Ongoing Recruitment at National Irrigation Authority (NIA)

Job Purpose:

• Provide Strategic Leadership in the identification, feasibility assessment, Design and Construction of irrigation and water storage Infrastructure to expand the National area under irrigation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic technical input into the development, implementation, and review of the Authority’s Strategic Plan.
• Oversee the preparation of technical specifications and the evaluation of bids for irrigation and water storage infrastructure.
• Facilitate pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to determine irrigation potential for new schemes.
• Lead the review and approval of design reports and tender documents for irrigation projects.
• Promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions for water abstraction and manage international technical collaborations.
• Supervise construction works to ensure adherence to quality, cost, safety, and timelines.
• Lead the development and enforcement of irrigation standards in line with national codes of practice.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution involving Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

Person Specifications:

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil/ Agricultural/Water Engineering, Project Planning & Management.
• Registered Professional Engineer with EBK and a valid Practising License.
• Full Member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience, with at least 5 years at the Senior Management level.
• Strategic Leadership Development Course (minimum 4 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Strategic leadership, financial management, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and intercultural competence.

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Job Purpose:

• Provide Strategic Leadership in the Management of Irrigation Schemes and delivery of Advisory and Extension services.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the operation and maintenance of Irrigation Infrastructure to ensure optimal utilisation.
• Oversee agribusiness development, extension services, and support to Irrigation Water Users Associations (IWUAs).
• Coordinate formulation of irrigation management policies, standards, and incentives to attract private sector investment.
• Oversee operational research and dissemination of irrigation technologies to enhance productivity.
• Manage production strategies for selected enterprise value chains and husbandry services.
• Lead data collection, analysis, and reporting on water use efficiency, crop yields, and productivity.
• Direct performance contracting, risk management, and ISO compliance within the Directorate.

Person Specifications:

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil/Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture (Agronomy/Agribusiness).
• Relevant professional registration.
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience, of which 5 years should be at Senior Management level.
• Strategic Leadership Development Course (minimum 4 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Visionary leadership, change management, analytical skills, project management, and emotional intelligence.

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Job Purpose:

• Provide strategic leadership in Planning, Resource Mobilisation, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), learning, and Quality Assurance.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee formulation, implementation, and review of the Corporate Strategic Plan and annual work plans.
• Coordinate resource mobilisation strategies targeting bilateral and multilateral development partners.
• Lead preparation of programme performance reviews and MTEF budgets in line with National Treasury guidelines.
• Design and implement M&E frameworks to track delivery against strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with environmental safeguards and ISO Quality Management Systems.
• Oversee business continuity planning and corporate risk mitigation frameworks.
• Provide evidence-based advice to management through socio-economic and policy research.

Person Specifications:

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Economics, Statistics, Agricultural Economics, Project Management, Civil/Agricultural Engineering, Public Policy, Developement Finance, Monitoring & Evaluation.
• Membership in a relevant professional body.
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience, of which 5 years should be at the Senior Management level.
• Strategic Leadership Development Course (minimum 4 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Strategic management, analytical thinking, creativity, financial
• management, and networking.

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Job Purpose:

• Provide Strategic Leadership in Human Capital Management, ICT, and Asset administration.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead formulation and review of human capital strategies, HR policies, and recruitment frameworks.
• Oversee staff welfare programmes, medical and pension schemes, and OSHA compliance.
• Formulate and implement ICT strategies, data protection policies, and process automation initiatives.
• Provide leadership in the operations and administration of Assets and fleet operations for effective, economic and efficient utilization.
• Foster a culture of ethics, professionalism, innovation, and high performance.

Person Specifications:

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Human Resource Management, Public Administration, or Business Administration.
• CHRP-K professional qualification.
• Full Member of IHRM with a valid Practising License.
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience, with 5 years at the Senior Management level.
• Strategic Leadership Development Course (minimum 4 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Leadership, mentorship, conflict management, administrative acumen, and organisational skills.

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Job Purpose:

• Provide leadership in irrigation research, data analysis, and dissemination of innovative practices.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Formulate and implement the Authority’s research strategy and annual research plans.
• Coordinate data collection and analysis on water use efficiency and irrigation productivity.
• Oversee publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and international forums.
• Review research protocols to ensure compliance with international standards and quality systems.
• Promote innovation, mentorship, and performance management within the Division.

Person Specifications:

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil/Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Soil Science, Lab Technology, Environmental Science
• Relevant professional registration.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience, and served at the level of an Assitant Director in NIA Grade
• 4 for at least 3 years or in a comparable position in the Public Service.
• Senior Management Course (minimum 4 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Problem-solving, analytical skills, creativity, mentorship, and technical leadership.

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Job Purpose:

• Lead planning and Resource Mobilisation to support effective Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL).

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead review of the Corporate Strategic Plan and preparation of MTEF budgets.
• Coordinate grant proposal development and donor relationship management.
• Oversee implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework.
• Cascade performance contracts and manage corporate knowledge systems.
• Conduct socio-economic analysis to inform irrigation investment priorities.

Person Specifications:

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Economics, Statistics, Agricultural Economics, Civil/Water/Agricultral Engineering, Project Management, Public Policy, Development Finance, Monitoring & Evaluation.
• Membership in a relevant professional body.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience, and served at the level of an Assitant Director in NIA Grade
• 4 for at least 3 years or in a comparable position in the Public Service.
• Senior Management Course (minimum 4 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Negotiation, financial management, strategic leadership, and networking.

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Job Purpose:

• Oversee Planning and Resource Mobilisation functions within the Division.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate preparation of annual work plans and programme performance reviews.
• Undertake socio-economic research to inform irrigation policy and investment priorities.
• Monitor and evaluate corporate and departmental performance contracts.
• Support the identification and attraction of private sector investment.
• Prepare reports for stakeholders and the National Treasury.

Person Specifications:

• Masters and Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics,Agricultural Economics,Civil/Agricultural Engineering, Development Finance, Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience, and served at the level of Principal Planning Officer in NIA
• Grade 5 for at least three years or in a comparable position in the Public Service.
• Senior Management Course (minimum 4 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Analytical ability, interpersonal skills, time management, and project management.

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Job Purpose

• Provide Legal advisory services and ensure Statutory and Regulatory compliance.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Represent the Authority in litigation and develop legal strategies.
• Draft, vet, and review contracts, MOUs, leases, and agreements.
• Handle legal matters related to land assets, resettlement, and intellectual property.
• Identify legal risks and implement mitigation measures.
• Ensure compliance with the Irrigation Act, 2019 and other applicable laws.

Person Specifications:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Kenya School of Law Diploma.
• Admitted Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid Practising License.
• Certified Public Secretary (K).
• Member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience, and served at the level of a Principal Legal Officer in NIA
• Grade 5 for at least 3 years or in a comparable position in the Public Service.
• Senior Management Course (minimum 4 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Dispute resolution, legal drafting, integrity, and organisational skills

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Job Purpose

• Coordinate collaborative research programmes and provide technical mentorship.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review research protocols and supervise field data collection and analysis.
• Prepare scientific reports and manuscripts for publication.
• Disseminate irrigation innovations and technologies to stakeholders.
• Build partnerships with professional bodies and research institutions.
• Monitor divisional work plans, budgets, and performance

Person Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degrees in Agriculture, Civil/Agricultural/Water Engineering, Lab Technology, Environmental Science.
• Relevant professional registration.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience, and served at the level of Senior Research Officer in NIA
• Grade 6 for at least 3 years or in a comparable position in the Public Service.
• Supervisory Course (minimum 2 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Technical leadership, communication, mentorship, and analytical skills.