Government Job Vacancies - Kenya Forest Service

Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is a State Corporation whose responsibility is the management, conservation, sustainable development and proper utilization of the country’s forest resources for equitable benefit of present and future generations. 

The Service seeks to recruit and deploy qualified men and women in various forest areas for protection and conservation functions.
 

Superintendent - Forest Roads and Infrastructure 
 
Number: 

The Superintendent will report to the immediate supervisor and will be deployed at the forest roads and infrastructure unit (in Kinale or Londiani or Nyeri or Eldoret) 


Duties and Responsibilities 

He/She will perform the following duties;
  • Planning, designing, evaluating, constructing and maintenance of forest roads and infrastructure.
  • General administration of forest infrastructure and related projects.
  • Preparation of technical specifications for works and projects including site plans, bill of quantities, structural, mechanical and civil plans
  • Carry out regular evaluation of infrastructural needs.
  • Preparation of forest roads and infrastructure related annual work plans for implementation in consultation with field officers
  • Carry out routine and periodic maintenance of forest roads and related infrastructure within their jurisdiction
  • Responsible for financial management and reporting on utilization of funds allocated to the forest roads and infrastructure unit.
  • Supervise staff within the forest roads and infrastructure unit.
  • ix. Safe custody of inventory, maintenance and repair of plants and equipment within the forest roads and infrastructure unit.
Academic qualifications and experience 

In order to be considered the applicant must:
  • Have a diploma in civil engineering or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
  • Have a minimum of at least five (5) years work experience as a senior inspector (roads) or in a comparable and relevant position.
  • Have experience in construction and maintenance of roads/ rural access roads
Key skills and Competencies 

The Applicant should demonstrate:-
  • An understanding of public sector procedures.
  • Construction management skills
  • Good project/contract management and costing skills
  • Ability to manage and sustain high cost centre performance, compliance and performance standards

Deputy Commandant - Enforcement and Compliance

The Deputy Commandant will report to the Commandant and will be responsible for forest law enforcement and other related laws. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

He/ She will perform the following duties;
  • Be the principal assistant to the Commandant
  • Ensure compliance with the Forests Act and other laws
  • Develop, plan and implement emergency security response programs
  • Ensure adoption of modern technology and innovation to improve the effectiveness of the Enforcement and Compliance (ENCOM) Division
  • Assist in preparation and implementation of annual operational plans for law enforcement
  • Coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of enforcement and compliance activities and programs.
  • Co-ordinate the functions of the forest protection unit, intelligence services unit, investigation unit and paramilitary training.
  • Coordinate the protection of forests resources, service installations and assets.
  • Take measures to ensure effective handling, maintenance and safe custody of firearms, ammunition and security equipment.
Academic Qualifications and Experience
  • Served for a minimum period of three (3) years as an Assistant Commandant or equivalent position in a similar institution.
  • Bachelors degree in any of the following disciplines: environmental management, law enforcement, Security related studies or relevant field from a recognized university;
  • Demonstrated a high degree of professional competence in security matters and administrative capability in managing staff.
Key Skills
  • Knowledge of the constitutional provisions related to law enforcement, offences under the Forests Act and related Laws

Deputy Director - Forest Conservation and Management
 
The Deputy Director - Forest Conservation and Management will report to the Senior Deputy Director Field Operations and shall be responsible for formulation, development and implementation of policies and strategies for natural forests conservation and management. 


Duties and responsibilities: 

He/She will perform the following duties;
  • Develop strategies and guidelines for implementation of programs for the management, conservation, utilization and protection of forests to meet organizational goals and objectives
  • Rehabilitation of degraded natural forests
  • Planning, budgeting and implementation of forestry programs within the division
  • Will be responsible for eco-Tourism development, watershed and biodiversity management
  • Carry out site assessments for suitability of easement, way leaves, forest installations and other related works
  • Fire and disaster management
  • Co-ordinate Participatory Forest Management (PFM).
  • Monitoring, evaluation, impact assessment and reporting on the program implementation
  • Develop, manage and maintain essential natural forest infrastructure for effective service delivery
  • Ensure compliance with corporate and statutory forestry and environmental requirements in service delivery
  • Manage staff and ensure optimum productivity
  • Partner and collaborate with stakeholders for efficient management, development and conservation of forests
  • Respond to emerging forestry issues including but not limited to climate change, green energy, carbon trading and eco-tourism.
  • Coordinate reservation of forests and acquisition of titles for forests and other land under KFS management.
  • Coordinate and develop strategies for revenue generation from natural forests.
Academic qualifications and experience

In order to be considered the applicant must:
  • Have an undergraduate degree from a recognised university in the field of Forestry, Natural Resource Management or a related discipline.
  • Have a masters degree in a relevant knowledge area of Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Environmental management, or a related discipline from a recognized university
  • Have at least ten (10) year’s knowledge and experience in the fields of Forestry or Natural Resource Management within a large reputable organization in the environmental sector.
  • Served as a Senior Assistant Director for a minimum period of three (3) years or in a similar comparable position in a large forestry organisation or an organization in the environmental sector.
  • Must have successfully completed a strategic leadership and development course or its equivalent.
Key Skills and Competencies 

The Applicant should demonstrate:-
  • An understanding of public sector procedures.
  • The capability to manage risks and operate within the socio-economic environment of the forest sector.
  • Ability to achieve and sustain high performance and compliance levels in the forest sector
  • Knowledge of constitutional provisions related to forest conservation, the Forests Act and other relevant laws.
Other requirements
  • Be a person of high integrity who meets the requirements of Chapter (6) six of the Constitution.
  • Have been cleared by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
  • Have a valid certificate of good conduct.
  • Have been cleared by the Ethics and Anti-corruption commission (EACC).
  • Have a valid tax compliance certificate
How to Apply 

Interested Candidates who have the requirements are asked to apply so as to reach the Service not later than 21st January 2016, by 5.00 pm. 

All applications including a current curriculum vitae, indicating current and expected remuneration, mobile number, the names and all contact details of three referees, copy of national identity card, copies of clearance certificates/letters, copies of testimonials, copies of professional and academic certificates should be sent to; 

The Director, 
Kenya Forest Service, 
Karura, Off Kiambu Road, 
P. O. Box 30513-00100, G.P.O
Nairobi, Kenya.

Note: Canvassing will lead to disqualification.

The Service is ISO accredited and an equal opportunity employer. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Applicants living with disabilities and those from marginalized areas are encouraged to apply.