International Livestock Research Institute Careers

Responsibilities

Specific Duties include but are not limited to:

• Specialized research support for planning, coordination and implementation of research activities
• Conduct specialized research support for projects such as collecting, management and /or advanced analysis of research information with general guidance and supervision
• Specialized support for projects in collection, management and analysis of household and agricultural data (e.g. program survey tools, recruit and assist in the training of data collection staff, organize survey logistics, monitor quality of incoming data in real-time)
• Prepare data for analysis; build large datasets from multiple sources
• Analyze data using advanced econometric methods
• Contributes to proposal development and lead writing of project reports and outputs of small-scale activities
• Spearheads project reports writing and delivery of project outputs
• Leading the planning, coordination and implementation of project activities for small-scale research projects
• Assist in capacity building of stakeholders
• Coordinate, plan, implement project activities and support outreach activities
• Manage budget resources for implementation of project activities
• Create relationships, interact with and capacity build stakeholders
• Contribute to proposal development, technical inputs for projects, products, techniques, practices and methodologies
• Other duties as assigned

Requirement

• Master’s degree in economics, Agricultural Economics, Statistics or closely related fields plus five years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of microeconomic theory and applied quantitative econometric methods
• Excellent knowledge of STATA
• Experience with other software packages such as R, Python, SurveyCTO
• Willingness and openness to learn and “think out of the box” 
• Excellent analytical mind that can interpret data and use it convincingly
• Makes decisions based on established research guidelines, considering different factors and possible outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and to work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task as needed, consistently meet deadlines and manage time well
• Broad and specialized knowledge of econometric methods, techniques and processes
• Experience supervising small teams, Decision-making experience for teams supervised
• Demonstrated professional level of attention to detail and accuracy of work
• Willingness to travel
• Previous experience with causal impact evaluations and experience with primary household survey data collection
• Familiarity with the literature on agricultural development, youth, nutrition and social protection
• Experience of coordination, project and event management would be a plus

About the Health Program

This program focuses on the health and welfare of farmed livestock, people, and their shared environment through better control of animal and agriculture-associated health constraints, and increase supply of safe, healthy, animal source foods for better nutrition for people.  It includes two areas. The first one is animal health management that includes animal health technologies (vaccine and diagnostics development) and livestock population (herd and farm health management) to ensure healthy animals. The second area addresses the health challenges at the interface of animals, people and the environment including zoonoses, AMR, food safety across livestock and wildlife systems using a One Health approach.

Responsibilities

Science and Program Leadership

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership of the program and develop the program strategy in line with ILRI’s Strategy and CGIAR Research Programs strategies. 
• Lead complex research and provide outstanding technical expertise as well as innovative and creative science
• Stay up to date on scientific and technological advances, supervise research and analysis across a range of disciplines, topics, and fields to inform the development of new schemes/products and initiatives to be designed and managed within his/her program
• Lead the collaboration and partnership efforts of the program and support teams to network and obtain positive results in partnerships with national, regional, and international institutions in research, extension, development, and public, private, and civil society
• Ably represent ILRI in various local and international forums, meetings, and visits, which require liaison, collaborations, and negotiations with current and potential partners, which include institutions, funders, government agencies, science advocacy groups, local and global meetings, other CGIAR centers, etc.
• Lead and oversee resource mobilization efforts to support research and capacity development in line with the program and ILRI strategies. Lead development of proposals to raise resources to support new research addressing the program’s target outcomes.  Coordinate budget preparation and its execution
• Lead and facilitate the wide publication, dissemination, and communication of research findings

Team Leadership

• Lead a group of (senior) scientists, as well as post-docs and graduate students, support staff, and administrators, and create a culture of collaboration and transparent communication
• Responsible for the implementation of all programmatic and platform activities, ensuring that performance schedules are observed and outputs are completed and delivered according to expectations and within budget.
• Provide regular reports to the Institutional Leadership Team (ILT) and ILRI board in line with the business’s Critical Success Factors to facilitate analysis and reporting of programmatic performance against plans and budgets, as well as strategic objectives
• Lead and manage the Program team, maximizing effectiveness and efficiency by ensuring the implementation of work plans and program strategy, ensuring adequate staffing levels. Ensure adequate staff training, development, performance management, and routine supervision to maximize efficient productivity
• Provide technical expertise to the team, motivate and coach the team towards delivery of set goals and objectives
• Foster a performance culture to encourage learning, innovation, and continuous improvement; ensure appropriate training and capacity-building activities for program staff members to support high quality programs implementation
• Perform any other related duties as may be required.

Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biomedical sciences, health sciences, public health, epidemiology, or related fields of science and innovation expertise
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience post PhD; working in public or private sector research management at senior level
• A significant track record in research, grant writing and reviewing and fundraising
• Sound experience in research capacity strengthening
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of science, innovation and program design and planning
• Proven experience in successfully developing, leading, and supervising complex initiatives and high performing teams
• Proven ability to develop and manage program / platform budgets and timelines
• Proven experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, networking, partnership building and relationship management at a senior level

Desirable:

• A good understanding of current international, national and pan-African issues in research priorities and pan-African agenda and how they can be addressed through best metrics of accountable management
• Sound knowledge of research processes in a similar environment - nationally and internationally

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the PI, play a lead role in ILRI’s research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to tolerance towards Theileria parva, the causative agent of East Coast fever (ECF), in African Indigenous cattle with specific single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with this tolerance.

Activities include:

• Perform in vitro infectivity assays with T. parva sporozoites and lymphocytes from tolerant and susceptible animals.
• Perform cell proliferation and flow cytometry assays to characterize the parasites' subcellular tropism in tolerant and susceptible animals.
• Plan experiments to generate qPCR and transcriptomics data of infected cells.
• Conduct genome editing experiments in stable T. parva Muguga-infected lymphocytes (TpM) lines to identify/confirm genes responsible for the in vivo ECF-tolerance and in vitro proliferation phenotypes.
• Present research findings at regular lab meetings.
• Present papers at international scientific conferences.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Contribute to the development of resource mobilization proposals as appropriate.

Requirements

• PhD in Cellular Biology, Cancer Biology, Host-Pathogen Interaction or Mammalian Innate Immunity.
• Proven extensive experience working with flow cytometry and cell separation by FACS or MACS columns.
• Proven experience in executing cell proliferation assays.
• Ability to perform qPCR assays, prepare samples for transcriptomic analysis, and other molecular biology assays.
• Experience in parasitology or characterizing apoptotic pathways is an added advantage.
• Prior experience in performing luciferase reporter assays is a plus.
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas genome editing in mammalian cells is an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

The position focuses on performing genomic DNA extractions, PCR, Southern blotting, qRT-PCR, sequencing, mutation detection, and maintaining bacterial cultures. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and contribute to ongoing research in plant genome editing and trait enhancement.

• Perform genomic DNA extraction from various transgenic and gene edited events of banana, yam or any other crops for molecular analysis.
• Conduct PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qRT-PCR (quantitative Real-Time PCR) to assess gene expression and mutation verification.
• Perform mutation detection assays, including T7 endonuclease and band-shift analysis.
• Carry out Southern blot analysis for gene copy number determination and transgene integration.
• Sequence analysis for detection and validation of gene edits using techniques such as Sanger or next-generation sequencing.
• Maintain and propagate bacterial cultures for plasmid DNA preparations.
• Prepare media and assist in sub-culturing the plants. Assist in the maintenance of gene-edited plant lines in the lab and greenhouse
• Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and record-keeping for experimental results – record and analyse data
• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts related to the research findings.
• Collaborate with other team members and provide technical support in molecular techniques.
• Perform any other duty assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field with 1 year of experience or Diploma in relevant field with 3 yrs experience
• Relevant professional certification
• Hands-on experience with molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, qRT-PCR, and sequencing.
• Familiarity with Southern blotting and mutation detection assays is a plus.
• Ability to maintain detailed lab records and follow protocols with precision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working in a collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

Purpose

• This role requires a proactive individual with excellent organizational and communication skills, capable of handling a variety of administrative tasks to support the organization’s strategic and operational goals.
• Proven experience working in a diverse, multicultural setting to effectively communicate and collaborate with international partners, stakeholders, and team members. This role is crucial in ensuring the efficient administration of the office, supporting the Kenya Country Program in achieving the program’s goals, and maintaining high standards of communication and collaboration with all stakeholders.

Office Administration and Coordination:

• Implement and maintain office administrative systems, including drafting and updating contracts and procedures.
• Coordinate secretarial and administrative activities to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Manage general office operations and oversee office staff activities to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Maintain office policies, collaborating with HR and Finance functions to ensure compliance with organizational standards.

Travel and Logistics Management:

• Arrange travel logistics for staff and visitors, including hotel reservations, visa applications, itineraries, and issuance of travel tickets.
• Prepare and process travel and field expense reports, coordinating with the Travel Office and Accounting for travel requests and cash advances.
• Supervise and verify travel documents, such as visa applications and travel/miscellaneous expense claims for the Kenya regional office.

Meeting and Event Coordination:

• Organize logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, seminars, conferences, and special events, including room reservations, materials preparation, teleconferences, catering, and taking minutes.
• Lead the organization of logistics for presentations and other events, ensuring all requirements are met.

