Chief Research Scientist - 4 Posts at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)

Remuneration and Benefits

• Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 192,034 – KShs. 249,644 P.M.;
• House Allowance: KShs. 60,000 P.M.
• Commuter Allowance: KShs. 21,000 P.M.
• Annual Leave Allowance: KShs. 12,500 P.A.
• Medical Cover and Other Allowances: As provided by KMFRI
• Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable.

Job Specifications

The duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail:

• Ensuring the development of aquatic and allied natural resources, research and development policies;
• Ensuring the development and coordination of activities in specific research departments through participation in high profile international fora and publications;
• Ensure the identification and exploitation of opportunities for international profile and reputation of the institute;
• Preparing scientific manuscripts and book chapters for publication;
• Reviewing and guiding scientific manuscripts and book chapters by research scientists for publication
• Ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of research and development activities;
• Ensuring the development of proposals for external resource mobilization for research and development;
• Mentoring, supervising and guiding scientists and technical staff within the department;
• Ensuring the preparation of the departmental quarterly and annual reports;
• Appraising staff performance;
• Reviewing technical reports including refereed journal papers, book chapters, research notes, technical notes, conference papers and posters, dissemination flyers;
• Disseminating research findings in local and international fora that include seminar, workshops, congress;
• Developing and coordinating the implementation of large multi-disciplinary national research programmes;
• Ensuring budgeting and resource management of research programmes;
• Ensuring the implementation of the institutes and national marine and fisheries research policies;
• Reviewing and guiding scientific publications and research grant applications;
• Ensuring the identification of innovations and technologies for up-scaling; mentoring,
• Guiding and supervising scientists
• Spearheads practical application of scientific research results in national development

Persons Specification

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• At least ten (10) years relevant experience, three (3) of which must have been at the level of Principal Research Scientist or equivalent position in a research institution in the public or private sector;
• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following; Mathematical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, aquatic, fisheries and other relevant disciplines from a recognized institution;
• Master’s Degree in any of the following; Marine or Fisheries Sciences, Biological or Physical Sciences, Sociology, Economics, Biometrics, Environmental Studies or equivalent from a recognized institution;
• Doctorate Degree in any of the following; Aquatic or Fisheries Sciences, Biological or Physical Sciences, Sociology, Economics, Biometrics, Environmental Studies; or equivalent from a recognized institution;
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of the Aquatic Resources Sector;
• A minimum of twelve (12) peer reviewed publications in ISI-indexed journals / book chapters of which at least six (6) are as first author in the level of Principal research Scientist or its equivalent position;
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;
• Evidence of engagement in community work or country contributions
• Evidence of development/research funds attraction as Co/Principal in a large project.
• Membership of a professional body/ association;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and presentation skills;
• Demonstrated outstanding professional competence as reflected in work performance and exhibited thorough understanding of national goals, policies, objectives and ability to relate them to research and development function;
• Proficiency in Computer skills; and
• Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Strong reporting skills;
• Strong analytical and numerical skills;
• Strong organization and inter personal skill;
• Strong negotiation skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multi task; and
• Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams.