Principal Product Development Officer at Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency

KEPROBA GRADE 4- V/NO. 12/2023

Job Specification 
The duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail: 

• Participating in activities tied to the development of proper product packaging,branding, labeling and bar-coding solutions for the MSME’s exportable products; 
• Participate in test marketing and market linkage activities including launch campaigns and development of product promotional material such as product catalogues, brochures etc; 
• Undertaking training needs analysis for existing and potential exporters and in designing and implementing appropriate curricula for exporters’ training and alsofollow up programs for trained exporters; 
• Liaising with Sectoral Panels Secretariat in scheduling meetings and ensuring that the issues raised guide the preparation of trade promotion activities in specific markets; 
• Conducting County baseline surveys to identify MSMEs with products that have good potential for development into exportable products; 
• Profiling enterprises with potential exportable products for selection into the product development and value addition programmes; 
• Participating in researching on the key competitor and consumer trends in the target  markets and on concepts and technology required for new product development or for improvement of the existing ones; 
• Assisting in developing proper product pricing strategies to enable Kenyan products be competitive in the export market; 
• Collecting product-related information, feedback and inquiries from buyers and potential buyers for sharing and dissemination to MSMEs producers and exporters; 
• Assisting in developing and implementing MSMEs training and support programmes with special emphasis to the marginalized, women and youth groups; 
• Assisting in developing and maintaining an accurate up to date database on MSMEs product development and of existing enterprises trained in the export business, keeping track and creating additional growth opportunities among the enterprises; 
• Participating in implementing exporters training programs to enhance exporting skills and in the mentorship programmes for MSMEs exporters through exchange visits to learn best practices; 
• Assisting in developing and implementing follow up programs for trained exporters; and 
• Assisting in generating periodic reports on product and enterprise development activities. 
• Championing ISO &Risk Management in the Department

Person Specifications 
For appointment to this grade, an officer must have at least: -

• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following: Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, International Trade, SME development, Food Science & Technology, Textiles & Apparels Design, Leather Design or any other relevant and equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution; 
• Master’s Degree in any of the following: Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, International Trade, SME development, Food Science & Technology,Textiles & Apparels Design, Leather Design or any other relevant and equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution; 
• Have a minimum of eight (8) years relevant work experience three (3) of which should have been at a supervisory level; 
• Relevant professional qualification and membership to a professional body; 
• Have a certificate in Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution; and 
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution;