Independent Policing Oversight Authority Job Vacancies in Kenya

The Selection Panel for Chairperson and Members of the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority

Declaration of Vacancies

Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 8, 9 and 10 of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, 2011 (No. 35 of 2011), the Selection Panel invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the positions of Chairperson and seven (7) Members of the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

The functions of the Chairperson and Members of the Board shall be, among other things, to:-

(i) Investigate any complaints related to disciplinary or criminal offences committed by any member of the Service and make recommendations to the relevant authorities;

(ii) Receive and investigate complaints by members of the Service;

(iii) Monitor and investigate policing operations affecting members of the public;

(iv) Monitor, review and audit investigations and actions taken by the Internal Affairs Unit of the Service in response to complaints against the Police;

(v) Conduct inspections of Police premises, including detention facilities under the control of the Service;

(vi) Co-operate with other institutions on issues of Police oversight, including other State organs in relation to services offered by them;

(vii) Review the patterns of Police misconduct and the functioning of the internal disciplinary process;

(viii) Present any information it deems appropriate to an inquest conducted by a court of law;

(ix) Take all reasonable steps to facilitate access to the Authority’s services for the public;

(x) Subject to the Constitution and the laws related to freedom of information, publish findings of its investigations, monitoring, reviews and audits as it sees fit, including by means of the electronic or printed media;

(xi) Make recommendations to the Service or any State organ;

(xii) Report on all its functions under this Act or any written law; and

(xiii) Perform such other functions as may be necessary for promoting the objectives for which the Authority is established.

A. Vacancy for the position of Chairperson of the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority

Number of Vacancies: 1

For appointment as Chairperson of the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, a person should:

(i) possess a degree from a university recognized in Kenya;

(ii) be qualified to be appointed as a Judge of High Court in Kenya pursuant to the provisions of Article 166 (5) of the Constitution; and

(iii) meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

NB: Good knowledge of Government systems will be an added advantage.

B. Vacancy for the Position of Member of the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority

Number of Vacancies: 7

For appointment as a Member of the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, a person should:

(i) be a Kenyan citizen;

(ii) possess a degree from a university recognized in Kenya;

(iii) meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution;

( iv) have knowledge and experience of not less than ten (10) years in any of the following fields:-

• Criminology
• Medicine
• Psychology
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Law
• Security matters
• Human rights and gender
• Community policing

(v) have had a distinguished career in his/her respective field; and

(vi) is fit and proper to serve as a member of the Board charged with upholding and protection of ethics, professionalism, accountability and lawful conduct.

NB. Good knowledge of Government systems will be an added advantage.

C. Please Note:

(i) In compliance with Section10 (2) of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, No. 35 of 2011, a person does not qualify for nomination and appointment as Chairperson or Member of the Commission if he/she:

• is a serving police officer or has retired in the last five years.
• has been convicted of any offence involving dishonesty or any other for which they have been sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine.
• holds office in a political party.
• is a member of parliament.
• is an undischarged bankrupt.
• is mentally incapacitated to perform the functions of the Board.

(ii) The names of all applicants and those shortlisted for each post shall be published in the print media after the closure of the advert.

(iii) Shortlisted candidates may be required to submit additional information and will be subjected to a public interview process.

(iv) The salary and benefits for these positions shall be determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

(v) The chairperson and members of the Board of the Authority shall hold office for one term of six (6) years.

D. How to Apply

• All applications should be submitted, together with a detailed curriculum vitae, a copy of ID/Passport, copies of certificates, testimonials and any other relevant supporting documents.
• Candidates may apply manually or on-line.
• Manual applications should be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Application for Chairperson, Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority” OR “Application for Member, Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority” and addressed to:

The Chairperson
Selection Panel of the Board of the
Independent Policing Oversight Authority
Public Service Commission of Kenya
P.O. Box 30095 – 00100
Nairobi

Online applications may be submitted via e-mail to : poaselectionpanel@publicservice.go.ke

Applications should be submitted on or before 27th December, 2011 (latest by 5.00 p.m.).

Mr. Tache B. Gollo
Chairperson
Selection Panel of the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority