Deputy Director, Research & Innovation at Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)

Ref. No. KeNHA/DD-R&I/017/2020)

Place of Work: Headquarters
Directorate: Policy Strategy & Compliance
Reporting to: Director, Policy Strategy & Compliance
Supervises: Assistant Director, Research & Innovation

Job Purpose

The Job holder will be in charge of Research and Innovation reporting directly to the Director, Policy Strategy & Compliance and is responsible for building partnerships towards the achievement of KeNHA’s Mandate and Strategic Plan, promoting Research & and building capacity towards the achievement of KeNHA’s strategic objectives.

Job Description

Duties and responsibilities at this level will entail:

• Formulating and implementing the Authority’s Research and Innovation policies, objectives and initiatives;
• Undertaking research, planning and implementing new research strategies, programs and protocols within the Authority;
• Developing proposals based on the identified innovation strategy and working with partners to access funding and /or technical support;
• Developing research methodologies and framework to be used in research projects within the Authority;
• Ensuring all the departments within the Authority adopt cost effective and modern methodologies in all areas of operations;
• Advising on new Business Development opportunities and development of corporate marketing strategic plans;
• Conducting and oversighting research projects and programs that address infrastructure needs;
• Consulting with top management on recommendations based on research findings and product performance;
• Creating linkages with Research and Learning Institutions for effective research and industry relations;
• Coordinating the development of knowledge management and sharing initiatives with the Authority;
• Coordinating technical and corporate research;
• Assessing the scope of research projects and ensures they deliver value at cost;
• Spearheading innovation in the Authority and promoting the adaptation of new methods and products relevant to the Authority’s mandate in all departments;
• Initiate and evaluating the implementation of Research and Innovation across the Authority;
• Ensuring proper management of Human, Financial and Material resources assigned to the department;
• Developing and implementing departmental plans, policies, norms and procedures;
• Creating functional strategies, specific objectives, develop budgets, policies and procedures for the department to support the functional infrastructure.
• Managing performance in the Research Department;
• Managing innovation projects and hubs;
• Leading specific projects in material testing and used of innovative technologies in road works;
• Training and developing of staff of the Department.

Job Specifications

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• At least twelve (12) years relevant work experience either in public or private sector, five (5) of which should in senior management position;
• Master’s degree in any of the following fields: Commerce, Economics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Risk Management, Finance or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: Commerce, Economics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Risk Management, Finance or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Member to a relevant professional body in good standing;
• Demonstrated Leadership and Management Competency including Project Management skills.
• Proven Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution;