Background

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a state corporation established through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979, which has since been amended to Science, Technology and Innovation Act 2013 as the national body responsible for carrying out health research in Kenya. KEMRI has grown from its humble beginning over 40 years ago to become a regional leader in human health research. The Institute currently ranks as one of the leading Centres of excellence in health research both in Africa as well as globally.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the full lifecycle of EDCTP and other donor-funded research grants, from pre-award through implementation, reporting, and closeout.

Ensure strict adherence to funder requirements, institutional policies, and applicable regulatory frameworks across all grant activities.

Prepare and submit timely, accurate financial and narrative reports; maintain comprehensive grant files, audit trails, and documentation.

Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets; track expenditures, conduct variance analyses, and prepare financial forecasts and cash-flow projections.

Work closely with finance teams to ensure proper cost allocation, disbursements, and support for internal and external audits.

Coordinate with Principal Investigators, project teams, partner institutions, EDCTP, and other funders on reporting, compliance issues, project updates, modifications, no-cost extensions, and budget realignments.

Facilitate partner agreements, fund transfers, and support procurement processes in line with both institutional and donor guidelines.

Mentor junior administrative and finance staff, enhance grant-management processes, and keep teams updated on evolving funder policies and best practices.

Vacancy Requirements:

Experience:

Have a minimum of four (4) years relevant work experience;

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Commerce (Accounting/Finance Option), Business Management (Accounting/Finance Option), Economics, or equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution;

Master’s degree in the above qualification will be an added advantage

Professional Qualifications:

Be CPA (K) or its equivalent;

Be a member of ICPAK and in good standing

Supervisory course lasting not less two (2) weeks from a recognized institution;

Skills & Competencies:

Proficient in computer application skills:

Demonstrated work performance and results

Planning skills;

Ethical and integrity.

Analytical skills.

Communication and reporting skills.

• Oversee the full lifecycle of EDCTP and other donor-funded research grants, from pre-award through implementation, reporting, and closeout.
• Ensure strict adherence to funder requirements, institutional policies, and applicable regulatory frameworks across all grant activities.
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate financial and narrative reports; maintain comprehensive grant files, audit trails, and documentation.
• Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets; track expenditures, conduct variance analyses, and prepare financial forecasts and cash-flow projections.
• Work closely with finance teams to ensure proper cost allocation, disbursements, and support for internal and external audits.
• Coordinate with Principal Investigators, project teams, partner institutions, EDCTP, and other funders on reporting, compliance issues, project updates, modifications, no-cost extensions, and budget realignments.
• Facilitate partner agreements, fund transfers, and support procurement processes in line with both institutional and donor guidelines.
• Mentor junior administrative and finance staff, enhance grant-management processes, and keep teams updated on evolving funder policies and best practices.

• Proficient in computer application skills
• Demonstrated work performance and results
• Planning skills
• Ethical and integrity
• Analytical skills
• Communication and reporting skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Accounting/Finance Option), Business Management (Accounting/Finance Option), Economics, or equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution
• CPA (K) or its equivalent
• Member of ICPAK and in good standing
• Supervisory course lasting not less two (2) weeks from a recognized institution