The Commission dates back to 1954 when Civil Service Commission was established by British Colonial Government following Holmes Commission Report, 1948; Civil Service Commission was advisory to the Governor in matters of appointments; At independence in 1963 it was enshrined in the constitution and renamed Public Service Commission; Independence Constitution had Regional PSC’s but abolished in 1964 following constitutional amendments; It is the oldest Constitutional Commission and its mandate has expanded over the years. The Commission then constituted of a chairman, a deputy chairman and fifteen members all appointed by the President. The Commission, since then, has handled matters of human resource management in the public service especially the civil service and local authorities. Constitution of Kenya, 2010 promulgated on 27th August 2010 reconstituted the Commission with a redefined and expanded mandate and a lean membership.

Requirements for Appointment

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: –

• Cumulative service period of fifteen (15) years in the field of organization Design and Career Development in the Public Service, three (3) of which must have  been in the grade of Deputy Director Organization Design and Development PSC Grade 4 or in an equivalent and comparable position in the the wider Public Service.
• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: Organization Development, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, Human Resource Planning, Business Administration, Economics/Statistics, Information Communication and Technology, Education, Sociology, Anthropology Government/Political Science, Public Administration, Public policy or in any other relevant field from a recognized institution;
• Master’s degree in any of the following fields: Organization Development, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, Human Resource Planning, Business Administration, Economics/Statistics, Information Communication and Technology, Education, Sociology, Anthropology Government/Political Science, Public Administration, Public policy or in any other relevant field from a recognized institution;
• Certificate in Consultancy lasting not less than six (6) Months or its equivalent from a recognized institution;
• Certificate in Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Membership of a relevant professional body;
• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of national goals, policies and development objectives and the ability to transform them into organization design and career management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Developing policies, strategies, procedures, and guidelines on organization design and development, career management, and succession management.
• Advising the Commission Board on modern and best management practices in designing public institutions.
• Collaborating with professional bodies and stakeholders in designing career guidelines in the Public Service.
• Overseeing the development, review, and implementation of staffing norms and standards in the Public Service.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of career management policies and guidelines in MDAs, State Corporations, and Public Universities.
• Overseeing validation of reports on organization design and staff establishment prepared by MDAs to ensure adherence to professional standards issued by the Public Service Commission.
• Coordinating the development of competency frameworks for the Public Service.
• Presenting Board papers on organization design and career management to the Board.
• Developing benchmarks, professional standards, and guidelines for the establishment and abolition of offices in the Public Service.
• Overseeing research on emerging issues on organizational design, career management, and development.
• Advising on the skills and competences required to deliver services and making recommendations for the review of qualifications for positions in the Public Service in accordance with Section 48 of the PSC Act, 2017.
• Mobilizing and managing the Directorate’s human, financial, and physical resources.
• Overseeing performance management and ensuring prudent utilization of resources in the Directorate.
• Coordinating the development and implementation of the budget, work plans, procurement plans, projects, and programs in the Directorate.
• Overseeing mentorship and coaching of staff in the Directorate.