Head, Research and Development at PKF firms

The successful candidate will be responsible for the provision of leadership and guidance in the development, acquisition, and evaluation of germplasm aimed at producing high-yielding, disease-tolerant seed varieties. The job holder will be responsible for developing and implementing plant-breeding programs and undertaking collaborative research with other research institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, evaluation, and release of maize, wheat, oil crop, millet, sorghum, and pasture varieties for Kenya, East, and Central Africa region.
• Coordination of collection, collation, analysis, and interpretation of appropriate data from crop experiments undertaken.
• Registration of Company varieties in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa catalog for sale.
• Maintenance and supply of breeder’s seeds for maize, wheat, oil crop, millet, sorghum, and pasture varieties.
• Screen various seed dressing products, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides in order to apply corrective measures for biotic and abiotic plant stresses.
• Description of released varieties in terms of distinctiveness, uniformity and stability.
• Development and implementation of plant breeding programs and ensuring phytosanitary protocols are established and followed for maximum crop productivity and seed health.
• Coordinate identification and leasing of appropriate and adequate research land within and outside the Company for Research programs.
• Undertake collaborative research with other research institutions.
• Monitoring of seed technology trends through regular attendance and presentation to international bodies, conferences and workshops.
• Representing the Company in the development and harmonization of seed rules forums conducted by Seed Traders of Kenya and others.
• Implementation of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System in the department.
• Development and assignment of performance targets to staff and appraisal of staff performance annually.
• Oversee implementation of agreed work plans and attainment of performance targets by staff in the department.
• Submit released Company crop varieties for registration for protection purposes Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services and foster Intellectual Property Rights issues through the Plant Breeders Association of Kenya.
• Spearhead the implementation and utilization of the departmental approved budget.
• Coordinate delivery of approved breeders’ seeds of various crops to the Basic Seed Unit.
• Preparation of departmental technical reports and board papers as required.

Person specifications

• A minimum of a master’s degree in Plant Breeding or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding, Agriculture, Botany, Crop Science or any related field from a recognized University.
• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant work experience with five (5) years in a managerial position.
• Must have released at least three (3) seed varieties.
• A leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution will be an added advantage.
• Must have a working knowledge of computer applications.
• Must demonstrate leadership and excellent communication skills.
• Must demonstrate the ability to be a team player and work in a multicultural environment.