Chief Manager National Quality Institute

Department: Internal Audit | Posted: July 17, 2023, 11:15 a.m.

Employment Type: Full Time | Location: Nairobi City

Experience Needed: Senior Or Mid-Level

Job Description: Chief Manager National Quality Institute

Job Title: Chief Manager- National Quality Institute

Grade: KS 3

Corporation/Organization: Kenya Bureau of Standards

Directorate: Standards Development

Department: National Quality Institute

Location / Work Station: KEBS Headquarters – Nairobi

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Director, Standards Development

Direct Reports: a) Manager, Training Services b) Manager, Collaboration and Quality Awards

Indirect Reports: a) Assistant Manager, In-house courses b) Assistant Manager, Open courses

Job Purpose

Provides strategic leadership in administration of education in standards, registration of quality practitioners, Kenya Quality Awards, Collaboration and Consultancy in support of industry. This is to promote entrenchment of a culture of quality for the realization of KEBS strategic objectives, Kenya’s vision 2030, African Union Agenda 2063 and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Articulates Kenya’s position in Standardization and Conformity Assessment at national regional and international level to entrench the culture of quality.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks

I. Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities a) Provides strategic leadership and is accountable for the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and programmes with regard to education in standardization through provision of training, membership, collaboration, consultancy, and quality awards.

b) Oversees the establishment of frameworks for enhanced coordination and collaboration on training and capacity development.

c) Provides strategic leadership in the implementation of National Quality Infrastructure framework on education in standardization.

d) Oversees training, membership, collaboration, consultancy, Quality Awards, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) programmes and research processes.

e) Provides leadership in articulation of Kenya’s position in Standardization and Conformity Assessment at national regional and international level.

f) Promotes Standardization, Metrology and Conformity Assessment (SMCA) issues in industry.

g) Oversees analysis of the business environment and advises on the competitive strategies for development of market-driven education in standardisation programmes.

h) Oversees the preparation and submission of board papers in relation to Education in standardization.  Board Paper Preparation for Standardization

i) Oversees the implementation of NSC resolutions in relation to education in Standardization.  Implementing NSC Resolutions

j) Oversees and is accountable for performance management and productivity improvement in the department.

k) Provides leadership in the establishment, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of Management systems adopted by KEBS.

l) Oversees and is responsible for the development and implementation of the Risk Management Framework in the department.

m) Oversees and is accountable for the development and implementation of business continuity strategies.

n) Oversees identification and is responsible for provision of the department’s human and physical resources for effective implementation and achievement of strategic objectives.

II. Operational Responsibilities / Tasks a) Provides leadership in the development and implementation of the departmental workplans, budget and medium expenditure framework.

b) Leads in the development and implementation of trainings in standardization to promote best practices.

c) Oversees development, maintenance and improvement of the database for trainings, membership and awards.

d) Monitors and evaluates departmental programs including Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

e) Approves departmental expenditure.

f) Collaborates with other Directorates to enhance operational efficiencies and effectiveness of service delivery.

g) Oversees the implementation of harmonized corporate workshops.

h) Oversees setting of targets, reviews and approves department’s performance targets.

i) Oversees the development of staff competencies in the department.

j) Leads in the analysis of business environment to identify stakeholder needs.

k) Represents the National Quality Institute at relevant conferences and industry events.

l) Assigns duties and approves leave for direct reports.

Job Dimensions

I. Financial Responsibility a) Generates revenue of approximately KES 100 M per annum.

b) Controls directorate budget of approximately KES 70 M per annum.

c) Oversees implementation of resource mobilization strategies in the department.

II. Responsibility for Physical Assets

III. Decision Making / Job Influence Makes

a) Strategic decisions;

b) Operational;

c) Financial decisions.

IV. Working Conditions

a) Works predominantly within the office.

b) Expected travels within and outside the country.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills)

Academic qualifications:

• Relevant master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in sciences/Social Sciences/Education/Food Science/Information technology /Engineering/ Management from a recognised institution.

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies:

• Registration with relevant professional bodies: a) American Society for Quality; b) Chartered Quality Institute; c) Engineers Board of Kenya; d) Kenya Chemical society; e) Physical society of Kenya; f) Food Nutrition and Dietetics Board; g) Computer Society of Kenya; h) Kenya Institute of Management; and i) National Quality Institute.

Previous relevant work experience required:

• At least 10 years’ relevant experience out of which 5 years must have been in a management position.

Functional Skills, Behavioural Competencies/Attributes:

Functional

• Auditing /Assessor Skills;
• Negotiation skills;
• Project management skills;
• Financial management skills;
• Management skills;
• Information, communication, and technology skills;
• Leadership skills;
• Presentation skills;
• Report writing
• Analytical skills

Behavioural

• Counselling skills;
• Problem-solving skills;
• Time management skills;
• Interpersonal skills.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

If you are considering applying for the role of Chief Manager at the National Quality Institute, here are some helpful tips to increase your chances of success:

1. Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Emphasize your experience in providing strategic leadership and managing teams, as this role requires strong managerial skills.
2. Demonstrate Knowledge of Quality Standards: Showcase your understanding of standardization and quality assurance processes, as this is crucial for the position.
3. Showcase Collaboration Abilities: Illustrate your capacity to collaborate and build partnerships, as this job involves fostering coordination and collaboration.
4. Emphasize Financial Management: Highlight your experience in budgeting and financial decision-making, given the financial responsibilities of the role.
5. Emphasize Problem-Solving Skills: Discuss your problem-solving abilities, as this job requires making strategic and operational decisions.
6. Display Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate your interpersonal skills, as you will be working with various stakeholders and representing the institute at conferences.
7. Mention Professional Memberships: If you are a member of relevant professional bodies, include this information to showcase your commitment to the field.
8. Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to align with the specific responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description.

By following these tips and presenting your qualifications effectively, you can increase your chances of securing the Chief Manager position at the National Quality Institute. Good luck with your application!