Senior Principal Plant Breeder (1 Post) at Kenya Seed Company Ltd

Ref KSC 1/12/22

Job Description
Terms of service: Permanent and pensionable.

Reporting to the Manager, Plant Breeding

Duties and responsibilities of this position will include:

• Developing, evaluation and release of maize seed varieties.
• Maintenance and supply of adequate breeders seed for bulking.
• Undertake development of inbred lines for yield and other agronomic attributes
• Coordinate preparation of materials for check plot inspections
• Maintain germplasm inventory and ensure ideal storage conditions
• Undertake collection, analysis and interpretation of data from crop experiments.
• Screening of various seed technologies in order to apply corrective measures for biotic and biotic plant stresses that affect crop productivity
• Carry out description of released varieties and other germplasm in terms of distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS).
• Coordinate efficient and effective utilization of assigned resources.
• Preparation and presentation of research papers on seed technology trends.
• Providing guidance, mentorship, motivation and supervision of assigned staff.
• Assist in development of departmental annual budgets, work plans and procurement plans.
• Assist in preparation of departmental technical reports.

Minimum requirements
Requirements for Appointment.
For appointment to this grade, one must have:

• Master degree in plant Breeding or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
• Bachelor Science degree in Botany, Agriculture, Seed Science or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Have a minimum of ten (10) years relevant work experience four (4) of which must have been in a middle management position.
• Certificate in Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Must be a member of a relevant professional body.
• Must have released at least two (2) varieties.
• Leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Team player
• Working knowledge of computer applications.
• Must have valid driving license.
• Fulfill the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.