Job Description
a) Job Specifications
Duties and responsibilities: -
i. Providing leadership in the implementation of the vision, mission and strategic plan of the Service in the Directorate;
ii. Providing leadership on Seed certification, Seed testing and Plant Variety Testing, Regulatory research and Compliance functions of the Corporation;
iii. Contributing to the Corporation’s strategy, tactical initiatives, culture, and planning, and overall
iv. efforts to continually improve performance;
v. Ensuring prudent management of financial, human and physical resources of the service;
vi. Coordinating the designing and implementation of performance management systems.
vii. Develop and implement innovative systems to improve efficiency in the functions under the Directorate;
viii. Resources mobilization through overseeing proposal writing and fostering strategic partnerships with development partners;
ix. Mentor and coach staff in the directorate;
x. Coordinating the preparation of respective board papers for the Technical committees of the Board;
xi. Ensuring compliance of agricultural inputs and produce to regulatory requirements, and relevant national and international standards;
xii. Ensuring implementation of the KEPHIS Strategic Plan, annual work plan, performance contract and appraisal system in the Directorate;
xiii. Establishing and fostering strategic linkages with stakeholders and relevant local, regional and international bodies for harmonization and trade facilitation;
xiv. Conducting technical negotiations and consultations with industry players to establish appropriate legislative and regulatory standards to ensure proper implementation of the mandate of the Directorate;
xv. Coordinating the publicity of the Service and promote such nationally, regionally and internationally for institutional visibility;
xvi. Liaison with national, regional and international bodies for development and harmonization of standards (ISTA, OECD Seed and Forest Schemes, UPOV, ARIPO, COMESA, EAC, KEBS);
xvii. Overseeing the business of relevant national committees (National Performance Trials, National
xviii. Variety Release, Plant Breeders’ Rights and Seed Regulation Committees);
xix. Overseeing local, regional and international training on technical subjects within the Directorate;
xx. Provide leadership in bilateral negotiations and development of MOUs and Agreements;
xxi. Supervising and providing guidance to procurement of equipment and consumables required in the Directorate;
xxii. Fostering a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good corporate citizenship; enhancing the corporate image of the organization.
b) Persons Specification
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -
i. Bachelor of Science Degree in any of the following; Agriculture, Horticulture, seed technology, botany, Biostatistics, Statistics, microbiology, molecular biology, applied microbiology, applied Biology and plant nutritionist from a university recogni
ii. Masters Degree in any of the following; Seed Technology, Plant Nutrition, Soil science, Biometrics, Statistics, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Crop protection, Agronomy, botany, microbiology, molecular biology or its equivalent from a University reco
iii. Professional qualification and membership where applicable;
iv. At least twelve (12) years relevant work experience;
v. Attended a Leadership course lasting not less than six (6) weeks from a recognized institution;
vi. Six (6) years' experience in the level of senior management in public service in private sector;
vii. Meets the provisions of the Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.
c) Skills
i. Proficiency in computer applications;
ii. Excellent analytical skills and a good eye for detail;
iii. Strategic and innovative thinking;
iv. Interpersonal skills;
v. Leadership skills;
vi. Negotiation skills;
vii. Report writing skills;
viii. Scientific publication and writing skills;
ix. Problem solving skills;
x. Communication skills.
d) Competencies
i. Aptitude in financial management;
ii. Ability to make decisions independently;
iii. Ability work well under pressure and prioritize work;
iv. Ability to manage Donor relations and to develop bankable concept notes and proposals for funding;
v. Demonstrate high level of integrity;
vi. Professional competence in plant health and administrative capability;
vii. Knowledge with and understanding of the application of the UPOV, WTO, OECD Seed schemes, International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) guidelines, ISO 17025:2017 guidelines, IPPC and related standards and procedures.