Search This Blog

Friday, April 8, 2011

Kenya Accreditation Service: Jobs and Vacancies in Kenya

Established in May 2009 under Legal Notice No. 55/2009. It is recognized by the Government of Kenya as the Sole National Accreditation Body which gives formal recognition to Certification Bodies (CBs), Inspection Bodies (IBs), and Laboratories (testing and calibration, proficiency testing providers) competent to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks.

Under the Kenya Accreditation Service Order 2009, the mandate of KENAS is to:-
  • Develop, regulate and review the criteria or requirement for accreditation of conformity bodies;
  • Accredit conformity assessment bodies;
  • Open, maintain and update the register of accredited conformity assessment bodies;
  • Design and issue identification numbers and certificates to all accredited conformity bodies;
  • Publish in the Kenya Gazette all conformity assessment bodies that have been accredited within a particular year, annually;
  • Promote the use of accreditation mark and certificate issued to accredited conformity assessment bodies;
  • Promote competence and equivalence of accredited bodies;
  • Establish and nurture relations and cooperation with regional and international accreditation bodies, persons, associations and organization that KENAS may consider desirable or appropriate in furtherance of the objectives and purpose for which KENAS is established;
  • Promote accreditation as a means of facilitating regional and international trade and enhancing economic performance and transformation;
  • Facilitate in the formulation of regional and international guidelines and standards to facilitate the accreditation process;
  • Raise awareness on the importance and purpose of accreditation; and
  • Promote KENAS as a sole National Accreditation Body in the scope of accreditation.
Vacancies To Be Filled

1. Deputy Directors (2 Posts)

A) Deputy Director - Finance And Administration

Reports to the Managing Director (MD).

Position Summary:

In a team based environment, the Deputy Director, Finance and Administration has overall responsibility to identify and implement strategies that benefit finance, HR/training, and communication in order to achieve the objectives of KENAS while ensuring compliance with all relevant and necessary regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Head the finance and Administration Department
  • Oversee Human Resources, Procurement, Accounting, and Communication Divisions.
  • Manage the financial, human, material and information resources of the organisation.
  • Prepare strategic plans aligned to government guidelines
  • Direct and control implementation of policies, systems and procedures
  • Preparing annual operating and capital budgets.
  • Regularly report on financial, human and material resource positions.
  • Perform other related assignments as required and assigned by the MD.
The ideal candidate should have:
  • Bachelors degree in Commerce/Business Administration
  • Training in management Qualification as CPA (K)
  • Experience in management of public and private institutions with diverse clientele. Demonstrated experience in leadership and team play
  • Computer literacy in accounting systems
  • Sound Knowledge of relevant government acts and regulations and policies.
  • At least four years of progressive work experience, two of which must be in a similar position.
Added advantage:
  • Possession of an MBA in Finance or Administration
  • CPS (K)
b) Deputy Director - Technical Services

Reports to the Managing Director (MD)

Position Summary:

In a team based environment the Deputy Director, Technical Services has overall responsibility to identify and implement technical improvement strategies that benefit compliance, quality, service and cost across KENAS divisions namely Certification, Testing and Calibration, Health and Safety, Inspection and Verification ensuring compliance with ail relevant and necessary regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Head of technical department.
  • Oversee Certification, Testing/Calibration, Health/Safety and Inspection/ Verification divisions.
  • Prepare and manage technical and information plans and resources of the department to meet the organisation's objectives
  • Establish and maintain relationships with conformity assessment bodies.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with accreditation bodies, policies and procedures regionally and internationally.
  • Ensure programs are designed and implemented to achieve approval from accreditation committee and other regulatory agencies.
  • Work towards attainment and maintenance of mutual recognition by ILAC and IAF.
  • Perform other related assignments as required and assigned by the MD from time to time.
The ideal candidate should have:
  • A first degree in Medicine/Veterinary/Pharmacy/Science/Medical laboratory science/Engineering
  • Training in management
  • Registered by the relevant professional regulator
  • Broad knowledge of inspection, certification and accreditation procedures and conformity assessment bodies.
Specific qualification and experience in one of the four divisions:
  • History of interaction with national, regional and international accreditation bodies.
  • Qualification as an assessor/auditor with national, regional and international experience.
  • Minimum 4 years of which 2 must have progressively responsible experience in the accreditation industry.
Added advantage
  • Masters degree in the same professional line.
  • Experience supervising, leading and directing groups with diverse technology and business backgrounds.
2. Assistant Directors (6 Posts)

A. Finance and Administration Department

1. Human Resource and Training
(1 Post)

Reporting to the Deputy Director, Finance and Administration (DD-F/A).

