Exciting Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
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. Exciting Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
Jobs at KEMRI
- Senior Administrative Officer – KEMRI CPHR
- Senior Engineering Technologist – Kisimu
- Receptionist – Kisumu
- Cleaner/Messenger – Kisumu
Senior Administrative Officer – KEMRI CPHR
Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with KEMRI policies, NACOSTI, SERU/IRB approvals, KPPB, and international research ethics standards.
- Oversee contracts, sub-awards, MTAs, DTAs, and data protection compliance across projects.
- Support audits (internal/external), risk management, and governance frameworks to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Lead preparation, monitoring, and reporting of project budgets in coordination with finance teams.
- Oversee financial tracking, expenditure reviews, donor reporting, and cost recovery in line with funder requirements (e.g., USG, Gates Foundation, CDC, UNC, Emory).
- Administer the grants cycle including pre-award assessments, sub-award monitoring, financial reporting, and closeout.
- Ensure procurement processes, workshop logistics, and field activity resources are cost-effective and compliant with regulations.
- Monitor use, maintenance, and accountability of project assets and resources.
- Lead and coordinate administrative functions including office management, procurement, logistics, and compliance.
- Oversee infrastructure readiness and cross-study resource allocation (staff, vehicles, equipment) at multiple sites (Siaya, Kisumu).
- Supervise administrative staff, set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and ensure accountability.
- Develop and implement policies, systems, and SOPs to improve efficiency and operational excellence.
- Oversee staff recruitment, contracts, payroll, and performance management in line with project needs.
- Ensure mandatory training (GCP, biosafety, ethics) for research staff.
- Provide mentorship, training, and career development opportunities for junior researchers and administrative staff.
- Promote staff motivation, retention, succession planning, and team collaboration.
- Liaise with MoH, County Health Departments, and regulatory bodies to align research with national priorities.
- Strengthen collaborations with international partners and donors (CDC, Gates, Task Force, UNC, Emory, GWU).
- Support community engagement frameworks including Community Advisory Boards (CABs) and sensitization forums.
- Act as a central communication link across departments, partners, and external stakeholders.
- Represent the PI/Project Director in high-level stakeholder and donor forums.
- Establish systems to track project performance, milestones, and deliverables.
- Ensure compliance with data security, integrity, and sharing requirements.
- Support development of research databases, repositories, and publication processes.
- Document and disseminate lessons learned to strengthen ongoing and future research.
Vacancy Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Public Health, Human Resource Management, or related field Mandatory
- A Master degree will be an added advantage Added Advantage
- Strong knowledge of research governance, compliance, and donor regulations Mandatory
- Proven experience in research management, grants administration, and compliance with international funders
- MandatoryAt least 7 years’ relevant experience, with 3 years in senior management within research or donor-funded programs Mandatory
- Demonstrated ability to manage multi-site clinical trials, surveillance studies, or large-scale research programs Mandatory
- Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication, and report-writing skills Mandatory
- Proficiency in MS Office, grants management systems, and research databases Mandatory
- High integrity, professionalism, and accountability Mandatory
- Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Mandatory
- Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure and meet tight deadlines Mandatory
- Effective stakeholder engagement and diplomacy skills Mandatory
- Strategic thinker with adaptability to dynamic research environments Mandatory
- Team player with proven ability to mentor and foster collaboration Mandatory
- Commitment to advancing KEMRI’s mission and contributing to global health impact Mandatory
Senior Engineeing Technologist – Kisimu
Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute
Key Responsibilities:
- Installing, inspecting and testing installations in the institute
- Preparing repair and maintenance schedules in the relevant sections for institute infrastructure, installations and equipment
- Maintaining, repair, servicing and operating, vehicles, equipment, plumbing and drainage systems in the institute
- Operation, repair and maintenance of institute utilities
- Participating in design and preparation of specifications for simple structures and installations
- Taking and updating inventory of institute assets
- Servicing and calibrating institute equipment
Vacancy Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Public Health, Human Resource Management, or related field Mandatory
- At least four (4) years relevant work experience; Mandatory
- Diploma in any of the following fields: Biomedical, Electrical/Electronics, Mechanical, or other relevant field from a recognized Institution Mandatory
- Basic Calibration course by the relevant standards body Mandatory
- Proficiency in computer application Mandatory
- Demonstrated work performance and results Mandatory
- Repair and maintenance/ servicing of bio-equipment Mandatory
- Communication and reporting skills Mandatory
- Interpersonal skills Mandatory
- Teamwork skills Mandatory
- Integrity Mandatory
Receptionist – Kisumu
Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute
Key Responsibilities:
- Greet and assist participants, visitors, and staff in a friendly and professional manner
- Manage front desk operations, including answering phones, scheduling participant appointments, attending to visitors, and handling inquiries
- Register study participants and update existing participants records accurately
- Coordinate with clinical and research teams to ensure smooth clinic operations
- Provide information about clinic services, including FP/PrEP services, and direct participants to appropriate resources
- Maintain confidentiality of participant information in compliance with Research Ethics and Site’s policies
Vacancy Requirements:
- Diploma in Front Office or equivalent (required) Mandatory
- Additional certification in office administration or related field (preferred) Mandatory
- Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a receptionist or administrative role, preferably in a healthcare or research setting Mandatory
- Experience working with electronic medical records (EMR) or scheduling systems is a plus Mandatory
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Mandatory
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities Mandatory
- Computer literate Mandatory
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information Mandatory
- Basic knowledge of HIV prevention, including oral PrEP, is an advantage Mandatory
- Friendly, empathetic, and patient-centered approach Mandatory
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, research-focused environment Mandatory
Cleaner/Messenger – Kisumu
Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute
Key Responsibilities:
- Clean and sanitize clinic rooms, offices, restrooms, and common areas daily
- Dispose of waste and ensure proper segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials
- Maintain cleaning equipment and supplies, and report any shortages or malfunctions
- Ensure compliance with infection control and hygiene standards
- Deliver documents, packages, and supplies to designated locations within and outside the clinic
- Run errands as assigned by management to support daily operations
- Assist with setting up rooms for meetings, training sessions, or events
- Perform minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs or reporting repair needs
- Support clinic staff with other tasks as needed
Vacancy Requirements:
- Minimum of secondary education Mandatory
- Tertiary college certificate holder is highly desirable Mandatory
- Previous experience in cleaning, administrative assistants’ roles, or messenger roles is preferred Mandatory
- Experience working in a healthcare or research setting is a plus Mandatory
- Strong attention to detail and cleanliness Desirable
- Ability to follow instructions and work independently Desirable
- Good time-management and organizational skills Desirable
- Basic communication skills in English is required Desirable
- Reliable, punctual, and hardworking Desirable
- Willingness to learn and adapt to clinic protocols Desirable
- Physical ability to perform cleaning tasks and lift/move light to moderate loads Desirable
- Willingness to undergo training on clinic hygiene and safety protocols Desirable
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends, if required Desirable
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Human Subject Protection (HSP) certification Desirable
How to Apply for Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
Apply Here
- Senior Administrative Officer – KEMRI CPHR
- Senior Engineering Technologist – Kisimu
- Receptionist – Kisumu
- Cleaner/Messenger – Kisumu
Application Ends on: 10/01/25 5:00:00 PM
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