Director, Seed Certification and Plant Variety Protection
Vacancy No.: KPH/DSC&PVP/1/24
Appointment Type: CONTRACT
No. of Positions: 1
a) Job Specifications
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.
b) Persons 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 recogni
- 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
- 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.
c) 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.
d) 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.
Position Supervising
- Biometrician
- Seed/Plant Health Inspector