Director, Technical Services at National Biosafety Authority

JOB GRADE–D5

The job holder is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership in technical services at the Authority.

Job Specification

The duties and responsibilities at this level entails;

• Initiating the formulation and implementation of policies, procedures, strategies and activities in relation to plant, animal and microbial biosafety including categorization, approval and certification of biosafety facilities.
• Advising the Board on policies, procedures, strategies and activities in relation to plant, animal and microbial biosafety including categorization, approval and certification of biosafety facilities.
• Ensuring Compliance with the policies procedures, strategies and activities in relation to plant, animal and microbial biosafety including categorization, approval and certification of biosafety facilities.
• Developing and issuing of technical papers, reports and other submissions to the board and other stakeholders.
• Ensuring that risk assessment for GMO applications is carried out in a scientific, transparent and predictable manner;
• Advising the CEO on the establishment and operationalization of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) in research institutions engaged in GMO research-related activities.
• Ensuring GMO sampling, detection and analysis protocols are developed for timely analysis of samples as well as reviewing the GMO analysis reports
• Any other duties assigned from time to time.

Person Specification

• At least Twelve (12) years’ experience, five (5) of which must be in a senior management level in the public or private sector;
• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Molecular/Biology/ Environmental Science/Agricultural Sciences/Microbiology/ or related fields from a recognized institution.
• Master’s degree in Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/ Environmental Science/Agricultural Sciences/Microbiology/ or related fields from a recognized institution.
• Doctorate (PhD) level qualification in Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Environmental Science/Agricultural Sciences/Microbiology/ or related fields from a recognized Institution.
• Authorship in at least eight (8) peer reviewed publications on Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Agricultural Sciences and related subjects.
• Strategic Leadership Course lasting not less than six weeks from a recognized institution
• Member of a professional Body in good standing (where applicable)

Key Competencies and Skills

• Strategic leadership skills
• Excellent Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Leadership skills
• Results orientated
• Proficiency in Computer Applications
• High level of Integrity