Assistant Director, Cancer Prevention and Control

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-Kenya) is a State Corporation established by the Cancer Prevention and Control Act, No. 15 of 2012. Its mandate is to provide oversight and regulation of cancer prevention and control in Kenya. The Assistant Director for Cancer Prevention and Control is a senior role responsible for managing policy advisory, regulation, and ensuring ethical practices in the sector.

Job Purpose

To manage the provision of policy advisory, regulation, and ensuring ethical practice; providing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) as well as prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs for cancer patients. The role also involves coordinating the securing of Oncology Commodities and Technologies, capacity building, cancer research, and maintaining the National Cancer Registry. Additionally, the Assistant Director coordinates the establishment and management of Regional Cancer Centres and the National Cancer Research & Reference Centre to inform decisions in cancer prevention and control.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and disseminate policy guidelines on matters relating to the treatment and care of persons with cancer.
• Establish programs for vocational guidance and counseling.
• Strengthen the capacity of relevant institutions for the provision of high-quality diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation, and other medical care.
• Establish institutions for high-quality diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
• Oversee and coordinate advocacy efforts for the welfare and treatment of persons with cancer.
• Coordinate operations of the regional cancer Control Centres.
• Strengthen local capacity for large-scale production or distribution of specialized biological materials and other therapeutic substances for research.
• Promote measures that seek to eradicate conditions that cause and aggravate the spread of cancer.
• Facilitate the prevention of discrimination against persons with cancer.
• Provide public information on the rights of persons with cancer and the provisions of the Cancer Prevention and Control Act.
• Set standards of safety and care for persons using specialized medical materials.
• Provide access to information and technical assistance to all institutions, associations, and organizations concerned with cancer welfare.
• Supervise staff and perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements for Appointment

• At least twelve (12) years of relevant work experience, three (3) of which should have been at the grade of Principal Cancer Prevention and Control Officer or in a comparable position.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Medicine, Nursing, Health Systems Management, Biochemistry, Health Records and Information Management, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Statistics, or a relevant Social Science qualification from a recognized institution.
• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Oncology, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Medicine, Health Informatics, Nursing, Health Systems Management, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, or relevant qualification from a recognized institution.
• Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Registration by the relevant professional body.
• Valid practicing license.
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.
• Proficiency in computer applications.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified persons are required to make their applications to:

Chief Executive Officer National Cancer Institute of Kenya SHA Building- Parking Complex 5th Floor P.O Box 27437-00100 NAIROBI

Applications must reach the Institute on or before 11th May, 2026, 5:00 pm East African time.

Please submit your applications via email to recruitment@ncikenya.go.ke. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

The application should include the following:

1. Copy of Kenyan ID
2. Letter of application (Clearly indicating vacancy number: NCI-K/35/04/2026)
3. Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address.
4. 3 letters of professional reference with contact telephone numbers.