Employment Opportunities

Executive Director

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors, through the Chairman

JOB SUMMARY: Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Executive Director of the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA).

BAHFSA is the national regulatory authority responsible for protecting agricultural health, food safety, animal health, and related biosecurity interests of The Bahamas. The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and provides strategic, administrative and organizational leadership for the effective execution of BAHFSA’s statutory mandate.

The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors, through the Chairman, and is responsible for the effective day-to-day administration and management of the Authority and for implementation of Board-approved policies, strategies, plans, budgets, resolutions and directives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Executive Director will be responsible for:

  • Providing strategic and executive leadership for the Authority and translating its statutory mandate and Board-approved strategic direction into measurable organizational priorities and results.
  • Leading the development and implementation of the Authority’s annual Corporate/Action Plan, operational plans and performance indicators.
  • Implementing and reporting on Board-approved policies, resolutions, directives and other decisions.
  • Providing the Board and Chairman with timely, accurate and complete reports and information necessary for effective governance, oversight and decision-making.
  • Providing effective leadership and coordination across the Authority’s technical, administrative and support functions, including Food Safety and Quality, Plant Protection, Veterinary Health Services, technology and digital transformation, finance, human resources and other institutional functions.
  • Ensuring effective implementation of national food safety, animal health, plant health, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS), biosecurity and related regulatory responsibilities assigned to the Authority.
  • Leading the preparation of the Authority’s annual budget for Board consideration and approval and ensuring prudent financial management, budget-to-action alignment, internal controls and compliance with applicable financial laws, regulations and policies.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective systems for enterprise and operational risk identification, mitigation, monitoring and reporting.
  • Effectively managing the Authority’s human, financial, technological and physical resources in accordance with approved policies and applicable laws.
  • Building a professional, collaborative, accountable and high-performance organizational culture.
  • Ensuring effective performance management, staff development, succession planning and appropriate human-resource management systems.
  • Promoting effective collaboration and information-sharing among all Directorates and Units of the Authority.
  • Championing digital transformation, cybersecurity, data governance, innovation and evidence-based regulatory decision-making.
  • Ensuring organizational preparedness and coordinated response to food-safety incidents, animal-health emergencies, plant-health threats and other matters affecting national biosecurity.
  • Developing and maintaining productive relationships with Government Ministries and agencies, regulated industries, farmers, producers, importers, exporters, consumers, regional and international organizations and other stakeholders.
  • Representing and promoting BAHFSA nationally, regionally and internationally.
  • Safeguarding the integrity, independence, credibility and public reputation of the Authority.

Qualifications & Experience:

Candidates should possess:

  • A Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in one or more of the following or a closely related discipline:
    • Agriculture or Agricultural Sciences;
    • Food Science, Food Safety or Regulatory Science;
    • Veterinary Medicine or Animal Health;
    • Plant Health or Plant Protection;
    • Public Health;
    • Business Administration or Public Administration;
    • Management or Finance;
    • Law (SPS), Governance or another discipline relevant to the mandate and management of the Authority.
  • A minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years at the senior management or executive level position related to agricultural health and food safety.
  • A WTO certificate in sanitary and phytosanitary measures preferred.
  • At least 3 years’ experience in the following:
    • Financial management – Resource mobilization and management.
    • Programme and project management – Managing human and financial resources, managing international funded projects, developing and writing agricultural programmes, work plans, projects and budgets.
  • Must have the following skills/competencies:
    • Strategic thinking and Leadership
    • Knowledge management.
    • Problem solving and analysis.
    • People management and empowerment – Managing/coordinating a multidisciplinary team.
    • Client orientation and customer focus.
    • Effective Communication.
    • Analytical and critical thinking and problem-solving capability.
    • Accountability for independent action and performance impact.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge or experience in several of the following:

  • Food safety and quality systems;
  • Plant health and protection;
  • Veterinary services and animal health;
  • Sanitary and phytosanitary measures;
  • Biosecurity and One Health approaches;
  • Public-sector governance and statutory authorities;
  • Financial management and budgeting;
  • Regulatory policy and enforcement;
  • Strategic planning and performance management;
  • Risk and emergency management;
  • Digital transformation, information systems and cybersecurity;
  • Stakeholder engagement and public communication;
  • Regional and international regulatory frameworks.

STATUTORY/CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST REQUIREMENTS: The successful candidate must satisfy all statutory eligibility and conflict-of-interest requirements applicable to the office of Executive Director under the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority Act and other applicable laws.

REMUNERATION: Salary and benefits will be in accordance with the approved compensation framework for the position and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary for the post is $65,850.00 - $71,450.00 per annum.

Interested applicants should submit the following via email:

  • A cover letter outlining their suitability for the position and their vision for the future development of BAHFSA;
  • A comprehensive curriculum vitae;
  • Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications;
  • Contact information for at least three professional references, including at least one person able to comment on the applicant’s executive leadership and management experience; and
  • Any other documentation required under the approved recruitment process.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 6th November, 2026

Submit electronically to:

Email: [email protected]
Attention: Chairman, Board of Directors, Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Human Resources Manager

TYPE OF VACANCY: Contract

JOB SUMMARY: The Bahamas Agricultural Health & Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) is seeking an experienced, results-driven Human Resources Manager to oversee and manage all HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits administration and compliance with labor laws and company policies. The successful candidate will play a key role in fostering a positive workplace culture and supporting organizational goals.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Review and enhance existing HR policies, procedures, and frameworks
  • Provide strategic HR guidance to leadership and management teams
  • Support employee relations, performance management, and conflict resolution
  • Ensure compliance with Bahamian labor laws and best practices
  • Assist in organizational development and culture transformation initiatives
  • Coordinate staff training and professional development activities.
  • Maintain accurate HR records and prepare reports as required.
  • Manage recruitment, selection and onboarding processes.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred). Copy of Original will be required once shortlisted.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the field of human resources with five (5) years of management or supervisory experience
  • Professional HR certification is required.
  • Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and deliver results within set timelines
  • Contract-based opportunity

Interested applicants should send the following to the Human Resources Department via email:

  • A cover letter
  • Current resume/CV
  • Verified or apostilled copies of relevant qualifications and certifications
  • Contact information for at least three professional references.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 6th November, 2026

Submit electronically to:

Email: [email protected]
Attention: Human Resources

Junior IT Specialist

TYPE OF VACANCY: Full-time Staff

REPORTS TO: Director of Technology Advancement and Development

DEPARTMENT: Technology, Advancement, and Development

JOB SUMMARY: The Junior IT Specialist will be responsible for supporting the daily operations of our IT infrastructure, ensuring systems are maintained and operating effectively, and providing technical support to staff at Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA). The ideal candidate will be a problem-solver with a keen interest in IT technologies and trends.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

As a Junior IT specialist at BAHFSA, you will play a critical role in modernizing agriculture in The Bahamas, creating digital solutions that protect the country from threats to animal health, food safety, and plant health. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide first-level support for all IT-related issues across various departments.
  • Assist in the maintenance and monitoring of network and system security.
  • Support the installation, configuration, and updating of hardware and software.
  • Participate in the documentation of IT procedures and systems.
  • Assist with the management of IT assets and inventory.
  • Collaborate with team members on IT projects and initiatives.
  • Provide training and assistance to staff on new technologies and software.
  • Help ensure data backup and recovery processes are in place and effective

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Understanding of IT principles and an ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to a varied audience.
  • Basic knowledge of networking concepts, operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), and database systems.
  • Experience with troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in a help desk or technical support role is preferred.
  • Familiarity with cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) is preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability in digital media and digital brand management is preferred.

Qualifications & Experience:

Qualified candidates must possess Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Certifications in any of the following areas are highly desirable:

  • CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • Microsoft Certified: Windows 10 (MD-100)
  • Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)

Interested applicants should send the following to the Human Resources Department via email:

  • A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments to the position;
  • Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume;
  • Copies of Relevant Qualifications and Certificates;
  • At least three (3) written professional references

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 24th October, 2026

Submit electronically to:

Email: [email protected]
Attention: Human Resources