Governments Job in Kenya - KENTRADE


The Kenya Trade Network Agency (KENTRADE) is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Finance which was established under Legal Notice No 6 of 2011. 

KENTRADE’s mandate is to implement, operationalise and manage the National Electronic Single Window System and Trade Facilitation.
 

KENTRADE wishes to engage suitably qualified candidates who meet the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Kenya Constitution in the following positions:
 
Executive Assistant (Secretary) 
 
Job Grade: KTNA 8
 
Accountable to: Head of Department/Division as assigned
 
Purpose of the Job: To handle a wide range of administrative and executive support related tasks in an organized, flexible, professional and independent manner with little or no supervision.
 
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of the Office
  • Calendar management, scheduling of meetings, managing of appointments and planning itineraries.
  • Receiving phone calls, promptly directing them to the appropriate party, placing calls on behalf of the Managers and taking messages appropriately.
  • handle all incoming and outgoing correspondences ( electronic and paper based) on behalf of the Manager(s)
  • Read and analyze incoming memos, submissions, and reports to determine their significance, plan their distribution appropriately and respond to routine correspondences.
  • Prioritize and manage multiple assignments simultaneously and follow through on issues in a timely manner
  • Arrange travel schedules and make reservations for management as needed
  • Assisting Managers in all possible works likes in meetings, preparing background documents and presentations.
  • Update the Manager(s) about various work related assignments.
  • Create and update the office databases as required
  • Ensure that all reports and data files are arranged in a perfect manner so as to facilitate storage and retrieval
  • Receive visitors, determine whether they should be given access to specific individuals and usher them accordingly.
  • Event Management, coordination and ensure availability of refreshments during corporate events or meetings.
  • Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the level of responsibility of this job role
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized University
  • Higher National Diploma in Secretarial Studies by KNEC or equivalent from a recognized institution.
  • At least six (6) years’ experience providing administrative and secretarial services with 2 years providing support at the executive level
  • Experience in use of relevant computer applications
  • Use of standard office administrative practices and procedures
Personal Attributes
  • organizational and planning skills
  • communication and interpersonal skills
  • information gathering and information monitoring skills
  • problem analysis and problem solving skills
  • judgment and decision-making ability
  • initiative and flexibility
  • professionalism and confidentiality
  • attention to detail and accuracy

Manager - Strategy & Planning
 
Job Grade: KTNA 3
 
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
 
Responsible for: 
  • Assistant Manager – Strategy & Planning
  • Assistant Manager – Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Assistant Manager – Research & Development
Purpose of the Job: The position will oversee the effective execution of the Organization’s Strategic Planning processes, Research & Development Initiatives and the corporate performance Contracting process.
 
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Coordinating the design, implementation, monitoring and review of the Agency’s Strategic Plan.
  • Lead the annual Performance Contracting process by designing the Agency’s Annual work Plan as derived from the Strategic Plan, the Vision 2030 Development Plan and the Performance Contracting Guidelines.
  • Ensure the Effective cascading of the Corporate Annual Work Plan and performance Contract to the respective Divisions and Departments.
  • Lead in the design and implementation of a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework of the Agency in liaison with the other Divisions/Departments.
  • Oversee effective periodic Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting of the Agency’s activities as outlined in the Strategic Plan, Annual Work Plan and Performance Contract.
  • Prepare and monitor the budget to support delivery of the Agency’s strategic objectives in consultation with Finance and the technical departments.
  • Identify Strategic opportunities and risks and advising Management on the appropriate course of action.
  • Liaising with other Departments to develop or review various strategies to support programmes / projects under KENTRADE.
  • Developing and implementing appropriate and strategic networks, collaboration, linkages and partnerships with the stakeholders nationally and internationally to support KENTRADE in liaison with other Divisions.
  • Developing the framework for evaluation of projects/programs/ activities and ensuring that they are aligned to the organizations strategic goals and the Kenya Vision 2030.
  • Coordinating the Strategic involvement of relevant Government Ministries, Departments and stakeholder Agencies to support the implementation of the Agency plans.
  • Manage the identification, design and implementation of Research and Development initiatives in support of the Agency’s mandate and Business Strategy.
  • Coordinate the implementation of the Quality Management System
  • Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the level of responsibility of this job role
Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelors’ Degree in Business, Economics, Strategic Management, Arts or relevant field from a recognized institution.
  • Master’s Degree in Business, Arts or a relevant field from a recognized institution.
  • Relevant Professional Qualification
  • Membership to a Professional body
  • 8 (eight) years’ work experience 4 of which must be in a senior Management position
  • Experience in Strategy design, implementation and review preferable with a public sector institution
  • Experience in the Public Sector Performance Contracting process desirable
  • Experience in quality management systems
Personal Attributes
  • Excellent analytical, interpersonal, leadership and Communication skills a must
  • Strong ability to think critically and select the right opportunities
  • Capable of driving internal stakeholders to a consensus on important issues
  • Ability to develop good working relationships inside and outside the Agency
  • Excellent planning and forecasting skills
  • Ability to meet multiple objectives in a fast paced environment with little supervision

