Vacancy - Director General
NARI is the lead research organisation, conducting and fostering applied, adaptive and development oriented research in the agriculture and rural development sectors in Papua New Guinea. Besides, NARI is responsible for providing analytical, diagnostic and advisory services to the agriculture sector. With its headquarters at Bubia, Ten mile outside Lae, NARI’s regional research co-ordination centres are located at Aiyura in Eastern Highlands Province, Tambul in Western Highlands Province, Laloki in Central Province, Bubia in Morobe Province, and Keravat in East New Britain Province. NARI’s livestock research centre is located at Labu in Morobe Province whle its Chemistry Laboratory is at Kilakila in Port Moresby. As an autonomous statutory organisation, the Institute is governed by the NARI Council.
NARI undertakes its research and information sharing activities in the major agro-ecological zones of the country. The total staff currently numbers 370; comprising of 130 professional and 240 ancillary staff, which is multicultural and multi-racial in composition. The Institute is fully established and well developed and is recognised as of high relevance to the development of PNG. Besides grant funding from PNG government, the Institute receives direct grant support from AusAID and funds from a number of aid/donor agencies both in PNG and internationally.
The Institute Council invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the position of Director-General. The position will be available for occupancy in August 2009.
Director-General is the Chief Executive and carries overall responsibility for the development and management of the Institute. He/she will lead a team of senior managers and scientific, technical and information staff in planning, developing and managing the research, information and technical programmes, human resources, finance, policy planning, statutory and corporate functions and public relations.
NARI has the major challenge of delivering on research results that contribute to the development of farming and rural communities and of developing in terms of quality human resources, funding, programme activities and corporate functions for efficiency, effectiveness and good governance. The position provides a unique and challenging opportunity for contributon to the socio-economic development of PNG as the nation focuses on renewable resources, food security, employment generation, adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts, and broad-based economic growth. The successful applicant will continue to develop and manage a creative research and innovation environment. Specific focus will remain on multidisciplinary systems research for smallholder semi-commercial farmers and rural communities.
Applicants will hold a minimum of a Masters degree, preferably a PhD, in agriculture, agriculture business management or a related discipline. He/she should have at least 15 years of research experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial and leadership role. Applicants should have a proven record in agricultural research, scientific leadership, strategic planning and policy development as evidenced by research publications, technical papers and strategy documents. Experience in tropical agriculture is essential, while appreciation of smallholder semi-commercial/subsistence systems and a sound understanding of agricultural research and development issues in PNG are highly desirable.
Other necessary qualities and attributes for success in the position would include the ability to be a forceful advocate of agricultural research for development (AR4D), and strongly developed ability to handle complexity and determine priorities. Successful experience in mobilising funds through budgetary support, collaborative projects, and in prudent and efficient management of resources, is essential, along with a basic understanding of government budgeting and financial management processes. Applicants should have a proven record of integrity, accountability and transparency in the management of public finance/ resources and statutory functions.
The appointment will be for a period ranging from 3 to 4 years, with base salary at PNG Government Executive Level 4. In addition, the appropriate domestic or international market allowance, gratuity, superfund contribution, medical and life insurance, leave fares and other personal allowances (housing, vehicle, utilities and other benefits) will be provided as approved by the Salaries and Conditions Monitoring Committee.
Interested persons should send their applications addressing selection criteria, along with their recent curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of two referees to:
The Chairman
NARI Council
P O Box 4415
Lae 411
Morobe Province
Papua New Guinea
Phone (765) 4751446
Fax: (675) 475 1449
Email: narihq@nari.org.pg
For additional information on the job profile and selection criteria, click the links below or enquire on the above phone or email address or fax. For general information about NARI, visit its website (www.nari.org.pg).
Position Description (Job Profile) [PDF]
Selection Criteria [PDF]
Applications close on 15th May 2009.
NARI - Promoting Excellence in Agricultural Research for Development