Position Summary:

In a team based environment, the Assistant Director, Human Resource and Training has overall responsibility to identify and implement strategies that benefit, HR/ training, in order to achieve the objectives of KENAS while ensuring compliance with all relevant and necessary regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Head the Human Resource and Training division.
  • Advice management on HR and training issues
  • Manage and develop the human resources of the organization.
  • Prepare human resource strategic plans aligned to KENAS establishment and government guidelines
  • Prepare and implement training strategic plans to meet the needs of the organization
  • Develop, direct and control implementation of staff policies, systems and procedures
  • Preparing staffing annual operating and capital budgets.
  • Regularly report on human resource and training positions.
  • Perform other assignments as required and assigned by the DD-F/A from time to time.
The ideal candidate should have:
  • Bachelors degree in Business Administration (HRM) Knowledge in management
  • Registration as Associate member of IHRM(K) Demonstrated experience in leadership and team play
  • Computer literacy
  • Sound Knowledge of Labor laws and the Employment Act
  • At least three years of progressive work experience, one of which must be in a similar position.
  • Post graduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage
2. Communication and Public Relations
(1 Post)

Reports to the Deputy Director, Finance and Administration (DD-F/A).

Position Summary:

In a team based environment, the Assistant Director, Communication and Public Relations has overall responsibility to identify and implement strategies that benefit communication and public relations, in order to achieve the objectives of KENAS while ensuring compliance with all relevant and necessary regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Head the Communication and Public Relation division
  • Advice management on Communications and PR issues
  • Manage the communication resources of the organization.
  • Oversee information exchange with the public to ensure customer satisfaction
  • Prepare communication and public relations strategic plans aligned to government guidelines
  • Direct and control implementation of communication policies, systems and procedures
  • Preparing communication annual operating and capital budgets.
  • Regularly report on communication and public relation positions.
  • Perform other assignments as required and assigned by the DD-F/A from time to time.
The ideal candidate should have:
  • Bachelors degree in Communications, PR or Marketing
  • Knowledge in management
  • Demonstrated knowledge of interaction with media
  • Registration as Associate member of relevant professional body Demonstrated experience in leadership and team play Computer literacy
  • Sound Knowledge of communication laws and regulations
  • Post graduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage
  • At least three years of progressive work experience, one of which must be in a similar position.
B: Technical Services Department
Certification
(1 Post)

Reporting to the Deputy Director, Technical Services, (DD-T/S).

Summary:

In a team based environment the Assistant Director, Certification has overall responsibility to identify and implement improvement strategies that benefit compliance, quality, service in the certification division, ensuring compliance with all relevant and necessary regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Head of Certification division.
  • Advice management on Certification issues
  • Prepare and manage certification plans and resources of the division to meet the objectives of the organization
  • Establish and maintain relationships with certification bodies.
  • Develop, direct and control certification programs, policies, systems and procedures
  • Prepare annual operating and capital budgets for the division.
  • Regularly report on certification matters.
  • Perform other assignments as required and assigned by the DD-T/S from time to time.
The ideal candidate should have:
  • A Bachelors degree in a relevant Scientific discipline.
  • Knowledge in management
  • Registered by the relevant professional regulator
  • Knowledge of certification and accreditation procedures and certification bodies.
Qualification as an assessor/auditor:
  • Minimum 3 years of which 1 must have progressively responsible experience in the accreditation industry.
  • Post graduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage
2. Testing and Calibration

Reporting to the Deputy Director Technical Services,(DD-T/S).