Finance Manager
 
Job Grade: KTNA 3
 
Accountable to: General Manager – Support Services
 
Responsible for: 
  • Management Accountant
  • Financial Accountant
  • Clerk
Purpose of the Job: Management of the Agency’s finances, the financial systems, planning of financial services, monitoring expenditures and enforcing financial compliance.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Design, implement and review financial management policies, systems and procedures of KENTRADE to ensure efficient and effectives accounting and finance processes.
  • Responsible for preparation of annual budgets and financial projections.
  • Responsible for timely preparation of accurate Management Accounts and Financial Statements/Reports;
  • Monitor the financial performance and Cash flows of the Agency, advice on matters arising and propose remedial measures where appropriate.
  • Responsible for maintenance and updating of the fixed assets register
  • Responsible for compliance matters in regards to taxation and statutory requirements.
  • In liaison with the Human Resource and Administration Manager ensure proper payroll management and salary Administration.
  • Facilitate external and internal audits and ensure effective implementation of audit recommendations.
  • Advise management with regard to KENTRADE financial matters.
  • Effective supervision of Departmental staff including conducting staff appraisals on time in accordance with the established Performance Management System.
  • Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the level of responsibility of this job role
Qualifications& Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Economics or any related field from a recognized University;
  • Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance/Accounts option, or any other related field from a recognized institution;
  • Possession of CPA (K), ACCA or CFA qualifications
  • A member of ICPAK or ACCA of good standing;
  • A minimum eight (8) years’ experience in a financial management and accounting environment 4 of which should be at a senior level in a reputable organization.
  • Experience in a computerized accounting environment
Essential Knowledge & Skills
  • Must have a thorough understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS’s).
  • Conversant with Public Sector Finance Management and knowledge of financial management laws and regulations
  • Excellent knowledge of relevant computer software and applications.
  • Proficiency in use of ACCPAC, Sage or related Modules
Personal Attributes
  • Committed team player with strong managerial skills;
  • High analytical and organizational skills;
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Good report writing and presentation skills.
  • Strong strategic advisory and analytical skills with the ability to motivate teams and to establish and implement work plan objectives.

 
Trade Facilitation Manager 
 
Job Grade: KTNA 3
 
Accountable to: General Manager – Operations
 
Responsible for:  
  • Assistant Manager – Business Development
  • Assistant Manager – Business Process Re-Engineering
Purpose of the Job: To continuously analyze the current trade facilitation measures available for conducting trade within Kenya and the Region and make appropriate recommendations to reduce the impact of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. 

To engage and lobby the trade community in both the public and private sectors across the supply chain with a view to strengthening capacity as regards to measures to facilitate and ease trade in Kenya and the Region. 

To ensure the effective implementation of the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS) as a Trade Facilitation Tool.
 
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Provide leadership, strategic vision and manage the Trade Facilitation Unit of the Agency.
  • Prepare Strategic, Business and Performance Work Plans for the Trade Facilitation Unit
  • Prepare the Annual Budget for the Trade Facilitation Unit.
  • To work closely with relevant Stakeholders & other partners, representatives of business and trading community in Kenya and the region in order to identify and specify needs, strengths and weaknesses in the existing systems and procedures for facilitating trade;
  • Provide trade facilitation measures in line with the mandate of KENTRADE (National Electronic Single Window System.)
  • Conduct consultative workshops with relevant partners to strengthen capacity as regards to measures to facilitate and ease trade and cooperate with the trading community and business in general.
  • Continuously analyze the Supply chain and recommend Trade facilitation Strategies required to improve trade processes.
  • To assess the current status and promote comprehensive cooperation and understanding among public sector (particularly Customs services) and trading community;
  • To provide expertise and recommendations as to how to adapt internationally acclaimed trade facilitation measures to local realities;
  • Prepare an analysis of the implementation status of Trade Facilitation measures being implemented in each Partner Government Agency
  • To identify institutional, legal and functional gaps which hinder the introduction of trade facilitation measures in the country.
  • To contribute to the development of an action plan including critical steps on introduction of trade facilitation concepts and measures in Kenya and the Region;
  • Kyoto Convention – interpretation of terminology and introduction into the national legislation, and/or in any other trade facilitation related area upon agreement with relevant agencies.
  • Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the level of responsibility of this job role.
Qualifications& Experience
  • Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Commerce, Finance, International Business, Statistics, Supply Chain, Marketing or related field from a recognized institution.
  • Possession of a Master’s degree in Business Administration, International Trade, International Relations or related field from a recognized institution.
  • Relevant Professional qualifications.
  • Membership to a relevant professional Body
  • At least 8 years relevant experience 4 of which must have been at a senior management level to prove technical qualifications and experience
  • Experience in Sales & marketing or Supply Chain is desirable
  • Experience in Business Development, cross border trade, and trade logistics is an added advantage
Essential knowledge & Skills
  • Knowledge of current issues concerning Trade Facilitation and Supply Chain Logistics in the East Africa Region
  • Knowledge of current WTO issues related to trade facilitation
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Personal Attributes
  • Ability to negotiate activity interests with a range of stakeholders, from high-level officials to private sector leaders and business associations
  • Ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team under challenging circumstances to achieve results
  • Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
  • Ability to work under pressure in a multicultural environment
  • Excellent written and presentation communication skills
Qualified and Interested candidates are requested to submit their application, Curriculum Vitae, copies of certificates & testimonials, email and telephone contacts including names, telephone and email contacts of three (3) referees who must be familiar with the candidates previous work experience. 

The position applied for should be indicated on the top of the envelope and applications addressed as detailed below to be sent by post, hand delivery or email so as to be received not later than 5.00pm on Wednesday, 17th April 2013.
 
The Chief Executive Officer
Kenya Trade Network Agency
1st Floor, Embankment Plaza
Longonot Rd - Upperhill
P.O. Box 36943-00200
Nairobi
 
Email: vacancies@kentrade.go.ke
 
KENTRADE is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification
 
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted