Job Description
a) Job Specifications
Duties and responsibilities: -
i. Conduct chemical and biological testing on agricultural produce and agro-inputs for compliance to market requirements and standards for realization of the institutional mandate;
ii. Review and validate processed test results for accuracy and integrity before approval for dispatch to clients;
iii. Conduct technical laboratory assessments, system audits, review audit findings, develop and implement corrective/improvement action plans in the section;
iv. Conduct national surveillance sampling programs for monitoring of pesticide residues, microbiological, mycotoxins, agro-inputs quality and heavy metal contaminants in agricultural produce for compliance to food safety and market requirements;
v. Undertake accurate detection and identification of regulated and non-regulated quarantine pests;
vi. Undertake Tissue culture cleanup and micro-propagation of plants and germplasm maintenance;
vii. Undertake Genetically Modified Organisms testing for detection, identification and quantification of events in support of the Biosafety act of 2009 and its regulations;
viii. Participate in developing of new pest diagnosis protocols;
ix. Participate in identification of risks related to laboratory activities to minimize, leverage and identify potential challenges before they occur;
x. Participate in developing client reports for purposes of decision making;
xi. Support Pest Risk Analysis activities to advice on pest status and update pest listing the country;
xii. Support laboratory research activities towards strengthening Phytosanitary and seed regulation;
xiii. Supervise implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 standard guidelines;
xiv. Generate technical specifications for equipment, apparatus and other implements and perform technical evaluation for media, reagents, chemicals and equipment that ensure acceptable levels of analytical performance;
xv. Review workflow in the section/unit to ensure compliance with set performance timelines;
xvi. Review test requests submitted by clients for decision making on laboratory capability to test the submitted samples;
xvii. Audit food systems of export food business operators for compliance;
xviii. Supervise tests on proficiency testing, inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory samples comparisons organized in the section/units as a quality assurance and control measure to ensure validity of results;
xix. Compile data on the performance of the laboratory through weekly monthly, quarterly and annual reports to monitor compliance to Customer service charter;
xx. Prepare, reviews and implements laboratory protocols and Standard Operating Procedures for suitability and relevance in line with international standard requirements;
xxi. Prepare and submit performance reports outlining the extent of adherence to set targets and plans;
xxii. Participation in the Service project activities and awareness creation and training stakeholders;
xxiii. Represent the Service in relevant stakeholder forums;
xxiv. Induct new staff in all areas of laboratory analysis;
xxv. Offer agronomic and new technological advice on soil, water, plant health matters as well as providing crop specific advice based on analytical data in relation to crop nutritional needs; and
xxvi. Support research and development programs of the Service.
b) Persons Specification
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -
i. Bachelor of Science Degree in any of the following; Agriculture, Analytical Chemistry, Horticulture, seed technology, botany, microbiology, molecular biology Chemistry, Biochemistry, applied microbiology, applied Biology, Applied Biological Science,
ii. Masters in any of the following; seed technology, Plant Nutrition, Soil science, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Crop protection, Agronomy, botany, microbiology, molecular biology, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Applied B
iii. Served for at least eight (8) years related work experience three (3) of which must be in a supervisory position; and
iv. Meets the provisions of the Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.
c) Skills
i. Computer applications proficiency. Statistical packages will be an added advantage;
ii. Excellent problem solving skills;
iii. Communication skills,
iv. Data analysis skills,
v. Report writing and presentation skills.
d) Competencies
i. Ability to work independently and in a team;
ii. Ability to make decisions independently;
iii. Work well under pressure and prioritize work;
iv. Knowledge in international standard on good laboratory practice; and
v. Experience with a Laboratory Quality Management System.