Egerton University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Kenya. It was founded as a Farm School in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton, a British national who settled in Kenya in the 1920s. In 1950, the School was upgraded to an Agricultural College offering diploma programmes. The Egerton Agricultural College Ordinance was enacted in 1955. In 1979, the Government of Kenya and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded a major expansion of the institution. In 1986, Egerton Agricultural College was gazetted as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi.

EU/AA/2023 – 0903

Egerton University is a public University which aspires to be a World Class University for the advancement of humanity. To strengthen its Research and Extension portfolio, the University wishes to recruit a suitable applicant for the position of Director, Research and Extension. The successful candidate will be expected to play a leading role in the implementation of the envisaged transformation process, mainly in the research, extension and consultancy functions of the University.

Qualifications and Experience

• Be a Professor or Associate Professor of the University with at least eight (8) years of experience in a senior academic, research and management position or with proven experience in an executive leadership position in an institution of comparable status or with proven experience in leading multidisciplinary and international research programmes.
• Extensive experience in corporate leadership that will stimulate the realization of the University Vision.
• Demonstrate experience in networking, fundraising and resource mobilization, including harnessing research and development grants.
• Ability and leadership skills to effectively coordinate the research, extension and consultancy functions in the University.
• Demonstrate evidence of outstanding grant-raising and international networking.
• Conversant with national laws and policies in education, research and innovation.
• Demonstrate evidence of outstanding communication ability, coupled with excellent presentation skills within a complex work environment.
• Demonstrate a high degree of a result-oriented performance characterized by foresight, strategic thinking, rapid growth and service delivery.
• Proven experience in change management and transformation of ideas into value outputs.
• Have a demonstrable experience in transformative and strategic leadership and developing strategic documents for the University management.
• Be an accomplished scholar with proven track record in supervising and mentoring Master and  PhD students.
• Have a proven track record of research and publications in peer-reviewed journals, monographs and books.
• Ability to portray and uphold a positive national image and work in a multi-cultural and multiethnic environment with sensitivity to and respect for diversity.
• Must be of high ethical standards, integrity, accountability, professionalism, teamwork and stewardship, and comply with the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Director (Research and Extension) will assist the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs and Research) in the day to day running of the Research, Extension and Consultancy functions of the University.

His/her responsibilities will include:

• Providing leadership, guidance, and direction in the division;
• Developing, implementing and monitoring the strategic plan of the University
• Developing and implementing research, extension and consultancy plans and policies, to ensure efficient performance and delivery of services in line with the University’s strategic plan and performance contracting.
• Mobilize and solicit financial support for research and community extension through fundraising activities from industry and donor organizations.
• Maintain collaboration and linkages with both local and international institutions of higher learning for academic research and innovation programmes.
• Coordinating the design, implementation, maintenance and development of appropriate policies, procedures and systems, and activities stipulated in the performance contract.
• Management of research, extension and consultancy services and production of extension education materials
• Training and development of staff in research and project management.
• Coordination of seminars, workshops, exhibitions, conferences and symposia.
• Ensuring that performance contract reports are submitted to the relevant authorities within the stipulated period.

Terms and Conditions of Service

• The post of Director (Research and Extension) is a Five-year (5) contract and is eligible for renewal once based on satisfactory performance. The position carries a competitive remuneration package, terms and benefits. The entry point will depend on qualifications and experience.
• The successful candidate will be entitled to an attractive package which includes a basic salary, house allowance, medical cover as per the University medical scheme, leave allowance, official transport and gratuity payable at the end of the contract.

All applicants should:

• Submit ten (10) copies of letters of application, certificates, testimonials and updated curriculum vitae to include full details of education and professional qualifications, experience, present salary and names, email, telephone and addresses of three referees.
• Request their referees to forward reports on their suitability to the undersigned directly.
• Forward clearance certificates from the following Institutions
  • Higher Education Loans Board.
  • Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
  • Kenya Revenue Authority.
  • Criminal Investigations Department (Certificate of Good Conduct).
  • Credit Reference Bureau Certificate.