Manager, Production (Vaccines and Biologicals), KBI 3 at The Kenya Biovax Institute

Job Description

Job Purpose:
The Manager, Production, Vaccines and Biological Division is responsible for overseeing the dayto-day operations, ensuring production of high-quality vaccines through spearheading formulation
development and fill and finish. The role will require a keen understanding of commercial
production processes while providing leadership, accountability and responsibility for production
activities through while instituting efficiencies and cost minimization strategies in the division.
Requirements:
i. A minimum period of ten (10) years relevant work experience three (3) of which must have
been in a Supervisory position in the Public Service or Private Sector;
ii. Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology,
Biochemistry, Bio/chemical engineering or equivalent Life Sciences discipline from a
recognized institution;
iii. Bachelor’s degree in the following disciplines: pharmacy, microbiology, biomedical
engineering, biology, medical laboratory sciences, biotechnology, and Chemistry
(analytical, industrial, organic, biochemistry, materials science) or equivalent qualification
from a recognized institution;

v. Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
v. Membership to a professional body where applicable;
vi. Proficiency in computer applications; and
vii. Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.
Job Specification
Key Competencies and skills
i. Understanding and working knowledge of commercial production of biologics (vaccines
and others);
ii. Detailed knowledge of pharmaceutical industry standards and guidelines in cGMP, Quality
and Manufacturing;
iii. Environmental, Social Safeguards, Health and Safety Management;
iv. Operational costing, Inventory Management, Budgeting and planning;
v. Analytical and conceptual skills;
vi. Ability to form and maintain partnerships and collaborations;
vii. Technical report writing;
viii. Managerial skills, supervisory, coaching and mentoring skills;
ix. Negotiation and conflict management skills;
x. Integrity; and
xi. Results-driven.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
i. Overseeing, the development, review and implementation of Strategies, Policies, and
guidelines for Production;
ii. Foster continuous improvement of production processes, focusing on reducing waste
enhancing efficiency, and improving product quality;
iii. Ensuring compliance with local and international regulatory requirements and standards
for production;
iv. Overseeing the successful transfer of new technologies and products from R&D to fullscale production, overseeing scale-up processes and validation.
v. Overseeing the availability and release of appropriate vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and
technologies in collaboration with warehouse and quality control teams;
vi. Promoting innovations of new products, and scale-up or improvement of existing products
and processes in collaboration with Research and Development Department;
vii. Overseeing the development, and implementation of risk management plan;
viii. Overseeing integration of new products and technologies into the production process;
ix. Ensuring production data and records are compiled and maintained as per WHO Good
Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines;
x. Approving and managing of budgets, procurement plans, workplans;
xi. Ensuring timely resolution of customer complaints;
xii. Approving the technical specifications for production, and engineering equipment,
machinery and resource;
xiii. Developing and oversee the implementation of advanced contamination control strategies,
including cleanroom management, aseptic processing, and environmental monitoring.
xiv. Overseeing Installation, Operation and Performance Qualification (IQ, OQ & PQ),
commission and de-commission of Machines and equipment in compliance with WHO
GMP guidelines;
xv. Contributing to current innovation, technical and operational knowledge on matters
affecting pharmaceutical industry through publications, editorials, among others.
xvi. Ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 (OSHA) and
Environmental management requirements;
xvii. Fostering continuous process improvement and provide technical advice on engineering
projects, and emerging technologies;
xviii. Networking and collaborating with relevant stakeholders including pharmaceutical
industries, regulators, MOH, and professional bodies;
xix. Implementing Board’s strategies, decisions and policies as communicated by the CEO;
xx. Providing regular, thorough and prompt communication to the CEO on key technical,
financial and administrative matters;
xxi. Reviewing all Board papers for accuracy, relevance and presentation to the CEO in good
time; and
xxii. Overseeing the development and implementation of staff development programs,
performance appraisal systems, mentorship and coaching.
Terms of Service
The successful applicant will be appointed for five (5) year contract term and may be eligible for
reappointment as per the Kenya BioVax Human Resource Policy and Procedures Manual.

Applications should include the following:
1. Letter of Application (Indicate Vacancy Number)
2. Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address
3. Three letters of professional reference with contact telephone numbers and e-mail
addresses
4. Copies of Academic Certificates and Transcripts