Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Jobs and Career Opportunities

1. Deputy Director (Research and Training)
2. Deputy Director (Administration and Finance)
3. Assistant Director, Human Resources Management
4. Senior Principal Administrative Officer (Commercial Manager)
5. Principal Research Officer/ Senior Principal Administrative Officer (Monitoring and Evaluation)
6. Principal Institute Engineer (Civil)
7. Senior Internal Auditor
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a State Corporation established through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979.
It is one of the leading health research institutes in Africa responsible for carrying out research in Kenya. KEMRI’s Vision is to be a leading centre of excellence in the promotion of quality health and its Mission is to improve on the quality of health and human life through research.
In order to meet its strategic goals and objectives, KEMRI seeks to recruit exceptional candidates for the following positions:-
1. Deputy Director (Research and Training)
Job Summary: The Deputy Director (Research and Training) reports to the Director KEMRI and is responsible for providing leadership and direction in research, innovations, capacity building and outreach activities in line with the Institute’s strategic plans and performance contract objectives, and goals of Kenya’s vision 2030 and the national health sector strategic plans.
Specific Responsibilities:
·         Coordinate and support efforts for establishment of strategic partnerships for research, innovations, technology transfer, product development and commercialization.
·         Oversee commercialization of research products, services, and support intellectual property protection and related activities.
·         Coordinate review of research and training priorities of the Institute.
·         Oversee the planning, monitoring and evaluation function, the management of the Grantsmanship office, including the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy to support research and innovations in the Institute.
·         Oversee the development, implementation and co-ordination of training and capacity building activities in the Institute including mentorship, industrial attachments, and internships Programs.
·         Co-ordinate the activities and operations of the Institute’s research Centres (operational units) and Programs.
·         Coordinate research regulation and policy implementation including research scientific and ethical approvals.
·         Coordinate dissemination of research of research findings, translation and implementation research activities, networking meetings, and policy development.
·         Interpret the Science and Technology Act and other relevant statutes in relation to the Institute
Key Qualifications and Competencies:
·         A Biomedical, Public health or Medical research scientist with doctoral level qualifications (PhD degree or equivalents) from a recognized institution, and at least 10 years post-doctoral research experience
·         Must have a proven track  record in scientific research supported by publications in reputable journals.
·         Must have a proven track record in leadership and management with at least 7 years experience at senior management level
·         Must have strategic management experience and negotiation skills will be a definite added advantage.
·         A demonstrated high degree of integrity, honesty, and commitment to good corporate governance, and excellence in performance.
2. Deputy Director (Administration and Finance)
Job Summary: The Deputy Director Administration and Finance reports to the Director KEMRI and is responsible for ensuring effective leadership and management of KEMRI’s finance and administrative systems including financial and grant management, procurement, human resources, administration and compliance with GOK laws and regulations
Specific Responsibilities:
·         Oversee, coordinate and provide leadership in Administration and Finance.
·         Supervise and coordinate the design and review of the basic administrative structure of the Institute to include organization, planning: direction and control.
·         Co-ordination of staff welfare matters
·         Legal consultations on matters concerning the Institute
·         Budgetary planning with MTEF in liaison with Government line Ministries
Key Qualifications and Competencies:
·         PhD and/or Masters degree with a minimum of 10 years experience in Finance, Administration and Management in a large organization,
·         Must have knowledge of existing GOK Financial Management, Procurement Regulations and Policies that govern State Corporations in the Research and Training category.
·         Must have Strategic management experience and negotiation skills.
·         Must have a demonstrated high degree of integrity, honesty, and commitment to good corporate governance and excellence in performance.
·         Must have displayed proven administrative maturity  and  outstanding  management capabilities in a large  organization.
·         Must have evidence of good mentoring skills.
·         Must have excellent interpersonal  and cross-cultural skills.
3. Assistant Director, Human Resources Management
Job Summary: The Assistant Director, Human Resources Management reports to the Deputy Director Administration and Finance and is responsible for the overall management and design of competitive and appropriate compensation and benefit policies, Responsible for conceptualization, design and management of staffing strategies to ensure that the organization acquires and retains a qualified workforce capable of meeting current organizational challenges.
