The Public Service Commission is inviting applications to fill the vacant posts of 1 x Director, Soil Conservation and Post-Harvest in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement as detailed below:

GRADE : F1

REPORTS TO : CHIEF DIRECTOR- AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING, MECHANISATION AND SOIL CONSERVATION

DEPARTMENT : AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING, MECHANISATION AND SOIL CONSERVATION

STATION : HEAD OFFICE

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Spearhead the formulation, evaluation, implementation and review of policies, regulations, procedures and strategies on Post-Harvest, Agro-Processing, soil and water conservation and ensure that they are in sync with the Ministry’s strategic plan and national development goals and aspirations.
• Coordinate the promotion of conservation agriculture and sustainable energy technologies in agriculture.
• Superintend over the protection of arable and non-arable land through pegging of soil and water conservation works (contours).
• Oversee the development/provision of relevant documentation and records of water and soil maps, geo-referencing, suitability and related pedagogical and hydrological issues in relation to agricultural mechanisation programmes.
• Coordinate the training of farmers and extension workers on appropriate Soil and Water Conservation, Post-Harvest and Agro-Processing technologies.
• Superintend over the conduct of research on appropriate Post-Harvest, Agro-Processing and soil and water conservation technologies.
• Ensure adherence to set national, regional and international policies and standards in the preservation and conservation of soils and water sources and infrastructure.
• Facilitate liaison with the Local Authorities, relevant Line Ministries/ Departments and other stakeholders in the implementation of Post-Harvest, Agro-Processing, soil and water conservation strategies and technologies.
• Represent the Department in National, Regional and International fora and Agreements/ Protocols on, Post-Harvest, Agro-Processing, soil and water conservation.
• Develop budgets and funding strategies for research and related programmes for Post-Harvest, Agro-Processing, soil and water conservation.
• Provide relevant technical input into the procurement of equipment, services and materials for Post-Harvest, Agro-Processing, soil and water conservation programmes
• Facilitate the maintenance of an integrated national soil and water conservation database and the production of reports on Post-Harvest and Agro-Processing in the country.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or equivalent
• A relevant master’s degree will be an added advantage
• Certification and/or licensing with a relevant professional accrediting organization will be a distinct advantage.
• At least two (2) years relevant experience at Deputy Director or equivalent level in Post-Harvest, Agro-Processing, soil and water conservation management.
• An understanding of the relevant regulations and policies; to include National Water Policy, State Procurement Regulations, Local Authorities By-laws and National and Regional Environmental Regulations governing soils and water management.
• Sound knowledge of current National Development Programmes, Policies and Priorities.
• Willingness to travel widely within and outside the country
• Ability to communicate and network with a broad spectrum of stakeholders
• Strong leadership and team building skills
• Ability to employ information communication technology in the design, and monitoring of Post-Harvest, Agro-Processing, soil and water conservation programmes.

Candidates, [especially women], with relevant long-term experience at senior levels in the private sector or in the non-state enterprises domain within and outside Zimbabwe are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: 11 July 2021