Manager - Inspection & Testing at Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

Job Summary

The jobholder shall be responsible for providing technical expertise, promoting the integration of scientific and laboratory evidence in decision-making, and ensuring compliance with quality standards to support revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the implementation of programs, policies, and strategies to support inspection and testing services for revenue and trade enforcement activities.
• Provide technical leadership in aligning inspection and testing services with international standards and best practices, and guide formulation and implementation of quality management systems to maintain certification, accreditation, and laboratory safety.
• Offer expert scientific advice for trade commodities, HS classification matters, and the formulation of tariff policy, and drive integration of scientific findings and forensic examination results into operational and strategic decision-making processes.
• Direct and coordinate the activities of the unit for inorganic chemicals & products and organic chemicals & polymers tests to ensure efficient operations.
• Supervise timely and accurate testing, inspection, and analysis of trade commodities to support revenue collection and compliance.
• Oversee the implementation of laboratory testing methods and procedures for inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, and polymers and monitor the forensic examination of evidence and provide expert testimony during hearings and proceedings.
• Evaluate emerging scientific and technological developments to enhance the division's capabilities and operations.
• Study and resolve classification and tariff-related questions by providing scientific evidence and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards in all laboratory and testing operations and coordinate the compilation and dissemination of scientific reports and findings for informed decision-making.
• Implement the following corporate initiatives in the Unit: Performance Management, Audit, Integrity, Quality Management Systems, and Risk Management.

Person specifications

For appointment to this job, the candidate must have:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, applied chemistry or related area from a recognised institution.
• A Master’s degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, applied chemistry, or a related area from a recognised institution will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ relevant work experience with at least two (2) years at first-level management or a comparable position.
• A Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognised institution will be an added advantage.
• Training in Customs/ Tax Administration will be an added advantage.
• Advanced knowledge in chemical analysis, laboratory operations, and scientific testing methodologies.
• Expertise in quality management systems and accreditation standards.
• Proficiency in the interpretation and application of the Harmonized System (HS) classification and tariff schedules.
• Membership in a relevant professional body will be an added advantage

Key Competencies

• Leadership and people management skills
• Technological ability and Good decision-making capabilities
• Resilient, focused, results-oriented, with expertise in risk management and analysis
• Excellent oral and written communication, good planning, presentation, analytical and organisation skills.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating complex scientific data and evidence.