Director, Biosafety Research & Compliance at National Biosafety Authority

Job Specification
Duties and responsibilities entail;

• Advising the CEO and the Board on policies and strategies on Biosafety Research, Standards and Licensing, Biosafety Clearing House and International Cooperation; and Monitoring & Surveillance; 
• Initiating the formulation and implementation of policies, procedures, strategies and activities in relation to Biosafety Research, Standards and Licensing, Biosafety Clearing House and International Cooperation; and Monitoring & Surveillance; 
• Ensuring implementation of the Biosafety Act and Regulations toachieve Authority’s mandate; 
• Putting in place frameworks and systems for timely processing of GMO approval documents as approved by the Board; 
• Ensuring that a system for the management of the Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) is established. The director will be the focal point for the BCH; 
• Ensuring compliance to international obligations on biosafety; 
• Coordinating regional and international agreements on biosafety and related activities; 
• Ensuring a framework for resource mobilization that includes development of project proposals and concept notes on biosafety programs is established;
• Ensuring a framework for registration and strengthening of Institutional Biosafety Committees engaged in GMO researchrelated activities is in place; 
• Ensuring a framework for facilitation of trade through digitization of processes, timely consignment clearance and issuance of permits and certificates is put in place; 
• Approving GMO-Free certificates for non-GMO export commodities; 
• Ensuring proper labelling and traceability of approved GM foods, feeds, seeds and other commodities; 
• Putting in place a framework for the monitoring of approved GMO research projects in containment and confinement facilities; 
• Approving monitoring and post release monitoring schedules and budgets; 
• Reviewing monitoring and post release monitoring reports before being sent to applicants and other stakeholders; 
• Ensuring market surveillance activities are conducted nationally and at counties for purposes of testing; 
• Ensuring the development and domestication of relevant standards on biosafety;
• Ensuring surveys, research to inform the Board and Management on topical matters and overall biosafety issues are conducted and findings/ recommendations implemented; 
• Approving the Directorate’s technical papers, reports and other submissions for consideration by the Board;
• Assisting the CEO in developing Board agenda and Board papers; 
• Approving of the Directorate’s work plans, budgets and procurement plans; and 
• Management of staff performance in the Directorate. 

Person Specifications

• At least twelve (12) years’ work experience five (5) years of which should be at a management level; 
• Bachelors degree in any of the following disciplines: Molecular, Biology, Biotechnology, Biological sciences, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Microbiology or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution; 
• Masters Degree in the following disciplines: Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biological sciences, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Microbiology or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution; 
• Professional qualification and membership to a professional body where applicable; 
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks; 
• Demonstrate results in work performance; 
• Proficiency in computer applications; and 
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. 

Competencies and skills 

• Analytical; 
• Communication; 
• Report writing;
• Team work; 
• Strategic Leadership.