Position Vacancy - Director General

The Institute Council hereby invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the position of Director-General of NARI.  The position will become available for occupancy in December 2019 or thereafter and is open to Citizens and Non-PNG Citizens.

The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) was established by an Act of National Parliament of Papua New Guinea in (PNG) in July 1996 as public funded, statutory research organization, to conduct and foster applied, adaptive and development oriented research into:

1. any branch of biological, physical and natural sciences related to agriculture;
2. cultural and socioeconomic aspects of the agriculture sector, especially the smallholder agriculture; and
3. matters relating to rural development and of relevance to Papua New Guinea.

NARI is responsible also for providing analytical, diagnostic and advisory services and relevant information to the Agriculture Sector in PNG.

The Institute’s Strategic Objective is to accomplish enhanced productivity, efficiency, stability and sustainability of the smallholder agriculture sector in the country so as to contribute to improved welfare of rural families and communities who depend wholly or partly on agriculture for their livelihoods.  This is to be accomplished through NARI’s mission of promoting innovative agricultural development in PNG through scientific research, knowledge creation and information exchange.  The Strategic Objective is being addressed through four programmes: i) Agricultural Systems, ii) Enabling Environment, iii) Information and Knowledge, and iv) Institutional Management and Development. 

With its Headquarters at Bubia, Ten Mile outside Lae, NARI’s Regional Research and Development Co-ordination Centres are located at Aiyura in Eastern Highlands Province, Tambul in Western Highlands Province, Laloki in Central Province, Bubia in Morobe Province, Keravat in East New Britain Province. NARI’s Livestock Research and Development Centre is at Labu in Morobe Province and its Chemistry Laboratory is located at Kilakila in Port Moresby. As an autonomous Statutory Organization funded by PNG Government, the Institute is governed by the Institute Council.

NARI undertakes its research and information sharing activities in the major agro-ecological zones of the country. The total staff number of 413 comprises 143 professional and 270 ancillary staff, which is multicultural and multi-racial in composition. The Institute is fully established, well developed and effectively functioning with well-designed corporate plan (NARI Strategy and Results Framework: 2011-2020), strategic implementation plan (NARI Strategic Programme Implementation Plan: 2012-2020), and Projects and Activity implementation plans.    NARI is recognized as a Premier Research Institute of high relevance to the development of PNG.

Besides grant funding from PNG government, the Institute obtains funds from a number of aid/donor agencies both in PNG and Internationally.  Funds are also mobilized through competitive grants. NARI has a number of Research and Development Activities in partnership with National, Regional and Global organizations such as Universities and the Private sector in PNG, SPC, ACIAR, AusAID, EU, APAARI, CGIAR Centers, and many advanced research institutes.       

The Director-General is the Chief Executive and carries overall responsibility for the Development and Management of the Institute.  He/she will lead a team, comprised of a Deputy Director General, Program Directors, Divisional Managers, Research and Development Coordinators, Managers,  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 challenges of delivering on research results, appropriate technologies, and innovative agriculture that contribute and facilitate development of PNG in terms of assured food and nutritional security, adaptation and mitigation to climate change impacts,  broad-based economic growth, wealth creation, and  improved welfare (as reflected in enhanced human development index) for Papua New Guinea residents. It can be achieved through appropriate Partnerships with Agricultural Development & Extension Agencies and Multi-Sectoral Stakeholders. This will require further development of the Institute in terms of quality human talent, mobilization of funds, focused and relevant programme activities, efficient corporate functions and overall good governance. Thus, the position provides a unique and challenging opportunity of contributing to the socio-economic development of PNG as the nation works on the realization of PNG Vision 2050 (a smart, wise, fair, healthy and happy society by 2050).

The successful applicant will continue to develop and manage a creative research and innovative environment.  Specific focus will remain on multidisciplinary systems research for smallholder semi-commercial and commercial farmers and rural communities.

Applicants should 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 expertise, 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 issues and challenges involved in agricultural research, innovations and development in PNG will be 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 mobilizing funds through budgetary support, collaborative projects, and in the 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 managing  public finance/ resources and statutory functions.

The appointment will be for a period ranging from 3 years, with base salary at Executive Level 4 of PNG Public Service.  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 full curriculum vitae, and names and addresses (including emails addresses) of three referees to:

The Chairman
NARI Council
P O Box 4415
Lae 411
Morobe Province
Papua New Guinea

Phone: 7606 1118 / 430 0093   Email: sainian.tobel@nari.org.pg / naridgoffice19@gmail.com

For additional information on the job profile, selection criteria, salary and allowances, please enquire on the above phone or email addresses or go to the website: www.nari.org.pg

Applications close on 30th November, 2019  

(Promoting Excellence in Agricultural Research for Sustainable Development)