The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is a state Corporation established under the provisions of the Biosafety Act No. 2 of 2009 to exercise supervision and control over the development, transfer, handling, and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with a view to ensuring safety to human and animal health as well as the provision of adequate level of protection to the environment.

The Authority wishes to replace the following positions with qualified, experienced, and dynamic persons as follows:

1. DIRECTOR, BIOSAFETY RESEARCH & COMPLIANCE, JOB GRADE NBA 2 (1 POST)

Reporting to the CEO, the job holder is the head of the Biosafety Research and Compliance Directorate responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership in technical services at the Authority.

a) Job Specification

Duties and responsibilities entail;

i. Advising the CEO and the Board on policies and strategies on Biosafety Research, Standards and Licensing, Biosafety Clearing House and International Cooperation; and Monitoring & Surveillance;

ii. Initiating the formulation and implementation of policies, procedures, strategies and activities in relation to Biosafety Research, Standards and Licensing, Biosafety Clearing House and International Cooperation; and Monitoring & Surveillance;

iii. Ensuring implementation of the Biosafety Act and Regulations to achieve Authority’s mandate;

iv. Putting in place frameworks and systems for timely processing of GMO approval documents as approved by the Board;

v. Ensuring that a system for the management of the Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) is established. The director will be the focal point for the BCH;

vi. Ensuring compliance to international obligations on biosafety;

vii. Coordinating regional and international agreements on biosafety and related activities;

viii. Ensuring a framework for resource mobilization that includes development of project proposals and concept notes on biosafety programs is established;

ix. Ensuring a framework for registration and strengthening of Institutional Biosafety Committees engaged in GMO research-related activities is in place;

x. Ensuring a framework for facilitation of trade through digitization of processes, timely consignment clearance and issuance of permits and certificates is put in place;

xi. Approving GMO-Free certificates for non-GMO export commodities;

xii. Ensuring proper labelling and traceability of approved GM foods, feeds, seeds and other commodities;

xiii. Putting in place a framework for the monitoring of approved GMO research projects in containment and confinement facilities;

xiv. Approving monitoring and post release monitoring schedules and budgets;

xv. Reviewing monitoring and post release monitoring reports before being sent to applicants and other stakeholders;

xvi. Ensuring market surveillance activities are conducted nationally and at counties for purposes of testing;

xvii. Ensuring the development and domestication of relevant standards on biosafety;

xviii. Ensuring surveys, research to inform the Board and Management on topical matters and overall biosafety issues are conducted and findings/ recommendations implemented;

xix. Approving the Directorate’s technical papers, reports and other submissions for consideration by the Board;

xx. Assisting the CEO in developing Board agenda and Board papers;

xxi. Approving of the Directorate’s work plans, budgets and procurement plans; and

xxii. Management of staff performance in the Directorate.

b) Person Specifications

i. At least twelve (12) years’ work experience five (5) years of which should be at a management level;

ii. Bachelors degree in any of the following disciplines: Molecular, Biology, Biotechnology, Biological sciences, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Microbiology or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;

iii. Masters Degree in the following disciplines: Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biological sciences, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Microbiology or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;

iv. Professional qualification and membership to a professional body where applicable;

v. Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks;

vi. Demonstrate results in work performance;

vii. Proficiency in computer applications; and

viii. Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

c) Competencies and skills

i. Analytical;

ii. Communication;

iii. Report writing;

iv. Team work;

v. Strategic Leadership.

Interested and qualified persons are invited to submit applications by post, email, attaching copies of their National Identity Card (or Valid Passport), academic and professional certificates, testimonials and a detailed curriculum vitae with email and telephone contacts of three (3) referees.

Degree certificates acquired from Foreign Universities will be required to have been equated by the Commission for University Education.

The applications forwarding email should have the subject line as the Job Title and be delivered to chairman@biosafetykenya.go.ke. An autogenerated confirmation email will be sent to the applicant upon successful delivery of the application package.

Applications should be received on or before 5th April 2023 at 5.00pm.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note that the successful candidate on offer for employment shall be required to submit clearance certificates from:

(i) Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission;

(ii) Directorate of Criminal Investigations;

(iii) Credit Reference Bureau;

(iv) Kenya Revenue Authority; and

(v) Higher Education Loans Board.

The National Biosafety Authority is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified persons including the youth, women and persons with disability to apply.