KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL

THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL (KNEC) WISHES TO RECRUIT

SELF MOTIVATED AND QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS FOR VARIOUS VACANT
POSITIONS.
DESCRIPTIONS
OF
THESE
VACANCIES
AND
THEIR
REQUIREMENTS ARE OUTLINED HERE BELOW:
1.0 DEPUTY SECRETARY, MANUSCRIPTS: KNEC SCALE EC 14 (ONE POST)
The Deputy Secretary will be reporting to the Senior Deputy Secretary, Printing &
Manuscripts Department and will head a Division.
1.1 Duties and Responsibilities:
1.1.1 Coordinate Senior Manuscripts Secretaries in the production of question papers
through various technical processes;
1.1.2 Supervise and coordinate activities pertaining to storage and retrieval of examination
materials;
1.1.3 Maintain proper records of question papers;
1.1.4 Supervise capture and banking of pre-tested items received in the Division; and
1.1.5 Co-ordinate regular auditing of received question papers in the Division.
1.2

Requirements for Appointment:

1.2.1 Bachelors degree in Education in Secretarial or Business Studies from a recognized

institution; OR Bachelors Degree in a relevant discipline with Post Graduate Diploma
in Secretarial Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education;
1.2.2 Masters Degree in Education or an equivalent qualifications from a recognized
institution;
1.2.3 Served in a similar position for 3 (three) years but with relevant cumulative working
experience of at least eighteen (18) years in a large and reputable organization;
1.2.4 Must have attended Strategic Leadership Development Programme lasting not less than
six (6) weeks from a recognized Institution;
1.2.5 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications;
1.2.6 Evidence of proficiency and knowledge in Computer Applications.
2.0 DEPUTY SECRETARY, INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY: KNEC
SCALE EC 14 (ONE POST)
The Deputy Secretary will be reporting to the Senior Deputy Secretary, Information
Communications Technology Department and will head a Division.
2.1 Duties and Responsibilities
2.1.1 Co-ordinate, monitor and evaluate ICT program activities as well as implementation of

Page 1 of 11

ICT projects;
2.1.2 Prepare ICT status reports and ensure that professional standards and guidelines are
adhered to;
2.1.3 Undertake periodic review of ICT
improvements;

system projects and procedures and recommend

2.1.4 Initiate policy review and update existing regulations on computing management.

2.2 Requirements for Appointment:

2.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Computer Science/Information Communication
Technology/Electronics Engineering or any other ICT related discipline;
2.2.2 Masters Degree in Computer Science/Information Communication Technology, or
equivalent qualification from a recognized institution plus Post Graduate professional
ICT qualifications such as CISSCO, CCNA, CISSA, NET etc;
2.2.3

Served in a similar position for at least 3 (three) years or with relevant cumulative
working experience of at least twelve (12) years in a large and reputable
organization;

2.2.4 Must have attended Strategic Leadership Development Program lasting not less than
six (6) weeks from a recognized Institution;
2.2.5 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications.
3.0

DEPUTY SECRETARY, RESEARCH: KNEC SCALE EC 14 (ONE POST)

The Deputy Secretary- Research will be reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, KNEC and
will head a Division.
3.1

Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning, coordinating and monitoring research activities in examinations and
education including writing research proposals, conducting research, data entry,
analysis, report writing and dissemination of findings;

3.2

Requirements for Appointment:

3.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education with specialization in Mathematics, Economics,

Statistics or equivalent from a recognized institution;
3.2.2 Masters Degree in Education in Measurements and Evaluation or equivalent
qualification from a recognized institution;
3.2.3 Served in a similar position for 3 (three) years but with relevant cumulative working
experience of at least fifteen (15) years in a large and reputable organization;
3.2.4

Must have attended Strategic Leadership Development Programme lasting not less
than six (6) weeks from a recognized Institution;

3.2.5

Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications;

3.2.6

Must have evidence of knowledge in computer skills.

4.0

PRINCIPAL LEGAL OFFICER/CORPORATION SECRETARY : KNEC SCALE EC 13

(ONE POST)

Page 2 of 11

The Principal Legal Officer/ Corporation Secretary will be reporting to the Chief Executive
Officer, KNEC and will head a Section.
4.1

Duties and Responsibilities:

4.1.1 Advise and facilitate the effective provision of legal services to the KNEC Council Board
and Management;
4.1.2 Implement Boards policies and strategies as regards the legal function;
4.1.3 Interpret legal legislation pertaining to sector regulations, rules, guidelines and protect
legal interests of KNEC;
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
4.1.7

Implement the performance management system within the Legal section;

Coordinate the legal activities in the Section;
Draw terms of engagement with private legal firms;
Monitoring changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment and taking
appropriate action;

4.1.8 Liaise with external lawyers on legal issues and undertaking arbitration and out-ofcourt settlements;
4.1.9 Witness on behalf of the Council the signing of Official Secrets Act by Council staff, and
compile budget and procurement plan for the Legal section;
4.1.10 Provide corporate secretarial services to the Board and Management committees;
4.1.11 Advise the Council Board and Management on governance issues.
4.2

Requirements for Appointment:

4.2.1 Served in a similar position for at least three (3) years and twelve (12) years relevant
work experience preferably in a large and reputable institution;
4.2.2 Master of Laws Degree from a recognized institution;
4.2.3 Current legal practicing certificate;
4.2.4 Senior Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized
institution;
4.2.5 Must be computer literate.
5.0
PRINCIPAL EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY, TEST DEVELOPMENT: KNEC SCALE EC
13 (THREE POSTS) -1. LANGUAGES 2. HUMANITIES 3. APPLIED SCIENCES &
GRAPHICS EXAMS
The Principal Examinations
Development Department.

Secretary

will

report to

Head of Division

in

Test

5.1 Duties and Responsibilities:

5.1.1 Organization, programming and coordination of development of question papers for
either school or post school Examinations depending on their specialization;
5.1.1 Provide the supervision link and coordinate specific technical and administrative
initiatives in the Department.
5.2 Requirements for Appointment:
5.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education in a relevant discipline from a recognized institution OR

Page 3 of 11

Bachelors Degree in a relevant discipline with Post Graduate Diploma in Education;

OR Higher National Diploma in a relevant discipline plus Post Graduate Diploma in
Education OR Higher National Diploma in Technical Education;
5.2.2 Masters Degree in Education in a relevant field;
5.2.3 Must have served for (3) three years in similar position and a minimum of fifteen (15)
years cumulative experience handling examinations administration related matters in
a reputable institution.
5.2.4 Must have attended Senior Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks;
5.2.5 Must have evidence of being well grounded in handling examinations
administration/assessment/research;
5.2.6 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications;
5.2.7 Must have evidence of knowledge in computer skills.
6.0
PRINCIPAL EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY, RESEARCH: KNEC SCALE EC 13 (ONE
POST)
The Principal Examinations Secretary, Research will be reporting to a Head of Division in
Research.
6.1

Duties and Responsibilities:

6.1.1 Coordinate and analyze statistical data related to examinations and National
Assessment and produce examination research reports as well as ensure quality
assurance of KNEC examination processes for school and post school examination;
6.1.2 Provide the supervision link and coordinate specific technical and administrative
initiatives in the Department.
6.2

Requirements for Appointment:

6.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education with specialization in Mathematics, Economics,

Statistics or equivalent from a recognized institution;
6.2.2 Masters Degree in Education in Measurement and Evaluation from a recognized
institution;
6.2.3 Must have served for (3) three years in similar position and a minimum of fifteen (15)
years cumulative experience handling examinations administration related matters in a
reputable institution;
6.2.4 Must have attended Senior Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks;
6.2.5 Must have evidence of being well grounded in handling examinations
administration/assessment/research;
6.2.6 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications;
6.2.7 Must have evidence of knowledge in computer skills.

7.0 CHIEF ICT OFFICER (SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT): KNEC SCALE EC 12 (TWO POSTS)

The Chief ICT Officer will be reporting to a Head of Division in the ICT Department.

Page 4 of 11

7.1

Duties and Responsibilities:

7.1.1 Liaise with user departments to understand the business processes/problems, review
and evaluate existing/proposed systems and make recommendations on suitable
solutions;
7.1.2 Design and develop systems for administration and management of business
processes as well as conducting trial runs of the systems to ensure compliance with
desired results;
7.1.3 Develop a deployment plan for the systems developed including installation, testing
and training;
7.1.4 Progress the existing software system applications and architecture in various areas as
business process demands;
7.1.5 Guide, mentor and supervise a team of developers;
7.1.6 Managing access controls and security;
7.1.7 Monitor the performance and integration of specified applications at section level;
7.1.8 Perform project management function when required.

