Current Openings at Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS)

Job Description

• The Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS or the Service) is a State Corporation established under Section 4 of the Kenya Accreditation Service Act2019 (Act No. 17 of 2019) as the national accreditation body for Kenya. Its mandate is to accredit and exercise oversight over conformity assessment service providers across a plurality of economic sectors and to maintain an internationally recognized accreditation system.
• The Accreditation Officer- Testing shall be responsible to the Principal Accreditation Officer -Testing Laboratories tasked for the implementation of the accreditation processes in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures in the Testing Laboratories Department.

Roles

• Implements procedures for maintenance of an internationally recognized management system for accreditation.
• Implements programs that advance uptake of accreditation for the facilitation of trade, enhancement of safety and environmental protection, economic performance, and transformation of Kenya.
• Acts as a team leader and/or technical assessor where appropriate in accordance with KENAS procedures.
• Coordinates and facilitates the work of assessment teams in line with KENAS quality management system as assigned.
• Contributes and participates in technical committees and working groups to enhance KENAS influence in shaping national, regional, and international documents, standards and regulations relating to Testing Laboratories.
• Works in line with departmental work plans in the Testing laboratory department
• Submits individual monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports.
• Prepares and processes client files for accreditation decision making.
• Develops materials for promoting the use of regional and international accreditation marks on certificates or reports issued by conformity assessment bodies.
• Assists with reviewing of outputs and provides quality control for assessments to ensure that the service provided follows KENAS assessment policies, procedure, and guidelines.
• Drafts criteria documents, technical procedures, proposals, and publications.
• Acts as a focal point for assigned clients and enhance client relationships throughout the accreditation cycle in accordance with KENAS procedures and requirements of the appropriate accreditation standards.
• Drafts a register of accredited conformity assessment bodies for the Testing laboratory department.
• Proposes comments on ballots and the development of national position on national, regional, and international documents, standards and regulations relating to testing laboratories.
• Undertakes activities in line with operational budgets for the testing department.
• Manages the accreditation process for of assigned clients to ensure that assessments are effectively managed with completion meeting defined timelines, including the production and delivery of assessment reports.
• Administers client’s feedback on accreditation.
• Provides feedback on monitoring of assessors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science related fields from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in Computer application; and
• Fulfil the requirement of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution.

Other Qualifications
Successful candidates after interviews will be required to satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya by submitting compliance or clearance certificates from the following institutions:

• Certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
• Tax Compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Clearance Certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
• Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
• Clearance Certificate from a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
• Commission for University Education (CUE)-Recognition and Equation of Qualification for degrees obtained from outside Kenya.
• In addition, shortlisted candidates after interview will be required to give consent, allowing the Service to carry out a background verification of the documents presented.

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• The Internal Auditor shall be responsible to the Manager Internal Responsible assisting in the provision of internal audit services to the service by evaluation and give recommendation on improvement in the effectiveness of risk management, internal control systems, corporate governance, compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Roles

• Carrying out routine Audits tests as per audit programs.
• Drafting audit reports on assignment for review with supervisor.
• Verifications of payment documents as per approved procedures.
• Checking the maintenance of accurate accounting records.
• Conducting special audit assignments as assigned.
• Undertaking follow-up audits to determine whether agreed recommendations on the past reviews are being undertaken by the process owner.
• Participating in preparation of annual audit plans
• Drafting audit programs and checklist.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Commerce (Accounting option); Commerce (Finance option); Business Administration (Accounting option) or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications.

Other Qualifications
Successful candidates after interviews will be required to satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya by submitting compliance or clearance certificates from the following institutions:

• Certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
• Tax Compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Clearance Certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
• Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
• Clearance Certificate from a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
• Commission for University Education (CUE)-Recognition and Equation of Qualification for degrees obtained from outside Kenya.
• In addition, shortlisted candidates after interview will be required to give consent, allowing the Service to carry out a background verification of the documents presented.

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• The Senior Office Assistant shall be responsible to the Executive Office Administrator and will assist in facilitating hospitality, distribute internal mails and surresponses and administrative support.

Roles

• Facilitating hospitality for members of staff, staff meetings and high-level stakeholders’ meetings.
• Open, sort and distribute incoming correspondence, including mails and documents containing routine inquiries.
• Dispatch mail to the Registry, Post Office, Courier, Ministries, and other destinations.
• Undertakes general office clerk duties.
• Assists in photocopying, documentation tasks, binding and filling of documents.
• Arranges for meeting venues professionally and timely.
• Maintains Office equipment and reports any issues to the service provider or IT team.
• Maintains an equipment inventory of office equipment and sundries.
• Maintains supplies by checking stock to determine inventory levels, anticipating restocking requirements, and initiates requisitions.
• Provides support and assistance to the office of the CEO as required.

Qualifications

• At least four (4) years of relevant experience.
• At least a mean grade D+ (plus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A professional certificate.
• Certificate in computer applications.
• Proficiency in English and Kiswahili languages.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Other Qualifications
Successful candidates after interviews will be required to satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya by submitting compliance or clearance certificates from the following institutions:

• Certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
• Tax Compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Clearance Certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
• Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
• Clearance Certificate from a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
• Commission for University Education (CUE)-Recognition and Equation of Qualification for degrees obtained from outside Kenya.

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• The Assistant Office Administrator shall be responsible to Chief Managers and will coordinate administrative services, travel itineraries and preparing various responses to support activities geared towards realizing the Service mandate.

Roles

• Provide administration and logistical support to the technical functions (Certification& Inspection or Laboratories).
• Facilitates meetings and appointments for the respective Office or Directorate.
• Manage office protocol and etiquette.
• Ensure security of office records, equipment and documents.
• Prepare responses to simple routine correspondences within the Directorate.
• Operating office equipment to include photocopying, printing.
• Receive and assist clients on various queries within the Directorate.
• Distributing, collecting, analysing and compiling feedback from clients.
• With guidance from the Chief Managers, manage the diary of events for the directorate functions.
• Facilitate travel, accommodation and provide logistical support to assessment teams.
• Support the technical team in review of applications or accreditation to determine if applications meet eligibility criteria.
• Provide information to applicant CABs on the status of their application and maintain communication with CABs regarding their accreditation status.
• Provide support in quality control on the assessment process, ensuring that all processes have been followed prior to submission of case file for review.
• Prepare a schedule of monitoring assessors in liaison with Chief Manager.
• Prepare calendar and manage logistics of specialist committees within the directorates.
• Prepare and submit status reports detailing status of accreditation process.
• Act as a focal point to manage client relationships in the directorates.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Secretarial Studies from the Kenya National Examinations Council.
• Diploma in Secretarial Studies/Front Office management/Business Management or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Shorthand III at 100 wpm.
• Proficiency in Computer Applications.

Other Qualifications
Successful candidates after interviews will be required to satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya by submitting compliance or clearance certificates from the following institutions:

• Certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
• Tax Compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Clearance Certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
• Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
• Clearance Certificate from a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
• Commission for University Education (CUE)-Recognition and Equation of Qualification for degrees obtained from outside Kenya.

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• The Assistant Office Administrator shall be responsible to Chief Managers and will coordinate administrative services, travel itineraries and preparing various responses to support activities geared towards realizing the Service mandate.

Roles

• Attending to visitors/clients.
• Ensuring security, integrity and confidentiality of data and information.
• Managing office protocol and etiquette.
• Maintaining office diary and travel itineraries.
• Receiving and distributing hard copy materials to the registry.
• Managing Front Office.
• Providing word -processing and secretarial support.
• Ensuring security of office records, equipment and documents.
• Preparing responses to simple routine correspondences.
• Operating office equipment to include photocopying, printing.
• Receiving and directing telephone calls to the various offices.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Secretarial Studies from the Kenya National Examinations Council.
• Diploma in Secretarial Studies/Front Office management/Business Management or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Shorthand III at 100 wpm.
• Proficiency in Computer Applications.

Other Qualifications
Successful candidates after interviews will be required to satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya by submitting compliance or clearance certificates from the following institutions:

• Certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
• Tax Compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Clearance Certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
• Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
• Clearance Certificate from a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
• Commission for University Education (CUE)-Recognition and Equation of Qualification for degrees obtained from outside Kenya.

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• The CEO shall be responsible to the Board of Directors, an ex-officio member of the Board, and responsible for day-to-day management of the Service to ensure that it successfully fulfils its mandate. The CEO will be responsible for setting and executing the overall business strategy and plans, building, driving and inculcating a positive culture within the Service, including providing dynamic leadership in delivering accreditation services, prudent management of resources, and financial management at the Service.

Roles

• Work with the Board, Management Executives and Staff to establish the purpose of the Service.
• Provide regular factual performance reports on the status of the Service operations to the Board.
• Execute and communicate Board decisions, strategies, and policies.
• Develop and recommend long-term strategy, annual business plans, and operating budgets for the Service, ensuring alignment with the man-date of the Service, stakeholders and industry needs.
• Manage and direct the Service in setting higher goals for growth and impact in the standards and accreditation sector.
• Lead, organize, manage, inspire, and coordinate an efficient team of Staff to realize higher productivity for the Service.
• Promote and maintain strong working relationships with the Government, the Parent Ministry, Partners, and all Stakeholders.
• Develop industry partnerships and collaborative relationships at national, regional, and international levels to advocate for higher standards, guidelines, and accreditation best practices.
• Provide inspirational leadership to the Service Staff and empower them to achieve excellence in their roles.
• Build a strong, seamless, and positive organizational culture within the Service.
• Oversee the Service’s financial and other resource administration, ensuring prudent budget management and revenue generation to grow the Service in line with the Public Financial Management Act and industry best practices.
• Provide oversight and guidance in developing, reviewing, and maintaining industry-specific standards and accreditation programmes to ensure an effective and competitive Service.
• Ensure continuous and timely updates with the regulatory requirements and trends in the industry standards, and the Service’s programmes remain fully compliant and relevant.
• Serve as the public face/spokesperson of the Service, promoting its mission, programmes, effective marketing communication and public engagement to enhance the corporate image and brand of the Service

Qualifications

• A postgraduate degree in Science, Information Technology, or Business administration from a university recognized in Kenya;
• At least ten (10) years’ relevant professional experience, of which five(5) shall have been in a senior management position in public or private institutions.
• Does not hold a public office and is otherwise not disqualified by any other written law.

Other Qualifications

• Have professional qualifications and membership in a professional body in good standing, Certification in Corporate Governance and Strategic Leadership Development Programme lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution is an added advantage.

The shortlisted candidates will be required to satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya by submitting compliance or clearance certificates from the following institutions:

• Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI); Certificate of Good Conduct
• Ethics and Anticorruption Commission (EACC)- Clearance Certificate
• Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)- Tax Compliance Certificate
• Higher Education Loan Board (HELB)- Compliance Certificate
• Approved Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)- Clearance Certificate
• Commission for University Education (CUE)-Recognition and Equation
• of Qualification for degrees obtained from outside Kenya.

Closing date: 30th January 2024