Specific Responsibilities:
·         Advising and providing guidance on all matters pertaining to Human Resource Management.
·         Liaising closely with the Government Ministries and departments on human resource management issues: issuing administrative guidelines on interpretation and implementation of labour laws and other Human Resource statutes as they relate to the Institute.
·         Advising on collective bargaining and negotiation agreements with Trade Unions.
·         Ensure maintenance of updated information on staff salaries, allowances, PA.Y.E. statutory deduction computations and ensuring compliance with current laws and regulations in close collaboration with the Deputy Director Administration and Finance.
·         Institute and manage an appropriate Performance Management and Succession Planning system to ensure that the organization has a ready supply of staff with the requisite skills and competencies.
·         Take a lead in implementing the performance management system in alignment with the organizational goals
·         Conduct workshops and hold discussions/ meetings to orient all staff members on the Performance Management process.
·         Facilitate and ensure that performance reviews are conducted regularly by supervisors, provide training and advice to all managers on use of performance management
Key Qualifications and Competencies:
·         Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA), Social Sciences or any related field and specialization in Human Resources Management with a minimum of ten (10) years experience at senior management level in a similar organization.
·         Demonstrate credibility with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
·         Must demonstrate a thorough understanding of Kenya’s national goals, policies and development objectives, and ability to transform them into Human Resource Management policies and programmes.
·         Must have excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
·         Must have the ability to express oneself succinctly, creatively and independently
·         Must have leadership skills, including the ability to supervise and motivate qualified professional staff with strong personal value systems.
·         Must have the ability to coach, mentor, delegate appropriately and provide developmental  guidance  to  supervised staff.
·         Must have team building skills.
·         Must have competent skills in core IT applications, particularly MS Office
4. Senior Principal Administrative Officer (Commercial Manager)
Job Summary: The Senior Principal Administrative Officer reports to the Deputy Director Administration and Finance and is responsible for the overall management of the Commercial arm of the Institute, specifically responsible for identifying, developing and maintaining Commercialization strategies to meet organizational objectives. Evaluate customer research, market conditions, competitor data and implements marketing plan changes as needed. Oversee all marketing, advertising, Intellectual Property activities.
Specific Responsibilities:
·         Develop the annual marketing plan which details activities to follow during the fiscal year, which will focus on meeting organizational objectives.
·         To manage the Marketing Department Budget. Delivery of all marketing activity within agreed budget. Direction of marketing staff where budgets are devolved.
·         Managing the entire product line life cycle from strategic planning to tactical activities.
·         Specifying market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research supported by on-going visits to customers and non-customers.
·         Identify, develop and commercialize the Institute’s Research, knowledge, products, services and other resources of the Institute.
·         Proactively establish and maintain effective working team relationships with all support departments.
·         To assist in obtaining necessary approvals for the Institute’s products and services in accordance with the relevant procedures and legal regulations.
Key Qualifications and Competencies:
·         A Masters Degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting or Sales and Marketing.
·         Must have at least 8-years’ experience working in the private and/or public sector.
·         Must have experience in managing business and projects.
·         Must have a strong network of business / government contacts.
·         Must have excellent skills in risk management, finance, marketing and business acumen skills.
·         Must have excellent working knowledge of what drives businesses, including sharp analytical skills.
·         Must have strong commitment to output and performance-based working style.
·         Must have extensive experience in all aspects of developing and maintaining marketing strategies to meet organizational objectives.
·         Must have strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and requirements.
·         Must be willing to travel and work in a global team of professionals.
·         Must have proven ability to oversee all marketing, advertising and activities.
5. Principal Research Officer/ Senior Principal Administrative Officer (Monitoring and Evaluation)
Job Description: The Officer will report directly to the Assistant Director (M & E) and will be tasked to guide in the development, implementation and application of modern techniques in Monitoring and Evaluation systems for research and capacity building programmes in the Institute
Specific Responsibilities:
·         Guide the development, implementation and application of modern techniques in Monitoring and Evaluation systems for research and capacity building programs.
