.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Accounts (Major) with successful completion of the relevant Government Accounting Courses and two (2) years related experience
OR - Associate Degree in Accounting or Business Administration from a recognized institution plus a minimum of five (5) years in Government Accounting
OR - CAT Level B, AAT Level 2, ACCA Level 1 plus five (5) years experience in Government Accounting
Please submit your Applications and Resumes’ by Friday August 11, 2023 to:
Senior Director – Human Resource Management & Administration
Rural Agricultural Development Authority
Hope Gardens
KINGSTON 6
Or email: jobs@rada.gov.jm
Kindly indicate in the subject line, the title of the position for which you are applying.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted