JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Strategic Planning, Performance & Project Management Directorate , the incumbent has overall responsibility for the development, monitoring and evaluation of the Authority’s strategic planning function and the development and implementation of projects to support the Authority in carrying out its mandate.

KEY OUTPUTS:

• Corporate strategic plans, annual work plans and budgets developed and monitored;
• Technical advice provided
• Operational policies, systems and procedures developed
• Reports prepared and submitted
• Records maintained
• Planning framework created
• Environmental forecasts conducted
• Monitoring review meetings/seminars held
• Projects Proposals developed and funding secured
• New products/marketing strategy developed
• Projects evaluated and Financial Reviews and Project Summaries prepared
• Competent staff

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative

• Participates in the development of the strategic direction of the Authority
• Leads the development and monitors implementation of the division’s operational plan and budget
• Provides technical advice to the Chief Executive Officer, the National Board, Heads of Divisions and other relevant personnel on planning and policy matters
• Develops, implements and maintains policies, systems and procedures to guide the operations of the division.
• Collaborates with the Public Relations Unit to develop a programme for the effective communication of the Authority’s policies, programmes and projects both internally and externally.
• Represents the Authority at local and international meetings, conferences and other fora as required.
• Prepares and submits performance and other reports and ensures timely submission of all documents/information requested from the Division.
• Maintains appropriate records on the Division’s activities and all project activities.

Professional/Technical

• Creates the planning framework to support the Authority’s planning functions ensuring consistency with other management processes such as performance management, project management and management reporting.
• Develops the Five Year Rural Development Plan and the Annual Corporate Plan for the Authority.
• Ensures that the Performance Measurement and Improvement Programmes are relevant and achievable.
• Forecasts and analyses external variables of strategic importance to the Authority and ensures their integration into the planning process.
• Ensures that divisional plans are assessed for conformity with established policies, directives and overall strategic objectives and coordinates discussions at all levels of the organization to secure agreement on the adoption of the Annual Corporate Plan.
• Keeps abreast of internal and external factors which are likely to impede the achievement of planned targets and develops appropriate contingency plans to ensure the achievement of objectives
• Holds regular consultations with Senior Managers to review the work of the Data Specialist as it relates to the implementation of the Five Year Plan and the Annual Corporate Plan.
• Conducts quarterly reviews of unmet targets and the relevant corrective action taken.
• Liaises with the Director of Finance, Accounts and Procurement to ensure that the annual budget reflects the programmes and projects which were approved under the Five Year Agricultural Development Plan and the Annual Corporate Plan.
• Oversees and ensures the development of research mechanisms to provide information and analysis to support the planning function.
• Monitors the implementation of programmes and projects as outlined in the Five Year Rural Agricultural Development Plan and the Annual Corporate Plan.
• Ensures that the performance indicators which are set to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of programmes and projects are realistic and achievable.
• Identify deviations from planned programmes and objectives and advises the Chief Executive Officer/Board Chairman of possible corrective action.
• Convenes scheduled performance improvement seminars with the senior management team to review past activities and determine if input/output ratios are maintained.
• Liaises with the Marketing/Special Projects Division to ensure that locally and internationally funded projects relate to the overall programmes and objectives of the organization.
• Develops long and short term projects and programmes particularly those with income generating capacity.

• Identifies opportunities for new products, markets and industries.
• Conducts market and technology research and formulates marketing strategy.
• Plans and implements, in conjunction with the relevant managers, the development of new agricultural and home economics products.

• Leads the development of project proposals and negotiations with international agencies, business groups and agencies for funding and other partnership arrangements.
• Ensures effective collaboration with Government Ministries/Agencies for project development and implementation where required.
• Establishes policies and procedures for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects undertaken by the Authority and ensures reporting requirements of all stakeholders/partners are met.

1. Prepares and monitors budgets ensuring that expenditure is in keeping with projected amounts.
2. Conducts post implementation evaluation of projects and prepares the necessary Financial Reviews and Project Summaries.

• Coordinates the activities relating to the collection of data and the development of an efficient management information system for all projects through the use of manual and/or computer based systems

Human Resource Management

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of progress reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance and/or attaining established 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.
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the division are clearly identified and addressed.
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

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

AUTHORITY

• Approve expenditure within assigned limit
• Recommend disciplinary and other personnel action in keeping with human resources, policies and procedures
• Recommend corrective action (where there is deviation from planned programmes and objectives)
• Recommend new projects/products/markets

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Strategic, operational and financial plans are prepared, completed within established time frame and synchronized
• Planning framework is developed, consistently reviewed and is synergistic with other management functions.
• Technical advice is sound and leads to business development
• All operating systems, policies and procedures are documented and current.
• Reports are accurate and submitted within established timeframe. 
• Records are accurate and current
• Environmental forecasts are conducted in a timely manner and incorporated in the planning process.
• Effective collaboration is maintained with the senior management team in monitoring and evaluating projects and programmes.
• Project proposals are comprehensive and adequate
• Project activities are monitored on an ongoing basis
• New products/marketing strategy developed based on research findings
• Project Evaluation, Financial Reviews and Project Summaries are done at the end of every project.
• Development and welfare of employees in the division are adequately addressed and employees are efficient and effective.
• High ethical standards are maintained in the execution of duties and personal conduct.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS

Internal

External

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

Typical work environment

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Technical/Functional Competencies

1. Excellent planning and organizing skills
2. Sound knowledge of project planning, monitoring and evaluation
3. Strong leadership and management skills
4. Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
5. Good analytical and decision-making skills
6. Knowledge of Management Information Systems

Core Competencies

1. Excellent oral and written communications skills
2. Excellent report writing and presentation skills
3. Initiative
4. Teamwork and cooperation
5. Knowledge of the operations of Government
6. Knowledge of the Authority’s policies and procedures

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters Degree in Rural Development Agri Economics or a related discipline
• Bachelors Degree in General Agriculture or equivalent
• Five years experience at management level