For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:-

• cumulative service period of fifteen 15 years three 3 of which must have been in the grade of Deputy Director Children’s Services, CSG 6 or in a comparable and relevant position in the wider public service;
• a Bachelors degree in any of the following disciplines: Sociology, Social Work, Community Development, Guidance and Counseling, Child Psychology, Criminology, Social Development or Social Studies from a recognized institution;
• Masters degree qualification in the following disciplines: Sociology, Social Work, Social Studies, Community Development, Guidance and Counseling, Child Psychology, Criminology, Social Development, Gender and Development Studies or Project Management from a a university recognized in Kenya;
• a Certificate in Strategic Leadership Development programme from a recognized institution;
• demonstrated outstanding administrative capabilities and professional competence in dealing with Children affairs;
• a thorough knowledge of the Children’s Act of 2001, the International, Regional and National Legal Instruments relating to children and ability to relate them to Vision 2030; and
• shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.

Duties and responsibilities
An officer at this level will provide strategic leadership in the management of children services function. Duties and responsibilities at this level will include: -

• developing, implementing and reviewing children policies, strategies, programmes and projects;
• overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Children Act, 2001, related statutes and other Regional and International Instruments in collaboration with other stakeholders;
• supervising and implementation of regulations on child care and protection services, collaborating with other Government Agencies and other stakeholders to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of social programmes;
• facilitating the provision of accommodation, care and protection for a child in danger of imminent injury or harm to a place of safe custody;
• overseeing the establishment management and supervision of children statutory institutions rehabilitation schools, remand homes, rescue centres and children homes;
• facilitating the registration of charitable children’s institutions;
• coordinating alternative family care services foster care, guardianship and adoption; monitoring the Presidential Bursary fund program;
• supervise the Orphans and Vulnerable Children OVCs cash transfer programme;
• overseeing staff performance management and development matters; and coordinating, reporting and disseminating children’s services research findings.