Chief Executive Officer Job Post at KENTRADE in Kenya January 2016

The Kenya Trade Network Agency (KENTRADE) is a state corporation whose mandate is Trade Facilitation.

The Agency is specifically tasked to implement and manage the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System (Kenya TradeNet) and carry out other related functions to facilitate international trade in Kenya.

KENTRADE wishes to engage a suitably qualified candidate who meets the specified job requirements as well as the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Kenya Constitution 2010 for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Purpose of the Job: The position is responsible for spearheading the attainment of KENTRADE’s mission, setting and executing the overall business strategy for KENTRADE and representing management on the board.

The position ensures that the Agency meets its strategic objectives and is responsible for the day to day management of its affairs as well as providing overall leadership.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Board, the CEO will;

Be responsible for the execution and communication of the Board’s strategies, decisions and policies
Develop and recommend to the Board the Agency’s business plans (Strategic plan, Budgets, Procurement plan etc.)
Be responsible for the day to day operations of the Agency.
Be responsible for the achievement of the objectives of the Agency.
Provide leadership to senior management and staff.
Ensure that proper internal controls are established.
Ensure that the Agency has an effective management structure including succession plans.
Ensure that all Board papers are accurately written, are relevant and are availed to the Board members in good time.
Serve as a link between the Board and the Management.
Put in place effective administrative structures, policies, processes and systems.
Provide regular, thorough and prompt communication to the Board on key technical, financial and administrative matters.
Be responsible for stakeholder management and enhancement of the corporate image of the Agency.
Oversee the effective Management of the Kenya TradeNet System for enhanced customer satisfaction.
Ensure effective resource mobilization (including development partner’s engagement) and utilization of resources.
Oversee effective management of human resources for optimal productivity through policies and strategies that attract and retain qualified and competent staff.
Oversee effective management of physical and material assets for optimal returns from the investment.
Promote sound corporate governance and ethical standards.
Provide strategic linkages and networks with the corporate world, business community, government agencies and other social partners (locally and internationally) for the benefit of KENTRADE.
Ensure corporate compliance with all statutory, legal, social and regulatory requirements in the execution of its business strategies.
Spearhead the attainment of KENTRADEs annual performance contract targets.
Ensure sound financial management practices at the Agency.
Any other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Board to achieve the Agency’s objectives.

Academic & Professional Qualifications

Hold a Bachelor’s degree in the international Trade, Business, ICT, and Trade logistics or related fields from a recognized university in Kenya.
A Master’s degree in a specialized field from a recognized university in Kenya.
Have at least Fifteen (15) years’ working experience in a relevant profession with at least Eight (8) years at senior management level.
Meets the requirements of chapter six of the constitution.
Experience in managing a medium to large organizations will be an added advantage.
Academic Certificates obtained from foreign Universities or Institutions should be recognized and equated by Commission for University Education –Kenya.
Membership of at least one reputable professional Association will be an added advantage.

Desired Attributes

The right candidate for this position must have the ability to think strategically and to design long term plans in addition to being a visionary leader.

They must have proven intellectual leadership in managing people, financial and physical resources and must have established a reputation for outstanding performance.

Other key attributes, skills and competences include:

Excellent communication, presentation, strong interpersonal and analytical skills, organizational and team leadership capabilities.
Computer literacy and familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
Demonstrate prudent financial management skills.
Exceptional visionary leadership and negotiation skills with capacity to effectively engage with local, regional and international organizations.
Capability to mobilize financial resources for the Agency.
Demonstration of understanding of Kenya’s Trade Facilitation initiatives is an added advantage.
High integrity.
Knowledge of the Public Procurement and Disposal law.
Conflict resolution skills.

Terms and Conditions of Service

The appointment will be for a contractual period of three (3) years renewable once for a further period of three (3) years subject to satisfactory performance and delivery of set performance targets and outcomes.
The Successful candidate for the position of Chief Executive Officer will be offered competitive remuneration package, including house allowance, medical benefits, gratuity and other benefits in accordance with the State Corporation guidelines.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their applications together with their updated Curriculum Vitae (indicating expected gross salary), certified true copies of academic and professional certificates, and current pay slip.

In addition, candidates must submit a Tax compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) clearance certificate, Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Clearance Certificate, Certificate of Good Conduct from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) Certificate.

All the above must be submitted in both hard and soft copies via the email address- erecruit@kentrade.go.ke with the hard copies at KENTRADE’S Offices.

Provide Name, telephone contact, email and Postal Address of three (3) referees who must be familiar with the candidates previous work experience.

The nominated referees may be contacted at the discretion of the Agency.

Applications should be forwarded to the following addresses so as to be received not later than 1700hrs on February 8, 2016

The Chairman
Board of Directors
Kenya Trade Network Agency
1st Floor, Embankment Plaza
Longonot Rd –Upper hill
P.O. Box 36943-00200
Nairobi

Email: erecruit@kentrade.go.ke

Interested candidates can also access the advertisement on the KENTRADE website www.kentrade.go.ke

KENTRADE is an Equal Opportunity Employer -women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications without relevant qualifications, copies of documentation/details as sought for will not be considered.

Any form of canvassing shall lead to automatic disqualification

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.