Vacancies at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and ensure implementation of the institute research and health policy to ensure provision of evidence based health solutions through policy and products at national regional and global level;
• Provide strategic leadership and administrative management of the Research and Development directorate;
• Establish strategic partnerships for research, innovations, and technology transfer;
• Coordination of research review, management and reporting;
• Guide in the development of research proposals;
• Promotion of innovation and technology transfer and product development;
• Coordination of research activities and operations through Centres;
• Coordination of clinical services, trial sites, hospitals and specialized Services;
• Overseeing disease surveillance and epidemiological platforms;
• Oversee the development, implementation and co-ordination of research staff training programs and capacity building activities in the Institute;
• Facilitate dissemination, translation and implementation of research findings; interpreting the Science and Technology Act and other relevant statutes in relation to the Institute;
• Ensuring prudent resource management and compliance to budgetary requirements and financial reporting;
• Ensuring maintenance of accurate and up to database of all Research assets including research projects and intellectual properties;
• Ensure the co- ordination of activities and operations of research centres;
• Ensuring compliance to research policy, regulation, standards and guidelines;
• Spearheading partnerships, collaborations and links with professional institutions and related bodies in advancing the Institute’s interest.

Person Specifications:

• At least twelve (12) years of relevant work experience, with five (5) years in a management position.
• Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, or any relevant Social Science, or equivalent qualifications.
• Master’s degree in Clinical Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Community Health, Epidemiology, any relevant Social Science, or equivalent qualifications.
• Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Clinical Medicine, Surgery, Community Health, Epidemiology, or any relevant Social Sciences.
• Developed at least twenty (20) proposals, ten (10) of which have been funded.
• Published at least twenty (20) articles in refereed journals, with at least ten (10) articles as the first or lead author.
• Completed a leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks (cumulative).
• Membership to a professional body where applicable.
• Proficiency in computer applications.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Leadership skills.
• Communication skills.
• Mentorship Skills.
• Problem-solving.
• Conflict management.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Negotiation skill.
• Team building.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate all the research activities that are carried out in the Institute, advice on policy that will contribute towards realization of Equitable, Affordable and Quality Health Care.
• Provide support in research financing and development of sustainable research and grants management capacity, and creation of effective synergy and networks within KEMRI, and with donors and partners in the public and private sector.
• Ensure efficient and effective grant compliance and financial management of research funds based on donor and the institutional policies and guidelines.
• Coordinate research for human health in the devolved system of Government. In contributing towards realization of Equitable, Affordable and Quality Health Care of the Highest Standard as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Country’s blue print, Vision 2030, KEMRI has developed a comprehensive framework, under which the Institute will carry out research, capacity building and service delivery in the country’s forty seven Counties.
• Coordinate the Scientific Research Programs in Institute
• Coordinate Grants Management of the Institute.
• Coordinate Country Cluster Coordinators.
• Promote, coordinate and advance all research collaborations and partnership.
• Liaise with Government Ministries, other research Institutions, the Universities, the National Council for Science and Technology and Innovations (NACOSTI) and other organization on research collaboration activities.
• Coordinate Research related Vision 2030 committee and activities
• Promote partnership and collaboration, and ensure efficient and effective technical cooperation.
• Coordinate the Planning and execution of national, regional and international collaborative activities of ESACIPAC.
• Develop and review collaborative MOUs and agreements with partners.
• Develop and review MOUs and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with county Governments and other relevant partners.
• Coordinate routine meetings with collaborators, partners and other stakeholders to thrush out issues of mutual concern.
• Initiate development of policies that will enhance funding for research programs
• Develop strategies that Attract research grant income, and other income, from a variety of sources, for research and capacity building efforts towards financial sustainability of the Institute.

