The Role:

Reporting Relationship: The Director General reports to the KEMRI Board of Directors

Job Specifications

• Provide strategic leadership in accordance with the mandate of KEMRI;
• Official spokesperson for the organisation and responsible for stakeholder management and the enhancement of the corporate image of the organisation;
• Responsible for the execution and communication of the Board’s strategies, decisions and policies;
• Manage the budget of the institute and ensure that its funds are properly expended and accounted for;
• Act as Principal executor of all KEMRI contracts;
• Ensure development and implementation of an effective performance management system
• Provide regular, thorough and prompt communication to the Board of Directors on key technical, financial and administrative matters;
• Ensure that the organisation has effective management structure including succession plan;
• Provide leadership and vision to the organisation by assisting the Board of Directors and staff with the development of the strategic plan, budgets and annual work plans;
• Manage the day to day affairs and transactions of the Board of Directors and coordinating the operations and administrative functions of the Institute;
• Lead, oversee and ensure implementation of applicable research standards in Kenya;
• Oversee the activities of the Institute’s resources and ensure they are optimally utilised and fully accounted for in line with the existing laws and regulations;
• Provide guidance and spearhead research activities in the Institute in line with the best research practices globally;
• Foster and maintain a conducive work environment, and enhance corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good corporate governance; and
• Maintain effective collaboration and partnerships with organs of the government and government agencies, county governments, international organisations, private sector, non-governmental and other stakeholders.

Person Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health-related field, finance or audit, business management, economics, law or any other relevant field from a recognised institution;
• Master’s degree in health related field, finance or audit, business management, economics, law or any other relevant field from a recognised institution;
• At least ten (10) years working experience of which five (5) should be in a senior management position in either private or public sector;
• PhD. In a health-related field, finance or audit, business management, economics, law or any other relevant field will be an added advantage;
• Research experience in a medical or related field will be an added advantage;
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks cumulatively is an added advantage;
• Professional qualification and membership where applicable; and
• Fulfilment of the requirements of Chapter six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya
• Fulfilment of the requirements of the Leadership and Integrity Act

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical skills;
• Strategic and innovative thinking;
• Ability to mobilise resources;
• Financial management and budgeting;
• Analytical, problem solving and decision making skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Proficiency in IT applications;
• Strong leadership skills; and
• Negotiation skills.

Terms of Service:

• The Director General shall hold office for a term of three (3) years and be eligible for reappointment for a further term of three (3) years.