Job Summary
Developing, and reviewing standards and guidelines for veterinary medicines registration, carrying out inspections, trade and good manufacturing practices
Job Description/Requirements
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is a body corporate established pursuant to CAP 366 (article 39) of the laws of Kenya. The functions of the Directorate are as per legal Notice No. 209 of 2015 gazette of 9th October, 2015. VMD was formed with the aim of implementing appropriate regulatory measures to achieve the highest standards of safety, efficacy and quality for veterinary medicines whether locally manufactured, imported, exported, distributed, sold, or used, to ensure the protection of animal health and welfare, food safety and security as well as public health and the environment as envisaged by all laws in force in Kenya.
The mandate of VMD is to regulate the manufacture, importation, exportation, registration, distribution, prescription and dispensing of veterinary medicines and the practice of veterinary pharmacy in Kenya.
VMD invites applications from qualified persons for the following positions:
6. ASSISTANT INSPECTOR (1 POST): REF 07/2022
Scale: VMD 8
Basic Salary: Ksh 33,500 X 3,500-59,500 X 4,000-63,500
Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable
Qualifications and Requirements: For appointment to this grade a candidate must have:
(i) Diploma in Animal Health or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
(ii) Registration with Kenya Veterinary Board or equivalent professional regulator;
(iii) Proficiency in computer applications; and
(iv) Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution.
Responsibilities:
An officer at this level can perform duties in any of the following areas where Duties and responsibilities entail assisting in: -
Standards
i. Developing, and reviewing standards and guidelines for veterinary medicines registration, carrying out inspections, trade and good manufacturing practices;
ii. Carrying out research to inform development and review of appropriate standards and guidelines in liaison with relevant departments and stakeholders; and
iii. Sensitizing stakeholders on existing standards and guidelines.
Registration & Licensing
i. Evaluating and recommending veterinary medicines new/retention applications for registration;
ii. Assessing applied variations and providing recommendation in relation to products market authorization;
iii. Evaluating and responding to appeals and complaints on registration issues;
iv. Developing, applying and reviewing guidelines for veterinary medicine evaluation and GMP compliance;
v. Developing annual registers of manufacturers of veterinary medicines, registered and retained conventional and alternative veterinary medicines;
vi. Enforcing good manufacturing practice for veterinary medicines manufacturers;
vii. Screening and recommending veterinary pesticides for efficacy trial.
viii. Licensing the manufacture, marketing, importation, exportation, advertisement, and sale of veterinary medicines;
ix. Issuing annual permits for Local Technical Representatives of foreign manufacturers; and
Compliance & Surveillance
i. Implementing policies, guidelines, strategies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Compliance, disposal of unwanted veterinary medicines and testing function;
ii. Inspecting veterinary pharmacy premises for compliance with laid down standards;
iii. Monitoring veterinary pharmacy practices for compliance;
iv. Taking measures necessary to ensure identified non-compliances are addressed;
v. Monitoring clinical and non-clinical trials of veterinary medicines by individuals and institutions to be involved in the trials;
vi. Ensuring adherence to proper disposal practices of expired, damaged, unregistered, fake, counterfeit and other illicit veterinary medicines;
vii. Ensuring marketed veterinary medicines have market authorization;
viii. Ensuring appropriate safety measures are put in place in premises that deal with veterinary medicines;
ix. Ensuring veterinary medicines are stored, labelled and supplied in compliance with the law;
x. Documenting exhibits and other evidence concerning violations;
xi. Appearing and Testifying in courts as required; and
xii. Participating with other, state agencies as needed in activities related to the enforcement of laws concerning veterinary medicines and premises.
Trade Facilitation
i. Filing returns of veterinary medicines used in Kenya to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE);
ii. Compiling Register of Approved Veterinary Pharmacies for publication;
iii. Compiling trade data on the volumes and types of medicines being imported and exported out of the country;
iv. Processing permits for importation and exportation of veterinary medicines;
v. Licensing veterinary pharmacy practices;
vi. Licensing the manufacture, marketing, importation, exportation, advertisement, and sale of veterinary medicines;
vii. Issuing annual permits for Veterinary Pharmaceutical Representatives;
viii. Ensuring only veterinary medicines with market authorization are allowed in or out of the Country; and
ix. Eliminating unfair business practices in the veterinary medicine supply chain.
Ports of Entry.
(i) Verifying import/export documents and inspecting consignments of veterinary medicines at specific ports of entry;
(ii) Impounding illegal, sub-standard and expired veterinary medicines;
(iii) Recommending disposal of impounded veterinary medicines;
(iv) Monitoring the market for and take measures necessary for the elimination of trade in illegal and counterfeit veterinary medicines;
(v) Conducting surveillance activities to ensure safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines; and
(vi) Overall enforcement of VMD regulations in areas of jurisdictions in conjunction with other relevant Government Agencies.
Competencies and Skills
i. Report writing
ii. Communication.
iii. Presentation
How to apply
Candidates who meet the above criteria are advised to submit a hard or soft application, detailed curriculum vitae and other testimonials to:
The Chief Executive Officer, Veterinary Medicines Directorate;
Email [email protected] /[email protected]
or deliver hard copies with the envelope clearly marked Ref: …. to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate Offices, PCPB Plaza, Loresho Ridge Ground Floor; Addressed to:
The CEO
Veterinary Medicines Directorate
P.O. Box 66171-00800
Westlands, Nairobi
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Monday 11th July, 2022 AT 5.00 P.M.
Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted. Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an equal opportunity employer and selects candidates on merit through fair and open competition from the widest range of eligible candidates.