The National Research Fund invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to fill several senior-level positions within its organizational structure. These vacancies arise as part of the Fund’s continued efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance governance, and support effective management of research financing and coordination functions at the national level. The positions are designed for experienced professionals who are able to contribute to policy implementation, operational oversight, and strategic execution within a public sector research funding environment.
This job advertisement is prepared for publication on a third-party job board and provides a consolidated overview of the open positions, including role context, reporting expectations, and detailed job descriptions for each role. The information presented is intended to support potential applicants in understanding the scope and responsibilities of the advertised positions prior to submitting their applications.
The National Research Fund operates within a structured regulatory and governance framework, and the advertised roles carry significant responsibility in ensuring accountability, efficiency, and compliance with applicable public sector standards. All positions are offered at the same grade level and are based on defined reference numbers as indicated below. Interested candidates are encouraged to review each position carefully and submit their applications within the stipulated timelines.
Open Positions
- Principal Accountant
Grade: NRF 5
Reference Number: NRF/04/2026
Number of Posts: One (1)
Position Overview
The Principal Accountant position is a senior finance role within the National Research Fund. The role is responsible for providing leadership and oversight in financial management, accounting operations, and financial reporting. The position supports the Fund’s mandate by ensuring that financial resources are managed prudently, transparently, and in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and public finance management standards.
The Principal Accountant operates within a structured financial management environment and works closely with senior management, auditors, and other internal stakeholders. The role requires a high level of integrity, accuracy, and professional judgment in the handling of public funds and research financing resources.
Detailed Job Description and Responsibilities
The Principal Accountant is responsible for overseeing the overall accounting function of the Fund. This includes ensuring that all financial transactions are accurately recorded, classified, and reported in line with approved accounting standards and internal financial policies. The role provides strategic direction in the preparation and maintenance of financial records and statements.
A key responsibility of the position is financial reporting. The Principal Accountant coordinates the preparation of periodic financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. These reports support management decision-making, external accountability, and compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
The role also involves budgetary oversight and expenditure control. The Principal Accountant monitors budget implementation across departments and programs, ensuring that expenditures remain within approved allocations. This includes analyzing budget variances, preparing financial performance reports, and advising management on corrective measures where necessary.
Internal controls and compliance form a central part of the role. The Principal Accountant is responsible for establishing, implementing, and reviewing internal financial control systems to safeguard the Fund’s assets and resources. The role includes ensuring compliance with public finance regulations, internal policies, and audit requirements.
The position also supports audit processes. The Principal Accountant coordinates internal and external audit engagements, prepares responses to audit queries, and supports the implementation of audit recommendations. This contributes to continuous improvement in financial governance and accountability.
Cash flow management and treasury functions are part of the responsibilities. The Principal Accountant oversees cash management processes, bank reconciliations, and payment systems to ensure timely and accurate disbursement of funds. The role ensures that financial obligations are met while maintaining liquidity and financial stability.
The position includes supervisory and coordination responsibilities. The Principal Accountant provides guidance to accounting staff, reviews work outputs for accuracy and compliance, and supports capacity building within the finance function. The role promotes adherence to professional standards and best practices in accounting and financial management.
- Principal Information Communications Technology Officer
Grade: NRF 5
Reference Number: NRF/05/2026
Number of Posts: One (1)
Position Overview
The Principal Information Communications Technology Officer is a senior technical and managerial role responsible for overseeing the Fund’s ICT systems and digital infrastructure. The position supports the effective use of technology in delivering the Fund’s mandate, including research grant management, data handling, communication, and internal operations.
The role is strategic in nature and focuses on ensuring that ICT systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with organizational objectives. The Principal ICT Officer works closely with management and users across the organization to support technology-enabled efficiency and innovation.
Detailed Job Description and Responsibilities
The Principal Information Communications Technology Officer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing ICT operations within the National Research Fund. This includes managing information systems, networks, hardware, and software platforms that support organizational functions.
A key responsibility of the role is ICT systems management. The officer ensures that core systems are operational, secure, and maintained in line with defined service standards. This includes overseeing system upgrades, maintenance schedules, and performance monitoring.
The role also involves ICT policy implementation and compliance. The Principal ICT Officer supports the development and enforcement of ICT policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistent and secure use of technology resources. This includes supporting compliance with data protection, cybersecurity, and information governance requirements.
Information security is a critical component of the position. The Principal ICT Officer is responsible for implementing security measures to protect systems and data from unauthorized access, loss, or disruption. The role includes risk assessment, incident response coordination, and user awareness initiatives related to information security.
The position also supports digital transformation initiatives. The Principal ICT Officer works with management and functional units to identify opportunities for process automation, system integration, and the use of technology to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
User support and capacity building form part of the responsibilities. The role oversees ICT support services, ensuring that users receive timely and effective technical assistance. The Principal ICT Officer may also coordinate training and user support initiatives to enhance system utilization.
Vendor and service provider coordination is another aspect of the role. The Principal ICT Officer manages relationships with ICT vendors and consultants, oversees service contracts, and ensures value for money in the procurement and use of ICT services.
Reporting and documentation responsibilities include preparing ICT performance reports, system documentation, and management briefs to support informed decision-making and accountability.
- Principal Human Resource Management and Development Officer
Grade: NRF 5
Reference Number: NRF/06/2026
Number of Posts: One (1)
Position Overview
The Principal Human Resource Management and Development Officer is a senior role responsible for overseeing human resource management and development functions within the National Research Fund. The position supports the Fund’s strategic objectives by ensuring effective workforce planning, staff development, and implementation of human resource policies and practices.
The role is both strategic and operational, requiring the ability to balance policy implementation with day-to-day human resource management responsibilities. The Principal HR Officer works closely with management and staff to promote a productive, compliant, and professional work environment.
Detailed Job Description and Responsibilities
The Principal Human Resource Management and Development Officer is responsible for coordinating and overseeing human resource management functions across the organization. This includes staffing, employee relations, performance management, and staff development initiatives.
A key responsibility of the role is the implementation of human resource policies and procedures. The officer ensures that HR practices are aligned with applicable public service guidelines, labor regulations, and internal policies. This includes supporting consistent application of HR rules and standards across the organization.
The role also involves workforce planning and staff establishment management. The Principal HR Officer supports the development and implementation of staffing plans that align with organizational needs and approved structures. This includes coordinating recruitment processes and supporting management in addressing staffing requirements.
Performance management is another core responsibility. The Principal HR Officer supports the implementation of performance appraisal systems, provides guidance on performance management processes, and supports initiatives aimed at improving staff productivity and accountability.
Training and development form an important part of the role. The Principal HR Officer coordinates staff development programs, including training needs assessment, capacity building initiatives, and career development support. The role contributes to building a skilled and motivated workforce.
Employee relations and welfare are also key components. The Principal HR Officer supports effective communication between management and staff, addresses employee relations matters, and contributes to the promotion of a positive work environment.
The role includes maintaining accurate human resource records and preparing HR reports to support management decision-making and compliance requirements. This includes workforce statistics, training reports, and other HR-related documentation.
The Principal HR Officer also supports organizational change initiatives by providing HR advisory services and ensuring that change processes are managed in a structured and compliant manner.
Application Information
Candidates interested in the positions are expected to meet the qualification and experience requirements detailed in the full advertisement. Applications should reach the National Research Fund not later than 5:00 pm (East African Time) on 17th February, 2026.
All applications, together with relevant supporting documents and testimonials, should be addressed as indicated in the full application instructions issued by the National Research Fund.
