Chief Research and Development Officer at Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI)

Job Description

Job Ref: CRDO - KVVPI / 002/08/2018

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Research and Development officer shall be the head of Research and Development Unit and responsible for leading technology research in support of the institute business, operations and processes. The position holder will be on permanent and pensionable terms of employment.

Duties and responsibilities

• Advising the Chief Executive Officer on matters relating to research and development;
• Day to day management and administration of the Research and Development Unit; 
• Implementation and realization of the Department’s agenda in the institute’s strategic plan and objectives;
• Identifying research innovations on veterinary vaccines and products that have practical significance and devise strategies for their implementation.
• Mobilizing, overseeing proper management and accountability of resources for research and development;
• Development and validation of veterinary vaccines production techniques; 
• Carry out critical evaluation of research projects at all stages of their implementation; advising on data processing, reporting and packing for dissemination;
• Documenting information on new products and technologies; 
• Establishing and maintaining linkages with beneficiaries and stakeholders of research results and services;
• Identifying potential sources of funding for research and submitting proposals for funding;
• Reviewing research grant applications; 
• Formulation of Institute’s and national research/scientific policies and strategies.
• Planning and implementation of national research programmes. 
• Undertaking monitoring and evaluation of the Research and Development programmes and activities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Veterinary Medicine;
• Have a Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Veterinary Medicine, Vaccinology, Microbiology, Veterinary Epidemiology or equivalent qualifications from a recognized university;
• A minimum of six years experience as an officer in a research and development set up;
• Be registered with Kenya Veterinary Board and have current membership.
• Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 on Leadership and integrity.

Core competencies:

• Demonstrate excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills and a clear understanding of strategic leadership, management and business skills;
• Ability to portray and uphold positive national image;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity to and respect for diversity; 
• Have a clear understanding of International Standards in manufacturing and commercial principles in vaccines production;
• Have an understanding of the structure and functions of the public sector; 
• Demonstrated managerial, administrative and professional competence in work performance and results. 
• Being a visionary and result oriented person and; 8. Be computer literate.