The Director, Research and Data Informatics, is responsible for strengthening evidence-based drought risk management in the context of increasing climate variability and recurrent droughts in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands. The role provides a structured institutional framework for generating, managing, and disseminating credible information, knowledge, and evidence to guide drought risk management policies, strategies, and interventions.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and vision for the Research & Data Informatics function, including integration of GIS and remote sensing applications in drought risk management.
- Oversee the management, review, maintenance, and updating of the national drought early warning system.
- Lead the development, review, and implementation of policies, strategies, legal frameworks, and work plans for research, drought information, data/informatics, GIS/remote sensing, and early warning systems.
- Translate national drought risk management and climate adaptation priorities into implementable data/information strategies.
- Lead research activities aimed at improving drought risk understanding, vulnerability analysis, impacts of climate change, livelihood resilience, and drought mitigation strategies.
- Design research programmes and collaborate with research institutions/universities to ensure quality and relevance of research outputs.
- Ensure that research, data, and GIS/remote sensing analyses feed into policy advice, planning, contingency planning, and decision-making.
- Advise government and the Board on strategic geospatial insights for drought preparedness and response.
- Oversee the timely generation and sharing of evidence required for activation of contingency plans, emergency response, and food security interventions.
- Forge partnerships with global remote sensing institutions, donors, and technology providers.
- Lead resource mobilization efforts, including proposals for research funding, technical assistance, and grants for drought-resilience initiatives.
- Ensure sustainability and institutional capacity for GIS and Remote Sensing systems through capacity-building for internal staff and external stakeholders.
- Represent the Authority in forums on early warning, geospatial data, and remote sensing for disaster risk reduction.
- Ensure compliance with relevant governance, public-service, data-governance, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., data protection, ethics).
- Coordinate the publication and dissemination of drought information products (early-warning bulletins, status reports, maps) to government, counties, communities, and NGOs.
- Oversee identification and incorporation of emerging technologies for improved spatial analysis and monitoring.
- Supervise the production of thematic maps, hazard/vulnerability maps, livelihood-zone maps, and early warning dashboards.
Requirements and Person Specifications
- Cumulative period of fifteen (15) years’ relevant work experience, three (3) of which should have been in an equivalent or comparable leadership position.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics/Applied Statistics, Disaster Risk/Management, Computer Science (with GIS specialization), Monitoring and Evaluation, Mathematics, Data Science/Data Analytics, Economics and Statistics, Meteorology, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), Surveying/mapping, Geomatics Engineering, Geography and Geospatial Techniques, Environmental Science, Remote Sensing/Earth Science, or Geospatial Science from a recognized institution.
- Master’s Degree in Statistics/Applied Statistics, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), Geomatics Engineering, Disaster Risk/Management, Computer Science (with GIS specialization), Monitoring and Evaluation, Surveying/mapping, Mathematics, Geography and Geospatial Techniques, Environmental Science, Data Science/Data Analytics, Project Management, Computer science/Information technology, Economics and Statistics, Remote Sensing/Earth Observation, Geospatial Science, or Meteorology from a recognized institution.
- Membership to a relevant professional body in good standing, where applicable.
- Certificate in Leadership course lasting not less than six (6) weeks from a recognized institution.
- A valid practicing certificate/license where applicable.
- Proficiency in computer applications.
- Must have fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
- Demonstrated merit and ability in work performance and results, with a thorough understanding of national goals and policies.
How to Apply
Interested qualified applicants are requested to submit a filled Bio-data form, a cover letter, detailed CV, and copies of certificates & testimonials. The title of the position and Reference Number (NDMA V/No.1/4/2026) must be clearly indicated in the email subject line to hr@ndma.go.ke.
Note the following:
- The Bio-data form link will be provided on the Authority’s website: www.ndma.go.ke.
- Applicants MUST fill the Bio-Data Form. Applications without this form will be rejected.
- All applications must be submitted online on or before 11th May, 2026, by 5.00 pm. Physical applications will not be accepted.
- Successful candidates will be required to fulfill Chapter six (6) requirements from KRA, HELB, EACC, DCI, and a Registered CRB.
Applications should be addressed to:
Chief Executive Officer,
National Drought Management Authority
P. O. Box 53547 00200
NAIROBI, KENYA
