Job Description
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 service es 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.