Job Summary
The job holder is answerable to the Director (Policy, Strategy & Compliance) and is responsible for formulating and implementing research and innovation strategies, policies, plans and programs that will advise management on matters concerning road infrastructure management, development and maintenance.
Job Description/Requirements
Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is a State Corporation established under the Kenya Roads Act, 2007 to manage, develop, rehabilitate and maintain national urban roads. The Authority invites applications from qualified candidates for the following vacant positions:
3. Assistant Director (Research And Innovation) — JG KURA 4 — REF: KURA/PSC/R8d/22/2 — (1 POST)
Job Purpose/Summary
The job holder is answerable to the Director (Policy, Strategy & Compliance) and is responsible for formulating and implementing research and innovation strategies, policies, plans and programs that will advise management on matters concerning road infrastructure management, development and maintenance.
Duties and Responsibilities
a) Formulate research and development strategies, tools, management processes and methodologies that will ensure effective identification, evaluation and implementation of R&D projects;
b) Develop research and innovation policies, procedures, guidelines and incentives that create a system approach to innovation;
c) Develop proposals, networks and collaborations with partners in order to leverage on strategic partnerships for width, depth of reach, tapping into specialized professionals for purpose of gaining financial and technical support;
d) Develop research methodologies and framework to be used in research projects within the Authority; and
e) Plan, coordinate and monitor work of the research and innovation engineers reporting to the job holder.
f) Monitor, evaluate and report on progress of research and innovation projects to the Authority's management and key stakeholders;
g) Carry out innovation idea hypothesis testing- scoping, evaluation and concept experimentation;
h) Screen and sequence innovative ideas within overall strategic direction;
i) Develop new technology, skills, tools, management process, metrics and systems to support innovation across the Authority;
j) Implement quick wins and rapid results initiative with significant value to the business and playing a key role in the identification of new business/services/products and support in their rollout;
k) Liaise with all the departments within the Authority to ensure adoption of cost effective and modern methodologies in all areas of operations;
1) Define scope of research projects and ensuring they deliver value at cost;
m) Initiate and evaluate implementation of Research and Innovation across the Authority;
n) Prepare project reports, proposals and grants; and
o) Perform any other lawful duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications and Experience
For appointment to this position, the ideal candidate must:
a) Have a minimum of eight (8) years' experience in relevant work and at least three (3) years in a supervisory role in the public service or in the private sector;
b) Have served as a Senior Research & Innovation Officer or its equivalent for at least three (3) years in a comparable organization;
c) Must have demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.
d) Bachelor's Degree in any of the following fields: - Economics, Statistics, Finance, Engineering, or other relevant and equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution; and
e) Have a certificate in Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks;
f) Be in possession of relevant professional qualifications;
g) Be a member of the Institute of Engineers of Kenya or a relevant professional body; and
h) Have a certificate in Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks.
Functional Skills
a) Analytical and decision-making skills
b) Report writing and presentation skills
c) Superior Economic Modelling skills
d) Financial Modelling skills
e) Understanding of the road sector
f) Research and analytical skills
g) Sound IT Knowledge: Word Processing; spreadsheets, databases, presentation, appraisal (HDM4 and RED) and statistical applications (SPSS and EPI infor, E-Views, Stata etc).
h) Negotiation skills
i) Financial management and budgeting skills
j) Project management skills
k) Dispute Resolution Skills
1) Performance management skills
Behavioural Competencies/Attributes
a) Problem solving skills
b) Team player
c) Interpersonal Skills
d) Team building skills
e) Decision making skills
f) Communication skills
g) People management skills
h) Highest level of integrity
i) Transparency and accountability
j) Leadership skills
k) Managerial skills
1) Personal motivation and self-drive
Mode of Application
1. Interested and eligible candidates should access the mandatory KURA Job Application Form available on our website www.kura.go.ke/careers fill all required fields, sign and date the form and attach copies of certificates and transcripts, current Curriculum Vitae and testimonials. Successful candidates will be required to present clearance certificates from chapter six institutions. Any application without the KURA Job Application Form will not be considered.
2. Applications should be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly indicating the position being applied for and vacancy reference number and addressed to the undersigned so as to be received on or before 11th July 2022 at 5.00pm (East African Time). The applications should be hand delivered or mailed through the post office to the address indicated below. Email applications shall not be considered.
The Director General
Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA)
Barabara Plaza, Block D, Mazao Road, Off South Airport Road, JKIA.
P.O. Box 41727-00100, NAIROBI
Applications should be dropped in the Applications Box in the Administration Section on 1st Floor, East Wing.
KURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and gender equality. Qualified persons irrespective of gender, age, race, culture, religion, marital status or disability are encouraged to apply. Any form of canvasing and giving false information in employment application form will lead to automatic disqualification.
KURA does not charge any fees for applications, shortlisting or interviews. Beware of conmen.
