Assistant Director-Industries, Investment and Research at Vihiga County Government

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the start and growth of manufacturing and investments through Agro-Industries, especially County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP);
• Providing a platform for engagement among farmers, processors, exporters, research institutions, industrial bodies, and the Government to foster Agro-Industrial development;
• Collecting data, analyzing, and disseminating information on industrial production, investment, local raw materials availability, and industrial expansion programs;
• Undertaking monitoring and evaluation of industrial projects/programs' implementation;
• Preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual county industrial performance reports to enhance productivity;
• Identifying potential investment opportunities based on industry experience, reputation, market potential, financial capability, and strategic fit;
• Contributing to drafting strategies for various sectors in the county for business development and executing strategies for more complex sector engagements to build a robust investment environment;
• Gathering market intelligence to stay informed of emerging trends in sectors and the country that could have a broad impact on a country or subsector portfolio;
• Developing long-term relationships and engagement plans with key local investors to identify and act on sustainable business opportunities;
• Compiling researched materials systematically and preparing background briefs/briefing notes as required;
• Presenting thoroughly researched information for background research implementation of projects, including preparation of project documents' drafts, work plans, budgets, and progress reports;
• Providing guidance to contractors/consultants/executing agencies on routine project implementation and monitoring the quality of their work;
• Liaising with various research institutions to ensure timely and relevant research, interviews, and focus group discussions;
• Responsible for developing proposals for Chief Officer approval to source funding from donors and other organizations to sustain industries, investments, and research activities in the county;
• Performing any other duties as assigned from time to time by the relevant Chief Officer.

Requirements for Appointment:

• Be a Kenyan citizen;
• Have served in the grade of Senior Principal Investment, Industries, and Research Officer Job Group N for a minimum of three (3) years or in any comparable and relevant position in the Public Service or Public Sector;
• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Mathematics, Biological/Physical Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Statistics, Economics, Project Planning and Management, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Industrial, Electronics), Metallurgy, Aeronautical Agriculture, Animal Sciences, Food Technology, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Textile Technology, Production Technology, Leather Sciences, Wood Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Geology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Computer Science from a recognized institution or its equivalent;
• A master’s degree in any of the respective fields from a recognized institution will be an added advantage;
• Hold a certificate in any of the following fields: Project Planning, Project Appraisal, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Entrepreneurship, Public Policy Analysis, Small Enterprises, Policy and Promotion, Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing, Environmental Management, or Business Development Services lasting not less than two (2) weeks from a recognized institution or its equivalent;
• Have attended a Senior Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from Kenya School of Government or any other recognized institution;
• Hold a certificate in computer applications from a recognized institution;
• Possess good leadership and interpersonal communication skills;
• Have knowledge of industries, investments, and research development related legislation and other statutes;
• Demonstrate a high degree of professional and technical competence;
• Possess solid analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Must satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.