Director, Seed Certification & Plant Variety Protection at Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)

KPH/DSC&PVP/1/24

Job Specification

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Providing leadership in the implementation of the vision, mission and strategic plan of the Service in the Directorate;
• Providing leadership on Seed certification, Seed testing and Plant Variety Testing, Regulatory research and Compliance functions of the Corporation;
• Contributing to the Corporation’s strategy, tactical initiatives, culture, and planning, and overall efforts to continually improve performance;
• Ensuring prudent management of financial, human and physical resources of the service;
• Coordinating the designing and implementation of performance management systems.
• Develop and implement innovative systems to improve efficiency in the functions under the Directorate;
• Resources mobilization through overseeing proposal writing and fostering strategic partnerships with development partners;
• Mentor and coach staff in the directorate;
• Coordinating the preparation of respective board papers for the Technical committees of the Board;
• Ensuring compliance of agricultural inputs and produce to regulatory requirements, and relevant national and international standards;
• Ensuring implementation of the KEPHIS Strategic Plan, annual work plan, performance contract and appraisal system in the Directorate;
• Establishing and fostering strategic linkages with stakeholders and relevant local, regional and international bodies for harmonization and trade facilitation;
• 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;
• Coordinating the publicity of the Service and promote such nationally, regionally and internationally for institutional visibility;
• Liaison with national, regional and international bodies for development and harmonization of standards (ISTA, OECD Seed and Forest Schemes, UPOV, ARIPO, COMESA, EAC, KEBS);
• Overseeing the business of relevant national committees (National Performance Trials, National
• Variety Release, Plant Breeders’ Rights and Seed Regulation Committees);
• Overseeing local, regional and international training on technical subjects within the Directorate;
• Provide leadership in bilateral negotiations and development of MOUs and Agreements;
• Supervising and providing guidance to procurement of equipment and consumables required in the Directorate;
• Fostering a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good corporate citizenship; enhancing the corporate image of the organization.

Person Specification

For appointment to this grade a candidate must have:

• 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 recognized in Kenya;
• 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 recognized in Kenya;
• Professional qualification and membership where applicable;
• At least twelve (12) years relevant work experience;
• Attended a Leadership course lasting not less than six (6) weeks from a recognized institution
• Six (6) years’ experience in the level of senior management in public service in private sector;
• Meets the provisions of the Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Skills

• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Excellent analytical skills and a good eye for detail;
• Strategic and innovative thinking;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Leadership skills;
• Negotiation skills;
• Report writing skills;
• Scientific publication and writing skills;
• Problem solving skills;
• Communication skills.

Competencies

• Aptitude in financial management;
• Ability to make decisions independently;
• Ability work well under pressure and prioritize work;
• Ability to manage Donor relations and to develop bankable concept notes and proposals for funding;
• Demonstrate high level of integrity;
• Professional competence in plant health and administrative capability;
• 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.