Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at The Tea Board of Kenya (TBK)

Key Duties and Responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of the CEO will entail: -

• Spearheading formulation, implementation and review of the Board’s policies, regulations, procedures, strategies, standards and guidelines;
• Executing and communicating the Board’s strategies, decisions and policies;
• Providing linkage between the Board and the Secretariat;
• Being the Accounting Officer of the Board;
• Overseeing dispute resolution between industry players;
• Advising the Cabinet Secretary on issues related to national and international tea trade;
• Making recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary on the formulation of policies, plans and strategies for the regulation of the tea sector;
• Advising the National government on levies, fees and import or export duties on tea;
• Overseeing implementation and enforcement of the Tea Act 2020, regulations and standards in the production, processing, marketing, grading, storage, collection, transportation and warehousing of tea;
• Ensuring operationalization of the Tea Fund;
• Advising the County governments on agricultural cess and fees.
• Coordinating the preparation of business related proposals, reports and other submissions for consideration by the Board;
• Providing leadership and direction to the management to ensure that the mandate and policies are implemented;
• Maintaining a conducive work environment for attracting, retaining and motivating employees;
• Ensuring accurate and timely audits are conducted on the Board’s books of accounts;
• Ensuring that the Board has an effective management structure including succession plans;
• Enhancing collaboration and engagement with stakeholders and partners in support of TBK programmes and projects;
• Being responsible for stakeholder management and enhancement of the corporate image of the Board;
• Ensuring continuous improvement of the quality and value of services provided by the Board;
• Upholding integrity and professionalism in the performance of the Board’s functions;
• Fostering a culture that promotes ethical and good corporate governance;
• Ensuring that the Board complies with the relevant legislation in the provision of its services;
• Championing national values and principles of public service;
• Putting in place sound strategies to ensure prudent utilization of the Board’s resources and assets;
• Overseeing preparation of annual budgets and establishing proper internal monitoring and control systems and procedures;
• Coordinating preparation of the Board’s annual financial statements and submitting the same to the National Treasury, Parliament and the Controller of Budget as required by law;
• Ensuring that the Board utilizes its resources according to the financial guidelines provided by Government from time to time;
• Building capacity and managing performance of staff at TBK; and
• Preparing annual reports on the state of the Board.
• Performing any other duties as may be assigned by the Board from time to time.

Required qualifications and competencies.

For appointment to the position of CEO, a candidate must have the following:

• Have at least Ten (10) years knowledge and experience in a relevant field;
• Have at least five (5) years relevant experience in a position of senior management;
• Hold a Bachelors degree in any of the following disciplines: Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Food Science and Technology, Bio-Chemistry, Agri-business, Laboratory Technology, Botany, Micro-biology and Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Micro-biology, Applied Biology, Applied Biological Science, Plant Nutrition, Marketing, Law, Business Administration / Management, Commerce or its equivalent qualification from a university recognized in Kenya;
• A Masters degree in any of the following disciplines will be an added advantage:- Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Food Science and Technology, Bio-Chemistry, Agri-business, Laboratory Technology, Botany, Micro-biology and Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Micro-biology, Applied Biology, Applied Biological Science, Plant Nutrition, Marketing, Law, Business Administration / Management, Commerce, or its equivalent qualification from a university recognized in Kenya;
• Be a Member in good standing with a relevant professional body where applicable;
• Have undertaken a leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Be Proficient in computer applications;
• Meet the requirement of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya.

Key Competencies and Skills

1. Strong communications and reporting skills;
2. Interpersonal and negotiation skills;
3. Conflict management;
4. Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills;
5. Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multi-task;
6. Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams;
7. Planning and analytical skills.