Person Specification:

• At least twelve (12) years of relevant work experience, with five (5) years in a management position.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Sciences, Public Health, any relevant Social Science, or equivalent qualification.
• Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Sciences, Public Health, any relevant Social Science, or equivalent qualification.
• Doctorate degree in relevant disciplines.
• Developed at least twenty (20) proposals, ten (10) of which have been funded.
• Published at least twenty (20) articles in refereed journals, with at least ten (10) as the first or lead author.
• Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks.
• Professional qualification and membership where applicable.
• Proficiency in computer applications.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated experience in developing strong partnerships with government partners, donors, and collaborating institutions.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to motivate staff and build strong teams.
• Skills in leading a high-performance team in a deadline-driven, customer service organization.
• Excellent conceptual, analytical, documentation, and presentation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in negotiating and managing contractual research relationships.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to interpret and communicate policy effectively.
• Flexibility and positive approach towards change.

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Job Specifications:

The duties and responsibilities of the director will entail:

• Providing leadership within the directorate.
• Directing quality assurance of all research processes and activities.
• Directing the conduct of research in Quality assurance, assessment, and monitoring learners’ achievement.
• Initiating collaborations and partnerships with other institutions with respect to quality assurance and planning.
• Providing leadership in strategic budget development and reviews.
• Directing the development, implementation, evaluation, and review of the Institute’s Strategic Plan.
• Coordinating the development, monitoring, and evaluation of the Institute’s strategies, work-plans, and QA programs.
• Providing leadership during preparation and implementation of the Institute’s performance contract.
• Coordinating roll out and management of Quality Assurance standards and plans.
• Coordinating review, implementation, and improvement of Quality Management System including risk and Knowledge Management.
• Advising management on policies and strategies relating to planning, resource mobilization, performance management, quality assurance, risk management.
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring internal controls and risk management strategy to minimize losses incurred by the institute arising from exposure to risks.
• Coordinating identification and implementation of vision 2030 flagship projects geared towards realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Coordinating development of a comprehensive capital/infrastructural needs assessment in consultation with user centers/departments and prioritizes projects in line with Institute’s Strategic Plan, Medium Term Plan, and Vision 2030.
• Developing, establishing, and maintaining an institute up-to-date Master-database for Research and support activities.
• Guiding in the development, implementation, and application of modern techniques in Monitoring and Evaluation systems for research and capacity building programs.
• Coordinating operations research and conducting surveys for additional strategic information for decision making.
• Coordinating risk management in the Institute.

Person Specification:

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• At least twelve (12) years relevant work experience, five (5) of which should have been in a senior management position.
• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Public Health, Business Administration (Strategic Management), Public Policy, Project Planning and Management, or any other relevant qualification from a recognized institution.
• Bachelor’s degree in a Biomedical science field or any of the following disciplines: Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, or any other relevant qualification from a recognized institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Planning, Strategic Management, or any other relevant field from a recognized Institution.
• Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Membership to a professional body where applicable.
• Proficiency in Computer Application.
• Demonstrated professional competence as reflected in work performance and results.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic, innovative, and analytical skills.
• Communication and reporting skills.
• Planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Leadership and managerial skill.
• Mentoring and coaching skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills.

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Job Specifications:

The functions of the office of Corporation Secretary and Director Legal Services entail:

• Providing guidance to the Board on their duties, responsibilities, and powers and how these should be exercised in the best interest of the Institute.
• Facilitating planning of all KEMRI Board of Management activities to ensure that they are aligned with the Institute's strategies and all relevant Government directives.
• Coordinating evaluations of performance of board members and board development programs.
• Offering guidance to the Director, KEMRI, and top Management in preparation of Board papers.
• Providing secretarial services to the Board including ensuring that the minutes of the Board and board committees are promptly prepared and circulated.
• Custody of the seal and a record of its usage.
• Offering guidance to the Institute on matters touching on investigations of the Institute by external agencies to ensure that the Institute’s image and interest are secure.
• Formulating policy and Providing advice on legal and corporate matters to the Institute through interpretation and writing legal opinions.
• Ensuring that Legal Audit Compliance is carried out to confirm legal compliance with national, regional, and international legal requirements.
• Developing and reviewing relevant regulatory Legal framework for the better implementation of the Institute’s mandate.
• Drafting and reviewing contracts, Service Level Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding, leases and other legal documents to ensure compliance to statutory requirements and the Institute’s policies.
• Coordinating and ensuring representation of the Institute in courts or other judicial authorities.
• Reviewing and providing advice on legal risk at the Institute.
• Managing litigation and review progress of outstanding litigation.
• Liaising and managing external lawyers for the Institute.
• Management of intellectual property rights aspects of the institution.
• Contract negotiation with external parties.
• Initiation of legal action and defense on behalf of the Board of Management.

Person Specifications:

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

• At least twelve (12) years’ relevant work experience, five (5) of which must have been in management position.
• Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognized institution.
• Master’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution.
• Certified Public Secretary (K) or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Membership to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPS (K)).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the Council of Legal Education.
• Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Valid practicing license.
• Leadership Course lasting not less than six (6) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Demonstrated professional competence and administrative capability as reflected in work performance and results.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Analytical skills.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Mentoring, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Integrity.

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Key Responsibilities:

• In liaison with the Director, providing strategic leadership, policy direction and oversight of all revenue generation activities performed by officers in this cadre;
• Identifying potential areas of revenue generation within the Institute;
• Leading and initiating preparation and deployment of appropriate business contractual documents;
• Conducting periodic review of contractual documents to suit prevailing circumstances;
• Overseeing the preparation and continual reviewing of a comprehensive database of current and potential business collaborations required to deliver KCE mandate;
• Overseeing the preparation and continual reviewing of a comprehensive database of current and potential business partners required to deliver the Institute’s mandate;
• Providing overall leadership of scheduled meetings with business partners to discuss achievements, challenges and mutually agreed on the way-forward;
• Providing innovative leadership in devising new approaches to identifying and engaging non-conventional business partners and funding agencies to help diversify and broaden KEMRI revenue kitty;
• Providing custodianship of all records and overseeing dissemination of regular reports and updates on ongoing and prospective business initiatives;
• In liaison with the Director and other relevant departments, participating in the recruitment of Officers in this cadre;
• Exercising overall supervision and appraisal of all the Officers in this cadre;
• Performing any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Director from time to time

Person Specification:

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• At least twelve (12) years of relevant work experience, four (4) of which should have been in a management position.
• Bachelor's Degree in any of the following fields: Commerce (Marketing or Finance Option), Business Administration (Marketing or Finance Option), Marketing, or any other relevant Social Sciences from a recognized institution.
• Master's Degree in any of the following disciplines: Marketing, Business Administration, or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing/Sales Management.
• Membership to relevant professional body.
• Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Demonstrated professional competence and ability as reflected in work performance and results.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic, innovative, and analytical skills.
• Leadership and managerial skills.
• Business Planning and Execution expertise.
• Proposal writing and fundraising skills.
• Communication and reporting skills.
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Initiating the development and enforcement of security policies and standards in line with the operating framework;
• Implementing the following security measures in full
• Security Communication
• Preparing Security Intelligence, and investigation Reports
• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the security strategy in line with policies, processes and procedures to deliver business objective;
• Coordinating continuous information gathering and intelligence analysis with a view to developing preventive measures for enhanced security of the Institute assets and operations;
• Initiating training and monitoring outsourced security service providers to meet Institute security objectives and enhance performance;
• Initiating preparation of security training programs and
• Carrying out sensitization initiatives to enhance compliance with security standards and policies;
• Ensuring incident response planning and investigation of security violations, contributing to disciplinary and legal matters associated with such violations as necessary;
• Developing an up to date databank of security incidents and trends and reporting for management information and security action;
• Initiating programs and measures to prevent and eliminate encroachment; and
• Preparing and monitoring the section’s budgets

Person Specifications:

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• At least eight (8) years of relevant work experience, three (3) of which should have been in a supervisory role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Master’s degree in Security Management, Criminology, or any relevant and equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Served in the National Police Services, National Defense Forces, and any other Disciplined Forces for a period of at least four (4) years. OR Diploma in Criminology or any other relevant and equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. OR Higher National Diploma in Criminology or any other relevant and equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Membership to a Professional body.
• Membership to any one of the following Security Professional groups: American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), The Association of Fire Arm and Tool mark Examiners (AFTE).
• Proficiency in Computer applications.
• Demonstrated professional competence and ability as reflected in work performance and results.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and Analytical skills.
• Strong Communication and reporting skills.
• Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams.
• Mentoring, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Team player.
• Investigative skills.