·         Working closely with the Principal Investigators at project start-up, implementation and close up to translate the results into their corresponding outcomes and outputs.
·         Work closely with the research teams to prepare semi-annual monitoring and evaluation schedules.
·         Work closely with the Research Programmes Committees in the design and implementation of organizational and health systems strengthening activities.
·         Document the achievements and accomplishments of the Institute’s Performance Contract targets.
·         Oversee documentation of best practices and success stories for potential program users and public relations purposes.
Key Qualifications and Competencies:
·         Masters degree in Health System or Social Sciences or related field Experience in programme management monitoring and evaluation will be an added advantage.
·         Must have a minimum of 4 years at Senior-level, experience in operation research/monitoring and evaluation of large internationally funded health research programs, including the use of data to inform decision-making, planning, resource allocation and other strategic initiatives. Preference given to candidates with research experience in Africa.
·         Must have proficiency in evaluation design and development of indicators.
·         Must have good working knowledge of descriptive, inferential, and advanced statistics.
·         Must have the ability to obtain, analyze and interpret scientific data.
·         Must  have  experience   in  quantitative measurement of program impact.
6. Principal Institute Engineer (Civil)
Job Summary: The Principal Institute Engineer will report to the Chief Institute Engineer and will be responsible for designing and supervising of KEMRI infrastructure projects as per the GOK regulations.
Responsibilities:
·         Designing infrastructure projects – including preparation of drawings, specifications, bill of quantities and contract documents.
·         Assisting in project preparation, implementation and monitoring of project based environmental mitigation measures.
·         Supervision of construction of projects undertaken directly or by contract.
·         Preparation of repair and maintenance plans, scheme manuals so as to ensure the continuous availability of the Board’s assets and operational efficacy and reliability.
·         Preparation and submission of technical proposals and progress reports as required.
·         Assist in undertaking environmental and social impact studies.
·         Preparation and updating of infrastructure inventory.
Key Qualifications and Competencies:
·         Masters and/or Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering (Minimum Upper second honors).
·         Must be competent in using of Auto-CAD and Microsoft (open) office suite.
·         A Diploma in project design or equivalent is an added advantage.
·         Must have 4 years relevant experience.
·         Must be registered by Engineers Registration Board.
7. Senior Internal Auditor 
Job Summary: The Internal Auditor will report to the Head of Internal Audit, KEMRI and will be responsible for the day to day monitoring of the implementation and operation of defined Finance/Accounts controls at KEMRI.
Responsibilities:
·         Undertake execution of specific audit assignments as dictated by the approved audit plan.
·         Identify and discuss all control weaknesses and recommendations with management.
·         Identify and promote good business practice within the organization
·         Ensure that execution of audit assignments is within defined timeliness.
Key Qualifications and Competencies:
·         Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance or other relevant degree from a recognized University.
·         Must be a fully qualified accountant (CPAK, ACCA or CA professional accounting qualification).
·         Must be a qualified CIA, CISA or working towards attaining the qualification.
·         Must have IT Knowledge- an understanding of the working of the various systems and use of computer aided auditing techniques.
·         Must have four (4) years internal audit experience from a reputable organization with strong internal control structure or audit firm.
·         Must have knowledge of accounting packages especially Pastel or ERP.
·         Must be a team player with good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
·         Must have the ability to meet strict deadlines and work with limited supervision
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria should send their applications enclosing a detailed CV. indicating current remuneration and three referees to the following address not later than 15th  November 2010
The Director
Kenya Medical Research Institute
P.O. Box 54840 – 00200, Nairobi
Or send by email to: director@kemri.org
KEMRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons who had responded to our earlier advert dated Friday 22nd  October are encouraged to reapply only if they meet the above required requirements.
Details about these posts can also be obtained from our website: www.kemri.org.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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