Our client, Health Research Operations Kenya Limited (HROKL), the operating entity for the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, a world class health research Programme based in Kenya, conducting multi-disciplinary research that spans infectious diseases, vaccines, maternal child and neonatal health, health systems, and emerging health threats. The Programme’s research leverages an integrated platform that includes bioscience laboratories, a clinical trials facility and clinical team, the clinical information network, the Kilifi demographic and health surveillance site, and robust community engagement, generating evidence that informs local and global health policy.

HROKL is looking to recruit an organized and reliable Health, Safety, and Environment Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversight of occupational health, safety, environment compliance, and sustainability across all sites, ensuring adherence to legal requirements and fostering a strong safety and environment culture.

JOB PURPOSE:

To provide strategic leadership and oversight of occupational health, safety, environment compliance, and sustainability across all sites, ensuring adherence to legal requirements and fostering a strong safety and environment culture. The role focuses on creating a safe, healthy workplace by implementing OHS policies, conducting risk assessments, monitoring compliance, managing incidents, and strengthening staff capacity, while also advising management on health, safety, waste management, and infection prevention practices.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead development and implementation of integrated Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) strategies, policies and guidelines. aligned with local laws and international standards
• Serve as principal advisor to the COO and Senior Management on HSE matters. Prepare scheduled and ad hoc Occupational Health and Safety reports for management to support monitoring, compliance, and informed decision-making.
• Provide advice to senior management on environment risks, trends and opportunities with actionable solutions.
• Champion a proactive safety culture and sustainability agenda.
• Drive continuous improvement aligned to ISO 45001 and environment standards.

Occupational Health & Safety Management

• Lead and coordinate vaccination programs, annual medical examinations and Infection, Prevention and Control systems.
• Lead risk assessments, inspections, audits, occupational health assessments and accident investigations.
• Ensure statutory record keeping and compliance documentation and manage all other HSE records, including systems for tracking accidents, investigations, occupational injuries and illnesses, staff vaccinations, and statutory medical examinations.
• Liaise with relevant government authorities, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable Occupational Health and Safety legislation and implementation of corrective and preventive measures.
• Supervise, mentor, and support the Occupational Health Nurse and other assigned staff to ensure effective delivery of Occupational Health and Safety services.
• Chair Health & Safety Committee meetings and present quarterly performance reports.

Environment & Sustainability Management

• Lead the design of a comprehensive Environment & Sustainability strategy aligned with Funder goals and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Programme Environment and Sustainability framework, policies, procedures, and training modules.
• Lead waste management, effluent sampling, emissions monitoring, and water quality compliance.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency and resource optimization.
• Coordinate statutory energy audits and environment reporting.

Secretary to the Energy Committee.

• Regulatory Compliance & External Liaison
• Ensure compliance with OSHA 2007, DOSHS, NEMA, and Energy Regulations.
• Maintain all statutory permits and licenses.
• Serve as liaison for regulatory inspections and external audits.
• Managed H&S activities for on-boarding of visitors and contractors.

Training & Capacity Building

• Design and implement HSE training and awareness programs for staff and service providers to strengthen compliance and promote a culture of safety.
• Provide technical guidance to managers and project teams.
• Mentor and supervise Occupational Health & Safety Nurse to develop additional roles in the department.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage HSE budgets.
• Vet and approve HSE suppliers and service providers.
• Ensure prudent utilization of compliance resources.

Job Dimensions:

• Financial Responsibility: Development and management of Health, Safety & Environment budgets, including statutory compliance and sustainability initiatives.
• Supervisory Responsibility: Direct supervision of the Occupational Health & Safety Nurse, including planning, assignment, monitoring, and performance appraisal.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, CAREER EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Minimum Master’s degree in Health & Safety, Environment Management, Sustainability or related field from a recognized university
• Minimum eight (8) Years overall experience, four (4) of which were at the Management level at a reputable organization
• Health and Safety management certification from a recognised institution (e.g.NEBOSH, IOSH, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in environment and sustainability management.
• Certificate in Leadership and or Management from a recognized institution (added advantage)

Behavioural Competencies:

• Demonstrated high levels of confidentiality and integrity
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills
• Ability to build strong and diverse effective teams, delegation and team motivation
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong regulatory interpretation and compliance focus.
• Strong Management, leadership and decision-making skills

All applicants are advised to adhere to the application guidelines for consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NB: Flexi Personnel does not charge candidates for job placement.