Seed/ Plant Health Inspector – Grade KEPHIS 6 (12 positions) – Ref: VA/1/10/2022
a) Job Specification
Duties and Responsibilities: –
- Conducting
pest risk analysis of plants, plant products, other regulated articles and
biological articles and control agents, pest listing, reviewing and
updating plant import requirements and issuance of plant import permits;
- Verification
of applications by new clients and conducting
audits/inspection of facilities before registration; - Carrying
out inspection of imported seed, plants, plant products and other
regulated articles or those intended for export at official entry points
and issuance of phytosanitary certificates;
- Undertaking
farm/facility audits/inspection of plants, plant products and other
regulated articles destined for export;
- Undertaking
seed certification activities including field inspection, sampling, post
certification surveys and post control;
- Undertake
training, assessment and audit of private persons undertaking authorized
activities on behalf of KEPHIS;
- Undertaking
National Performance Trials and Distinctness Uniformity and Stability
trials;
- Processing
and examining applications for Plant Variety Protection and
recommending grants of plant breeder’s rights; - Implementing
plant quarantine control and conducting pest surveillance, monitoring,
emergency response, farmer advisory and reporting of new pests;
- Planning
and execution if seedling nursery certification inspections to ensure
timely audit of seedling nurseries and availability of clean seedlings;
- Undertake
national, regional and international trade relations;
- Conducting
inspection of bio-containment facilities, GMO approved activities and
other facilities for compliance with phytosanitary and biosecurity
requirements;
- Conducting
market surveillance for GMO, biological products;
- Participating
in activities for maintaining border security together with other
government agencies by implementing various border surveillance strategies;
- Supporting
development and implementation of training programs and curriculum on
seed, phytosanitary, NPT and DUS matters for capacity building of KEPHIS
technical staff and stakeholders to enhance staff competence and
efficiency in service delivery;
- Participating
in audits conducted by importing countries to ensure market access and
bilateral negotiations and agreement drafting;
- Monitoring
of databases for information security and accuracy and
participate in review and updating of electronic systems; - Participate
in development of regulations and policies on plant health
matters, seed certification and PVP to ensure proper regulatory framework; - Participate
in standards setting activities at national and international levels;
- Ensure
management of WTO-SPS enquiry points for plant health to track
notifications which have bearing on Kenya trade;
- Participate
in activities to address phytosanitary, seed certification & PVP
non-compliances for enhanced compliance;
- Participation
in stakeholder activities at national and county level to
sensitize them on seed and phytosanitary certification and plant variety protection issues; - Participate
in research activities towards strengthening seed,
phytosanitary and plant variety protection regulation and bridging gaps in missing data; - Participating
in implementation and maintenance of Quality Management
Systems (ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2013) for delivery of quality services and trade facilitation; and - Participate
in training, monitoring and audit of persons authorized to
undertake certain activities on behalf of KEPHIS.
b) Person Specification
For appointment to this
grade a candidate must have: –
- Bachelor
of Science in agriculture, biotechnology, entomology, crop protection,
molecular biology, microbiology, Seed science, Horticulture, Agronomy,
Botany or its equivalent from a university recognized in Kenya; and
- Meets
the provisions of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.
c) Skills
- Proficiency
in computer applications. Literacy in statistical packages will be an
added advantage;
- Excellent
problem-solving skills;
- Communication
skills;
- Creativity;
- Data
analysis skills;
- Analytical
skills;
- Report
writing and presentation skills; and
- Team
player.
d) Competencies
- Ability
to work independently;
- Ability
to make decisions independently
- Work
well under pressure and prioritize work;
- Demonstrated
results in work performance;
- Demonstrated
knowledge in international standards and Quality Management Systems; and
- Demonstrated
outstanding professional competence.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified
individuals are hereby invited to submit their application letter, Curriculum
Vitae, certified copies of the relevant certificates & transcripts and
National ID card to the Managing Director – KEPHIS by 15th November, 2022 at 5.00
p.m.
The applications can be
submitted in any of the
following ways;
- Hard
copy applications should be channeled to the address below, clearly
indicating the vacancy number on the envelop. The same can either be sent
by post or hand delivery to KEPHIS Headquarters at Oloolua Ridge, Karen;
- Soft
copy applications can be sent through applications@kephis.org
The vacancy number should
be clearly
indicated on the subject.
For detailed job
description, requirements and instructions on how to apply, please click here to
download.
All applications should
reach the Service not later than 15th November,
2022 at 5:00 pm. Only
shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted. Canvassing in any form
will lead to automatic disqualification.
KEPHIS is an equal opportunity employer and selects candidates on
merit through fair and open competition from the widest range of eligible
candidates. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
PROF. THEOPHILUS M. MUTUI (PH.D)
MANAGING DIRECTOR