Director, Fresh Water Systems Research at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advising the Director General on matters of freshwater research and development;
• Advising management on all policies and strategies related to limnology and freshwater fisheries research;
• Advising the Board of Management on research bodies and institutions of higher learning within and outside Kenya to collaborate or partner with for enhancing technology and knowledge transfer;
• Developing research policies, strategies and programmes related to the specific field;
• Overseeing the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of limnology and freshwater fisheries research;
• Coordination of research conducted in KMFRI research centers and stations;
• Ensuring the presence of KMFRI in complex multi-disciplinary national and international research programmes;
• Enhancing the image and reputation of the institute in international fora;
• Reviewing and guiding scientific publications and research grant applications;
• Approving scientific manuscripts for publication;
• Oversee the identification of innovations and technologies for up-scaling;
• Establishing linkages with other research bodies and institutions of higher learning within and outside Kenya to enhance technology and knowledge transfer;
• Overseeing the dissemination of research findings to publics, institutions of higher learning and other research institutions locally and internationally to increase KMFRI’s visibility;
• Overseeing capacity building of stakeholders in limnology and freshwater fisheries research;
• Overseeing the promotion of outreach of limnology and freshwater fisheries research programmes through various channels;
• Overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of research activities;
• Mobilizing resources for research;
• Overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of research contracts;
• Overseeing the mentoring, management and training of scientists in the respective directorate;
• Deployment of technical staff in the respective directorate;
• Submitting the directorate quarterly and annual reports;
• Development of the Directorate’s agenda for the Board of Management; and
• Prosecuting the agenda of the directorate in the relevant Board Committee Meeting.

Requirements for Appointment/Person Specification

For appointment to this grade a candidate must have: -

• Minimum KCSE C+ (plus) or its equivalent;
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in any of the following fields: Aquatic or Fisheries Sciences, Biological or Physical Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Environmental studies, Geology, Sociology, Economics, Anthropology, Biometrics, Biotechnology; or any other aquatic, fisheries or equivalent from a recognized institution;
• Master’s degree in any of the following fields: Marine or Fisheries Sciences, Biological or Physical Sciences, Sociology, Economics, Biometrics, Environmental Studies; or equivalent from a recognized institution;
• Doctorate Degree in in any of the relevant research disciplines applicable to the institute from a recognized institution;
• At least twelve (12) years’ relevant work experience in Research and Development, five (5) of which must be in management or an equivalent position in the private or public sector;
• Published at least 14 peer-reviewed publications in ISI – indexed journals / book chapters of which at least eight (8) are as first author from the latest date of promotion.
• Led the development of at least three large project proposal that have been funded;
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks (cumulative) / Corporate Governance course from a recognized institution.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and presentation skills;
• Demonstrated outstanding professional, managerial, and leadership competencies as reflected in work performance and results as exhibited thorough the understanding of national goals, policies, and objectives.
• Ability to relate national goals, policies and objectives to marine and fisheries research and development function;
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the constitution of Kenya.

Other Key Competencies and Skills

• Strong communication and reporting skills;
• Strong analytical and numerical skills;
• Strong organization and inter personal skill;
• Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills;
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills;
• Conflict management skills; and
• Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams.