Job Vacancies at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

JOB PURPOSE: 

This role is responsible for ensuring financial resources are disbursed, accounted and reported efficiently. To manage and co-ordinate the work of assigned staff, ensure preparation of internal management reports, grant donor reports and other financial accounting information. 

Description: 

REPORTS TO: 

• Senior Accountant.

DIRECT REPORTS:

• Assistant Accountant.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

• Managing grant expenditure. 
• Approval of requests of the financial management system (FMS). 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In charge of preparing timely management reports internally
• Ensuring that standard accounting procedures are followed in preparing the financial reports & that any SOPS in place are followed
• Verifying that all transactions are properly authorized, documented, and ensuring that accounting transactions are posted to the correct ledgers/account codes
• Preparing balance sheet reconciliations monthly to be reviewed by the Head of Finance
• Setting up new grants in the accounting database
• Supervising weekly cash counts and periodic stock takes
• Preparing Grant Reports for Donors and ensuring these go out in accordance with deadlines, and with all the correct supplementary backing information required
• Meeting with PIs and other unit staff to discuss finance matters and advise on procedures
• Check and review coding of transaction before posting to accounting system
• Check and review supplier payments as necessary
• Prepare bank reconciliations if required
• Analyze income & costs for specific queries
• Monthly variance analysis
• Assist in the preparation of budgets
• Preparation of the CORE payroll
• Checking the KWP payroll, Supplement and Locum payrolls.
• Other tasks that may reasonably be required of the post holder.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree in accounting, Finance or in a relevant field; Masters Degree is an added advantage 
• CPA (K) Qualified accountant and registered member of ICPAK. 
• Minimum four (4) years relevant experience; One(1) year supervisory experience an added advantage.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• In-depth knowledge and experience in computerized Grants accounting systems; 
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards and their applicability. 
• Knowledge of Tax Laws and Company’s Act.

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity and confidentiality 
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills 
• Basic analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills. 
• Team working and ability to work in diverse teams 
• Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail.

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JOB PURPOSE: 

1. Operate and oversee the programme’s Next Gen Sequencing Facility.
2. Manage and maintain the malaria qPCR service
3. Coordinate a Sanger sequencing service with 3rd party providers
4. Manage and maintain the molecular biology laboratory section

Description: 

REPORTS TO:

• Head of Biosciences

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES:

• Assistant Research Officers.
• Interns, students.

INDIRECTLY SUPERVISES:

• None

BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY:

• Manage all stocks of consumables and reagents for 1,2 & 3 above and maintenance of equipment for 4 above.
• Provide timely budget reports and invoicing for services provided.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordination, operation and maintenance of the Next Generation Sequencing facility and Malaria qPCR service.
• Maintain a robust stock control and grant billing system to ensure stock-outs are minimised and budgets remain balanced.
• Ensure all equipment are fully maintained and operational.
• Work closely with senior scientists to develop sequencing assays.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and other controlled documentation.
• Maintain clear and accurate records and results.
• Coordinate a Sanger sequencing service with 3rd party providers, including sample shipment and payments.
• Provide a clean and safe working environment for laboratory staff.
• Monitor and maintain relevant GCLP procedures and standards in order to deliver a quality service at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A laboratory based MSc in a relevant subject, e.g. Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular biology, evolution, genetics.
• At least 3 years of research experience in a Medical Research Laboratory.
• Knowledge of GCLPs, QMS and other relevant best practices and standards.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing, operating and maintaining Quality Assurance & Quality Control systems including; Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assurance (EQA) Schemes
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications and Bioinformatics software.

DESIRABLE:

• Significant hands-on experience in Next Generation Sequencing, particularly utilising the Illumina MiSeq platform.
• Significant experience in performing quantitative PCR assays.
• Strong budgeting and stock management skills.
• Experience in troubleshooting molecular assays and equipment and working with Service Providers, when required, to provide rapid solutions that ensure minimum downtime.

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity and confidentiality  
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills  
• Good analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills;  
• Teamwork and ability to work with diverse teams  
• Strong Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail  
• Strong team coordination and Supervisory skills.