Director of Seed Certification and Plant Variety Protection

Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is the government parastatal whose responsibility is to assure the quality of agricultural inputs and produce to prevent adverse impact on the economy, the environment and human health. Vision: Healthy plants, safe trade and sustainable aggro-environment for a prosperous Kenya. Mission: To provide a science based regulatory service by assuring plant health, quality of agricultural inputs and produce for food security, globally competitive agriculture and sustainable development. Core values Customer focus Professionalism and Integrity Teamwork Results oriented Innovation and Creativity Corporate social sustainability Strategic Objectives To protect plants from pests, weeds and invasive species. To facilitate review and strengthening of the policy, legal and regulatory framework, so that it is in tandem with both local and international agricultural sector emerging issues. To contribute towards improved levels of agricultural productivity. To support compliance to market requirements. To build adequate technical and infrastructural capacity to facilitate efficient and effective delivery of the KEPHIS mandate. To mobilize adequate financial resources and ensure optimal allocation and utilization to enable full implementation of planned programmers and activities. To enhance synergies through information and resource sharing with stakeholders and partners. To enhance the visibility and corporate image of 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.