Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA), formerly known as the National Irrigation Board (NIB), was established, and incorporated as a state corporation in 1966, vide Irrigation Act, Cap 347 of the Laws of Kenya. This Act was reviewed and replaced with the Irrigation Act No 14 of 2019 which transitioned NIB to NIA. The Authority’s main objective as prov...

Responsibilities or duties

Provide Strategic Leadership in the Management of Irrigation Schemes and delivery of Advisory and Extension services.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil/Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture (Agronomy/Agribusiness).
• Relevant professional registration.
• Strategic Leadership Development Course (minimum 4 weeks).
• Core Competencies: Visionary leadership, change management, analytical skills, project management, and emotional intelligence.

Experience needed

Minimum of 12 years’ experience, of which 5 years should be at Senior Management level.

• Lead the operation and maintenance of Irrigation Infrastructure to ensure optimal utilisation.
• Oversee agribusiness development, extension services, and support to Irrigation Water Users Associations (IWUAs).
• Coordinate formulation of irrigation management policies, standards, and incentives to attract private sector investment.
• Oversee operational research and dissemination of irrigation technologies to enhance productivity.
• Manage production strategies for selected enterprise value chains and husbandry services.
• Lead data collection, analysis, and reporting on water use efficiency, crop yields, and productivity.
• Direct performance contracting, risk management, and ISO compliance within the Directorate.

• Visionary leadership
• Change management
• Analytical skills
• Project management
• Emotional intelligence

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil/Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture (Agronomy/Agribusiness).
• Relevant professional registration.
• Strategic Leadership Development Course (minimum 4 weeks).