Principal Laboratory Analyst - 2 Posts at Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)

KPH/PLA/1/24

 Job Specifications

Duties and responsibilities: - 

• Conduct chemical and biological testing on agricultural produce and agro-inputs for compliance to market requirements and standards for realization of the institutional mandate;
• Review and validate processed test results for accuracy and integrity before approval for dispatch to clients;
• Conduct technical laboratory assessments, system audits, review audit findings, develop and implement corrective/improvement action plans in the section;
• Conduct national surveillance sampling programs for monitoring of pesticide residues, microbiological, mycotoxins, agro-inputs quality and heavy metal contaminants in agricultural produce for compliance to food safety and market requirements;
• Undertake accurate detection and identification of regulated and non-regulated quarantine pests;
• Undertake Tissue culture cleanup and micro-propagation of plants and germplasm maintenance;
• Undertake Genetically Modified Organisms testing for detection, identification and quantification of events in support of the Biosafety act of 2009 and its regulations;
• Participate in developing of new pest diagnosis protocols;
• Participate in identification of risks related to laboratory activities to minimize, leverage and identify potential challenges before they occur;
• Participate in developing client reports for purposes of decision making;
• Support Pest Risk Analysis activities to advice on pest status and update pest listing the country;
• Support laboratory research activities towards strengthening Phytosanitary and seed regulation;
• Supervise implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 standard guidelines;
• Generate technical specifications for equipment, apparatus and other implements and perform technical evaluation for media, reagents, chemicals and equipment that ensure acceptable levels of analytical performance;
• Review workflow in the section/unit to ensure compliance with set performance timelines;
• Review test requests submitted by clients for decision making on laboratory capability to test the submitted samples;
• Audit food systems of export food business operators for compliance;
• Supervise tests on proficiency testing, inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory samples comparisons organized in the section/units as a quality assurance and control measure to ensure validity of results;
• Compile data on the performance of the laboratory through weekly monthly, quarterly and annual reports to monitor compliance to Customer service charter;
• Prepare, reviews and implements laboratory protocols and Standard Operating Procedures for suitability and relevance in line with international standard requirements;
• Prepare and submit performance reports outlining the extent of adherence to set targets and plans;
• Participation in the Service project activities and awareness creation and training stakeholders;
• Represent the Service in relevant stakeholder forums;
• Induct new staff in all areas of laboratory analysis;
• Offer agronomic and new technological advice on soil, water, plant health matters as well as providing crop specific advice based on analytical data in relation to crop nutritional needs; and
• Support research and development programs of the Service.

Persons Specification 

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -

• Bachelor of Science Degree in any of the following; Agriculture, Analytical Chemistry, Horticulture, seed technology, botany, microbiology, molecular biology Chemistry, Biochemistry, applied microbiology, applied Biology, Applied Biological Science, 
• Masters in any of the following; seed technology, Plant Nutrition, Soil science, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Crop protection, Agronomy, botany, microbiology, molecular biology, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Applied B
• Served for at least eight (8) years related work experience three (3) of which must be in a supervisory position; and
• Meets the provisions of the Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Skills

• Computer applications proficiency. Statistical packages will be an added advantage; 
• Excellent problem solving skills; 
• Communication skills, 
• Data analysis skills, 
• Report writing and presentation skills. 

Competencies

• Ability to work independently and in a team; 
• Ability to make decisions independently; 
• Work well under pressure and prioritize work; 
• Knowledge in international standard on good laboratory practice; and 
• Experience with a Laboratory Quality Management System.