Summary:

In a team based environment the Assistant Director, Testing and Calibration has overall
responsibility to identify and implement testing/calibration improvement strategies that benefit compliance, quality, service at the testing and calibration division, ensuring compliance with all relevant and necessary regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Head of testing and calibration division.
  • Advice management on Calibration issues
  • Prepare and manage calibration plans and resources of the division to meet the objectives of the organization
  • Establish and maintain relationships with calibration bodies.
  • Develop, direct and control calibration programs, policies, systems and procedures
  • Prepare annual operating and capital budgets for the division.
  • Regularly report on calibration matters.
  • Perform other assignments as required and assigned by the DD-T/S from time to time.
The ideal candidate should have:
  • A Bachelors degree in a relevant Scientific discipline.
  • Knowledge in management
  • Registered by the relevant professional regulator
  • Knowledge of calibration/testing and accreditation procedures and certification bodies.
Qualification as an assessor/auditor:
  • Minimum 3 years of which 1 must have progressively responsible experience in the accreditation industry.
  • Post graduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage
3. Inspection and Verification
(1 Post)

Reporting to the Deputy Director Technical Services,(DD-T/S).

Summary:

In a team based environment the Assistant D rector, Inspection and Verification has overall responsibility to identify and implement inspection/verification improvement strategies that benefit compliance, quality, and service at the inspection/verification division, ensuring compliance with all relevant and necessary regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Head of inspection and verification division.
  • Advice management on inspection and verification issues
  • Prepare and manage inspection and verification plans and resources of the division to meet the objectives of the organization
  • Establish and maintain relationships with inspection and verification bodies.
  • Develop, direct and control calibration programs, policies, systems and procedures
  • Prepare annual operating and capital budgets for the division.
  • Regularly report on inspection and verification matters.
  • Perform other assignments as required and assigned by the DD-T/S from time to time.
The ideal candidate should have:
  • A Bachelors degree in a relevant Scientific discipline.
  • Knowledge in management
  • Registered by the relevant professional regulator
  • Knowledge of inspection/verification and accreditation procedures and certification bodies.
  • Qualification as an assessor/auditor
  • Minimum 3 years of which 1 must have progressively responsible experience in the accreditation industry.
  • Post graduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage
Terms and Remuneration

Competitive remuneration packages will be offered to the successful candidates..

Posting

Applicants should submit their application including their Curriculum Vitae and copies of both academic and professional certificates, stating their current position, remuneration and three (3) professional referees, in both soft and hard copies, and send them to reach the undersigned on or before 5 p.m. on Friday 29th April 2011.

The Chairperson Board of Directors
Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS)
P. O. Box 47400 - 00100, Nairobi
Kenya

Applications to be dropped in person to KENAS offices located on Popo Road off Mombasa Road, South C, inside Kenya Bureau of Standards.

Electronic copies should be sent to: chairpersonkenas@gmail.com
More Jobs and Vacancies in East Africa available here

East Africa Vacancies


International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: Executive Assistant

Job title: Executive Assistant

Unit/dept/delegation: Regional Representative`s Office

Reports to: Regional Representative

Grade: 6

Purpose:

The Assistant is responsible for providing secretarial support and office co-ordination for the Regional Representative as required, including handling of confidential or sensitive information. Works closely with all staff and co-ordinates activities to ensure proper office coverage.

Key responsibilities:

External Relations

  • Assist in the management of external relations and organize accreditation of International SoL and delegates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in close cooperation with the Administration Manager.
  • Support the management of relations with diplomatic corps, UN agencies and other Non Government Organizations.
  • Develop and maintain databases for all external relations in Nairobi.
  • Arrange and participate upon request in representative duties.
  • Develop presentations in PowerPoint and other softwares for external relations in cooperation with the External Relation Unit.

Secretarial Assistance

Assist the RR in the daily tasks such as:

  • Provide various duties including management lf the RRs diary; receive and screen requests for meetings, drafting letters/faxes and other correspondence, drawing up programmes for selected visitors to the Regional Delegation.
  • Receives and screens communications to the RR including telephone calls and e-mail messages and provide assistance using independent judgement to determine those that require priority attention; prioritise, channel and facilitate communication between department heads.
  • Ensure presentation of daily mails and documents for signing before midday for distribution on the same day.
  • Maintain chronological files for all outgoing/incoming mail/faxes/documents from the RRs office.
  • Follow up on administrative tasks and organize meetings for the RR.Oversee travel and accommodation arrangements for the RR, in liaison with the Travel Officer.
  • Manage RRs mail in his/her absence and as per instruction-ensuring messages are referred or acted upon.
  • Build and maintain a standard filing system.
  • Prepare and maintain selected budgets under the office of the RR.

Meetings and Workshops

  • Take minutes of meetings as agreed.
  • Act as logistic and administration support for Management Meetings, Movement meetings, RC-NET meetings and other senior management meetings.
  • Assist in cooperation with the PACT.
  • Facilitate RRs meetings, assist in daily routines, and ensure well organized RR office facilities.
  • Undertake special projects as assigned by the RR.

Duties applicable to all staff

  • Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation’s goals.
  • Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross/Red Crescent principles.
  • Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Target Profile:

Education and Experience

  • University degree or diploma in Business Administration
  • 5-10 years secretarial experience, atleast 3years in an Executive Secretarial role.
  • Certificate in Secretarial/Management.

Skills and Knowledge:

  • Practical knowledge of computers(Word processing, spread sheets, word processing-mail)
  • Experience in supporting staff.
  • Experience in office management principles and procedures.
  • Experience in filing and archiving in large organizations.
  • Experience in problem identification and solution.
  • Experience in Customer Service Operation.
  • Experience in Managing small budgets and petty cash.
  • Discrete and diplomatic behaviour.

Languages:

  • Fluency in English. Knowledge of French is a plus.

Character Qualities:

  • Able to work in a team under pressure
  • High degree of integrity, discretion, and personal conduct
  • Flexible and adaptable to changing working conditions
  • Self-motivated with good judgement and initiative
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Able to prioritise and meet deadlines sensitive to cultural diversity
  • Ability to work extra hours

To Apply:

Applications in sealed envelops clearly marked ‘Executive Secretary’ should be submitted to the Human Resource Office, East Africa Office, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, P.O. Box 41275–00100, Nairobi or email address zonehr.easternafrica@ifrc.org to be received not later than 13th April 2011.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted
More Jobs and Vacancies in East Africa available here

East Africa Vacancies


TradeMark East Africa: MEAC Co-ordinator & Administration Manager

Exciting Career Opportunities in Trade and Regional Development

TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) is an organisation funded by a range of development agencies to promote regional trade and economic integration in East Africa.

TMEA works closely with the East African Community (EAC), national governments, business and civil society organisations.

Headquartered in Nairobi with branches in Arusha, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Kampala and Kigali, TMEA seeks to support East African integration through:

* A reduction in transport and related costs along the key corridors in East Africa;
* Supporting EAC institutions to develop a comprehensive framework for regional integration;
* Supporting partner states to substantially increase the implementation of a comprehensive framework for regional integration; and
* Engaging private sector and civil society to positively influence regional integration policies and practices for growth in trade.

To ensure that TMEA delivers on these objectives, we seek to recruit high calibre, results-oriented and self-driven professionals to join our team in the positions listed below.

MEAC Co-ordinator

TMEA is working with the EAC Secretariat and Ministries of East African Community (MEACs) in each Partner State to implement the EAC’s Customs Union (CU), the Customs Management Act (CMA) of 2005 and the Common Market Protocol (CMP) of 2009.

This involves institution-building support and reforms to upgrade implementation of legislation, policy, systems, and procedures, as well to enhance coordination between the EAC Secretariat and the Partner States.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Country Programmes, the Coordinator will be responsible for the quality of TMEA’s overall support to MEACs in terms of capacity development; sharing of knowledge and expertise between MEACs and within TMEA; and recruitment and direction of technical consultants under a regional framework contract.

S/he will work closely with all five TMEA Country Directors.

Candidates must possess a Masters Degree in Economics, Development Studies, International Trade, Planning, Finance, Management or other relevant fields and at least 5 years experience in public service reform and change management programmes, preferably in East Africa.

A good understanding of trade capacity development programmes and regional integration in East Africa and experience in managing consultants and capacity development projects are essential. Knowledge of Kiswahili and/or French is an advantage.

Administration Manager

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Corporate Services, the job holder will be responsible for the efficient and effective management of TradeMark East Africa’s (TMEA) administrative services.

The successful candidate will develop and communicate administration policies to ensure compliance across a wide range of administrative issues. S/he will manage the provision of administrative support to all country offices including the acquisition and maintenance of TMEA facilities and assets, security and transportation.

The ideal candidate will possess an undergraduate degree preferably in a business related field and will have at least 5 years work experience in a busy development-oriented work environment, 3 of which should have been in a management role.

A proven track record in providing effective and efficient administration services is a key requirement for the role. The successful candidate will have specific experience in managing administration services across geographical boundaries. Knowledge of Kiswahili and/or French is an advantage.

To Apply

These are 3-year contracts with attractive salary and benefit packages. The MEAC Co-ordinator position will be based in Nairobi, or one of our country offices with about ten days per month travel within East Africa and the Administration Manager position will be based in Nairobi with occasional travel within East Africa.

Please send us a cover letter and detailed CV, including your qualifications, experience, present position, and current remuneration. It should include names and addresses of three referees, a working e-mail address, and daytime telephone contacts. The cover letter must indicate ‘MEAC Co-ordinator’ or ‘Administration Manager’ on the subject line as applicable.

The detailed job profiles can be accessed on www.trademarkea.com.

Send your application to recruitment@trademarkea.com by Friday, 22 April 2011 by 5.00pm East African time.

Interviews will be conducted in early May in Nairobi, Kenya.

Applications received after the deadline time and date will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to accept or reject any application.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
More Jobs and Vacancies in East Africa available here

East Africa Vacancies


YouthSave: Project Manager

YouthSave is a multi-year project to develop and test the development and commercial impacts of youth savings accounts in 4 countries.


YouthSave also includes a significant research component, which will focus on monitoring uptake and usage of accounts.

Primary Purpose:

The YouthSave Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring high-quality execution of YouthSave project activities in-country.

The Project Manager’s main responsibilities will be:
  • organizing the program of technical assistance and project cost-sharing support to the local YouthSave partner financial institution;
  • developing a work plan and managing the in-country project steering committee ; designing and implementing complementary programming to promote financial capability;
  • monitoring local project implementation for potential risks to youth clients; and
  • managing external relations and results dissemination efforts in-country.
Duties and Responsibilities:

Technical Responsibilities
  • Organize the program of technical assistance and project support to partner FIs, Design and implement complementary programming to promote financial capability, monitor project implementation for risks to youth clients
Relationship and project management
  • Coordinate and maintain strong working relationships between, local partner FIs and research partners; project management and administration; reporting and external relations; including dissemination efforts in-country
Background and Experience:
  • Excellent project management skills entailing at least 7 years implementing projects 3 at field management capacity
  • Experience leading collaborative processes with diverse participants,
  • Deep knowledge of youth development and protection issues in local country context
  • Ideal candidates will have experience with undertaking research, microfinance; and working in, consulting to, or building partnerships with private-sector enterprises
  • Masters degree in relevant field preferred; else Bachelors plus equivalent work experience
  • Comfort interfacing with diverse stakeholders including high-level policy makers, professionals from various fields, and project beneficiaries/clients
  • Public speaking /representation abilities and knowledge of youth friendly approaches
To Apply:
Interested candidates meeting specified qualifications should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three referees and day time telephone contact

to kfo@sc-canada.or.ke

or Box 27679-00506, Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi

no later than 15 April, 2011

More Jobs and Vacancies in East Africa available here

East Africa Vacancies