7.2

Requirements for Appointment:

7.2.1

Bachelors Degree in Computer Science/Information Communications Technology OR

any other ICT related discipline;
Masters Degree in Computer Science/Information Technology, OR equivalent
qualification from a recognized institution
ICT qualifications such as CISSCO, CCNA, CISSA, .NET etc;

7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.2

At least three (3) years experience as a Senior Information Communication Technology

Officer or nine (9) years work experience at a senior level in a related field;

7.2.3

Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a reputable institution;

7.2.4

Hands-on experience in use of Java, visual Studio, SQL Server, Business Intelligence
reporting tools or other web application frameworks;

7.2.5

A record of successful delivery of large application systems as a team or leader. Those

with examinations-related applications will have an added advantage;

7.2.6

Ability to work with technical and non-technical business process owners to get things
done;
Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications

7.2.7

8.0 CHIEF ICT OFFICER, NETWORK ADMINISTRATION: KNEC SCALE EC 12 (ONE POST)
The Chief ICT Officer will be reporting to the Head of Division in the ICT Department.
8.1

Duties and Responsibilities:

8.1.1 Managing infrastructure servers to ensure availability and reliable data

communications;
8.1.2 Manage and administer the security and backup systems;
8.1.3

Manage the Council e-mail system for quotas, accessibility, upgrade and abuse for
efficient communication;

8.1.4

Manage the physical network infrastructure including wired and wireless LAN, to
ensure access to the network;

Page 5 of 11

8.1.5

Liaise with contracted vendors on maintenance of WAN/LAN resources to ensure

optimum availability;

8.1.6 Evaluate and recommend the acquisition of network hardware and software;
8.1.7 Perform project management functions when necessary;
8.1.8

Providing regular feedback on network performance and system administration for

administrative purposes;

8.1.9 Assign and review the work of network and system administrators in the section.
8.2

Requirements for Appointment:

8.2.1

Bachelors Degree in Computer Science/Information Communications Technology or

any other ICT related discipline;

8.2.2

Masters Degree in Computer Science/Information

qualification from a recognized institution.

Technology,

or

equivalent

8.2.3 ICT qualifications such as CISSCO, CCNA, CISSA, .NET etc;

8.2.4 Microsoft Certification MCSE (Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange Server) & CCNA;
8.2.5

At least three (3) years experience as a Senior Information Communication Technology

Officer OR nine (9) years work experience at a senior level in a related field;
8.2.6 Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a reputable institution;
8.2.7 Thorough knowledge of LAN and WAN technologies, such as VSAT, WLANs, VPN, etc;
8.2.8 Data centre skills and certifications will have an added advantage e.g. certified data
professional, blades certifications;
8.2.9 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications.
9.0 RESEARCH OFFICER II: KNEC SCALE EC 10

(THREE POSTS)

The Research Officer II will be reporting to a Head of Section in the Research Division.
9.1 Duties and Responsibilities:
9.1.1

Identify research problems, develop research proposals, plan and implement research
projects;

9.1.2

Conduct pro-active research studies in educational assessment;

9.1.3

Develop research proposals on research problems related to KNEC examinations;

9.1.4

Train data collectors; programme and implement data collection exercise; disseminate
research findings.

9.2 Requirements for Appointment:

9.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education with specialization in Mathematics, Economics,
Statistics or equivalent from a recognized institution;
9.2.2 Masters Degree in Education in Measurements and Evaluation or equivalent
qualification from a recognized institution;
9.2.3 Must have six (6) years relevant experience from a reputable institution;
9.2.4 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications
9.2.5 Evidence of proficiency and knowledge in Computer Applications.

Page 6 of 11

10.0 RESEARCH ASSISTANT I: KNEC SCALE EC 9

(FIVE POSTS)

The Research Assistant I will be reporting to a Head of Section in the Research Division.
10.1 Duties and Responsibilities:
10.1.1

Identify research problems, develop research proposals, plan and implement research
projects under limited supervision from more senior research officers;

10.1.2 Conduct pro-active research studies in educational assessment;

10.1.3 Develop research proposals on research problems related to KNEC examinations;
10.1.4 Train data collectors, programme and implement data collection exercise and
disseminate research findings.
10.2 Requirements for Appointment:
10.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education with specialization in Mathematics, Economics,
Statistics or equivalent from a recognized institution;
10.2.2 Must have three (3) years relevant experience from a reputable institution;
10.2.3 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications.
10.2.4 Evidence of proficiency and knowledge in Computer Applications;

11.0 MANUSCRIPTS SECRETARY III: KNEC SCALE EC 9 (ONE POST)

The Manuscripts Secretary III will be reporting to a Head of Section in the Manuscripts
Division.
11.1

Duties and Responsibilities:

11.1.1

An officer at this level will be expected to receive manuscripts from subject officers,
type, typeset, proof read, design and format the document;

11.1.2

Effect changes/corrections as directed and handle machine copies confidentially and

maintain security in storage and retrieval;

11.1.3

Capture and bank pre-tested items received in the Division for future use;

11.1.4

Assist in the coordination of specific technical and administrative initiatives in the

Division.

11.2 Requirements for Appointment:

11.2.1

At least a Bachelors Degree in Education in Secretarial or Business Studies from a

recognized institution; OR Bachelors Degree in relevant discipline plus a Post
Graduate Diploma in Secretarial Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education;

11.2.2 Relevant experience for at least three (3) years;

11.2.3 Evidence of proficiency and knowledge in Computer Applications;
11.2.4 KCSE mean grade C+ and above or equivalent qualifications.
12.0 EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY III, INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY:
KNEC SCALE EC 10 (ONE POST)
The Examinations Secretary III will be reporting to a Head of Section in the Test Development

Page 7 of 11

Department.
12.1 Duties and Responsibilities:
Being in charge of organizing and guiding Test Development programmes in
Technology Science Examinations and related activities.

Information

12.2 Requirements for Appointment:

12.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education (Information Science) or a Bachelors Degree
specializing in Information Communication Technology/Computer Studies with Post
Graduate Diploma in Education plus 3 to 6 years experience handling
Examination/Test Development related activities in a reputable institution;
12.2.2 Evidence of being well grounded in theory and application of Examination
Administration, Psychometrics, Curriculum Design and Educational Assessment,
Research, Setting, Marking and Moderation of examinations;
12.2.3 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications
13.0 EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY III, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: KNEC SCALE EC 10
(ONE POST)
The Examinations Secretary III will be reporting to a Head of Section, in the Test Development
Department.
13.1 Duties and Responsibilities:
Being in charge of organizing and guiding Test Development programmes in Mechanical
Engineering Examinations and related activities.
13.2 Requirements for Appointment:
13.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education (Technology) or a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical
Engineering with Post Graduate Diploma in Education plus at least three (3) years
experience handling Examination/Test Development related activities in a reputable
institution OR
13.2.2 Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with Post Graduate Diploma in Education
plus 3 to 6 years experience handling Examination/Test Development related
activities or equivalent in a reputable institution;
13.2.3 Evidence of being well grounded in theory and application of Examination
Administration, Psychometrics, Curriculum Design and Educational Assessment,
Research, Setting, Marking and Moderation of examinations;
13.2.4 Evidence of proficiency and knowledge in Computer Applications;
13.2.5 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications.
14.0 EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY III, FOOD & NUTRITION: KNEC SCALE EC 10 (ONE
POST)
The Examinations Secretary III will be reporting to a Head of Section, in the Test Development
Department.
14.1 Duties and Responsibilities:
Being in charge of organizing and guiding Test Development programmes in Food and

Page 8 of 11

Nutrition Examinations and related activities.

14.2 Requirements for Appointment:
14.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education (Home Economics) or a Bachelors Degree with Post
Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetic plus at least three (3) years experience
handling Examination/Test Development related activities in a reputable institution
OR
14.2.2 Higher Diploma in Food and Nutrition specializing in Nutrition and Dietetic with Post
Graduate Diploma in Education plus 3 to 6 years experience handling
Examination/Test Development related activities or equivalent in a reputable
institution;
14.2.3 Evidence of being well grounded in theory and application of Examination
Administration, Psychometrics, Curriculum Design and Educational Assessment,
Research, Setting, Marking and Moderation of examinations;
14.2.4 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications;
14.2.5 Evidence of proficiency and knowledge in Computer Applications.
15.0 EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY III, MARINE ENGINEERING: KNEC SCALE EC 10 (ONE
POST)
The Examinations Secretary III will be reporting to a Head of Section, in the Test Development
Department.
15.1 Duties and Responsibilities:
Being in charge of organizing and guiding Test Development programmes in Marine
Engineering Examinations and related activities.
15.2

Requirements for Appointment:

15.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education (Technology) or a Bachelors Degree with Post Graduate
Diploma in Education and Marine Engineering plus at least three (3) years experience
handling Examination/Test Development related activities in a reputable institution.
OR
15.2.2 Higher Diploma in Engineering specializing in Marine Engineering with Post Graduate
Diploma in Education plus 3 to 6 years experience handling Examination/Test
Development related activities or equivalent in a reputable institution;
15.2.3 Evidence of being well grounded in theory and application of Examination
Administration, Psychometrics, Curriculum Design and Educational Assessment,
Research, Setting, Marking and Moderation of examinations;
15.2.4 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications;
15.2.5 Evidence of proficiency and knowledge in Computer Applications.
16.0 EXAMINATIONS SECRETARY III: (LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE) KNEC
SCALE EC 10 (ONE POST)
The Examinations Secretary III will be reporting to a Head of Section, in the Test Development
Department.

Page 9 of 11

16.1 Duties and Responsibilities:

Being in charge of organizing and guiding Test Development programmes in Library Science
Examinations and related activities.
16.2

Requirements for Appointment:

16.2.1 Bachelors Degree in Education (Library and Information Science) or a Bachelors Degree
in Library and Information Science with Post Graduate Diploma in Education plus 3 to
6 years experience handling Examination/Test Development related activities in a
reputable institution.
16.2.2 Evidence of being well grounded in theory and application of Examination
Administration, Psychometrics, Curriculum Design and Educational Assessment,
Research, Setting, Marking and Moderation of examinations;
16.2.3 Must have a minimum grade of C+ and above in KCSE or equivalent qualifications;
16.2.4 Evidence of proficiency and knowledge in Computer Applications.
17.0 HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT OFFICER II: KNEC SCALE EC 9 (ONE POST)
The Human Resources Officer II will be reporting to a Head of Section in Human Resources
Management Division.
17.1

Duties and Responsibilities:

17.1.1 Perform tasks related to staff recruitment, promotions, placements and discipline;
17.1.2 Draft routine documents as instructed including tracing and access to documents;
17.1.3 Update and maintain accurate staff complement and HR Information System;
17.1.4 Participate in staff welfare and discipline related activities including training and
induction of new employees; and prepare and implement leave roaster.
17.1.5 Provide support to the various critical HR functions and initiatives.
17.2 Requirements for Appointment:
17.2.1
17.2.2
17.2.3

Bachelors degree in Human Resource Management or any Social Sciences or its

equivalent from a recognized institution;
Higher or Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (KNEC);
Three (3) years relevant working experience in Human Resource Management;

17.2.4 KCSE mean grade C+ and above or equivalent qualifications;

17.2.5 Evidence of proficiency and knowledge in computer applications;
17.2.6 Member of the Institute of Human Resource Management of Kenya (IHRM).
TERMS OF OFFER
The Council will offer a competitive remuneration package commensurate with seniority and
responsibilities of the position.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should forward their applications enclosing
certified copies of their academic and professional certificates, detailed curriculum vitae giving
details of day time telephone contact, e-mail addresses, current remuneration (enclose copy of

Page 10 of 11

your latest pay slip), names and valid current contacts of two referees on or before Friday,
October 03, 2014 to:
The Head of Human Resources Division
The Kenya National Examinations Council
P O Box 73598 - 00200
NAIROBI.
Note:
1. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and canvassing will result to automatic
disqualification.
2. All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a psychometric test to be administered by
the Council.
KNEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and people with Disability are encouraged to
apply.

Page 11 of 11