Procurement and Inventory Management:

• Oversee the procurement of goods and services such as office supplies, equipment, and stationery.
• Monitor and maintain office inventories to ensure the smooth functioning of office operations.

Financial and Budget Support:

• Collaborate in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing budgets to ensure proper management and utilization.
• Monitor project budgets, collaborator and donor-approved expenditures, and sub-contracts, ensuring timely compliance with financial requirements.
• Assist in preparing proposals, staffing plans, consultancy contracts, and budgets.

Document and Communication Management:

• Develop and maintain various filing systems and databases for easy access and retrieval of documents.
• Review and respond to inquiries and correspondences addressed to the Country Program Leader, including drafting standard letters, memos, and routine documents.
• Support the development and execution of communication plans in collaboration with the Communications and Knowledge Management team.

HR and Staff Support:

• Lead the orientation of newcomers in collaboration with the HR Business Partner, ensuring they are familiar with office procedures and systems.
• Supervise an administrative assistant, providing guidance and support for their daily tasks.

Compliance and Due Diligence:

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies (CGIAR, IFPRI, and ILRI) in office and program operations.
• Assist with due diligence activities related to program partners and subcontractors, ensuring all compliance requirements are met.
• Support project closure activities, including asset disposal and documentation archiving.

General Office Support:

• Serve as the point person for maintenance, mailing, shipping, supplies, equipment, bills, and errands.
• Prepare reports for various stakeholders, providing accurate and timely updates on office operations.

Other Duties:

• Perform any other related duties as required to ensure the smooth running of the office.

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business administration, management, or a related field, with two years relevant experience.
• Diploma in relevant field with five years of relevant experience
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including strong composition, grammar, and proofreading abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Familiarity with monitoring and managing project budgets and contracts.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work productively in a multicultural team environment.
• Attention to detail and follow-through to closure.
• Experience in a fast-paced work environment.

About the People, Policies and Institutions program

This program exists to improve and strengthen policy and institutional environments and support investment in livestock value chains for sustainable, resilient and equitable livestock systems. The program created a Policy, Investment and Advocacy Hub to provide evidence and options to support policy making and investment at sub-national, national, regional and global levels. It focuses on market system approaches for delivery of innovations, safe and affordable animal source foods and develops tested bundles of technological and institutional innovations towards scale. Another area of focus is gender, equity, diversity and inclusion in livestock systems.

Responsibilities

Science and Program Leadership

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership of the program and develop the program strategy in line with ILRI’s Strategy and CGIAR Research Programs strategies. 
• Lead complex research and provide outstanding technical expertise as well as innovative and creative science
• Stay up to date on scientific and technological advances, supervise research and analysis across a range of disciplines, topics, and fields to inform the development of new schemes/products and initiatives to be designed and managed within his/her program
• Lead the collaboration and partnership efforts of the program and support teams to network and obtain positive results in partnerships with national, regional, and international institutions in research, extension, development, and public, private, and civil society
• Ably represent ILRI in various local and international forums, meetings, and visits, which require liaison, collaborations, and negotiations with current and potential partners, which include institutions, funders, government agencies, science advocacy groups, local and global meetings, other CGIAR centers, etc.
• Lead and oversee resource mobilization efforts to support research and capacity development in line with the program and ILRI strategies. Lead development of proposals to raise resources to support new research addressing the program’s target outcomes.  Coordinate budget preparation and its execution
• Lead and facilitate the wide publication, dissemination, and communication of research findings

Team Leadership

• Lead a group of (senior) scientists, as well as post-docs and graduate students, support staff, and administrators, and create a culture of collaboration and transparent communication
• Responsible for the implementation of all programmatic and platform activities, ensuring that performance schedules are observed and outputs are completed and delivered according to expectations and within budget.
• Provide regular reports to the Institutional Leadership Team (ILT) and ILRI board in line with the business’s Critical Success Factors to facilitate analysis and reporting of programmatic performance against plans and budgets, as well as strategic objectives
• Lead and manage the Program team, maximizing effectiveness and efficiency by ensuring the implementation of work plans and program strategy, ensuring adequate staffing levels. Ensure adequate staff training, development, performance management, and routine supervision to maximize efficient productivity
• Provide technical expertise to the team, motivate and coach the team towards delivery of set goals and objectives
• Foster a performance culture to encourage learning, innovation, and continuous improvement; ensure appropriate training and capacity-building activities for program staff members to support high quality programs implementation
• Perform any other related duties as may be required.

Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Agribusiness or other Social Science with application to agriculture or rural development or related fields of science and innovation expertise
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience post PhD; working in public or private sector research management at senior level
• A significant track record in research, grant writing and reviewing and fundraising
• Sound experience in research capacity strengthening
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of science, innovation and program design and planning
• Proven experience in successfully developing, leading, and supervising complex initiatives and high performing teams
• Proven ability to develop and manage program / platform budgets and timelines
• Proven experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, networking, partnership building and relationship management at a senior level

Desirable:

• A good understanding of current international, national and pan-African issues in research priorities and pan-African agenda and how they can be addressed through best metrics of accountable management
• Sound knowledge of research processes in a similar environment - nationally and internationally

About the Health Program

This program focuses on the health and welfare of farmed livestock, people, and their shared environment through better control of animal and agriculture-associated health constraints, and increase supply of safe, healthy, animal source foods for better nutrition for people.  It includes two areas. The first one is animal health management that includes animal health technologies (vaccine and diagnostics development) and livestock population (herd and farm health management) to ensure healthy animals. The second area addresses the health challenges at the interface of animals, people and the environment including zoonoses, AMR, food safety across livestock and wildlife systems using a One Health approach.

Responsibilities

Science and Program Leadership

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership of the program and develop the program strategy in line with ILRI’s Strategy and CGIAR Research Programs strategies. 
• Lead complex research and provide outstanding technical expertise as well as innovative and creative science
• Stay up to date on scientific and technological advances, supervise research and analysis across a range of disciplines, topics, and fields to inform the development of new schemes/products and initiatives to be designed and managed within his/her program
• Lead the collaboration and partnership efforts of the program and support teams to network and obtain positive results in partnerships with national, regional, and international institutions in research, extension, development, and public, private, and civil society
• Ably represent ILRI in various local and international forums, meetings, and visits, which require liaison, collaborations, and negotiations with current and potential partners, which include institutions, funders, government agencies, science advocacy groups, local and global meetings, other CGIAR centers, etc.
• Lead and oversee resource mobilization efforts to support research and capacity development in line with the program and ILRI strategies. Lead development of proposals to raise resources to support new research addressing the program’s target outcomes.  Coordinate budget preparation and its execution
• Lead and facilitate the wide publication, dissemination, and communication of research findings

Team Leadership

• Lead a group of (senior) scientists, as well as post-docs and graduate students, support staff, and administrators, and create a culture of collaboration and transparent communication
• Responsible for the implementation of all programmatic and platform activities, ensuring that performance schedules are observed and outputs are completed and delivered according to expectations and within budget.
• Provide regular reports to the Institutional Leadership Team (ILT) and ILRI board in line with the business’s Critical Success Factors to facilitate analysis and reporting of programmatic performance against plans and budgets, as well as strategic objectives
• Lead and manage the Program team, maximizing effectiveness and efficiency by ensuring the implementation of work plans and program strategy, ensuring adequate staffing levels. Ensure adequate staff training, development, performance management, and routine supervision to maximize efficient productivity
• Provide technical expertise to the team, motivate and coach the team towards delivery of set goals and objectives
• Foster a performance culture to encourage learning, innovation, and continuous improvement; ensure appropriate training and capacity-building activities for program staff members to support high quality programs implementation
• Perform any other related duties as may be required.

Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biomedical sciences, health sciences, public health, epidemiology, or related fields of science and innovation expertise
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience post PhD; working in public or private sector research management at senior level
• A significant track record in research, grant writing and reviewing and fundraising
• Sound experience in research capacity strengthening
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of science, innovation and program design and planning
• Proven experience in successfully developing, leading, and supervising complex initiatives and high performing teams
• Proven ability to develop and manage program / platform budgets and timelines
• Proven experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, networking, partnership building and relationship management at a senior level

Desirable:

• A good understanding of current international, national and pan-African issues in research priorities and pan-African agenda and how they can be addressed through best metrics of accountable management
• Sound knowledge of research processes in a similar environment - nationally and internationally

About the Livestock Genetics, Nutrition and Feed Resources Program

This program exists to improve production efficiencies and enhance resilience in the face of climate change, through characterization, conservation and improvement of livestock and feed genetic resources.  It does this by Developing and deploying animal phenotyping and digital recording, and feed resource monitoring and assessment, systems; developing and deploying advanced technologies for development and delivery of farmer-preferred, climate adapted genotypes and characterization and conservation of livestock and feed crop genetic resources. Additionally, the program focuses on making better use and improvement of existing feed resources

Responsibilities

Science and Program Leadership

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership of the program and develop the program strategy in line with ILRI’s Strategy and CGIAR Research Programs strategies. 
• Lead complex research and provide outstanding technical expertise as well as innovative and creative science
• Stay up to date on scientific and technological advances, supervise research and analysis across a range of disciplines, topics, and fields to inform the development of new schemes/products and initiatives to be designed and managed within his/her program
• Lead the collaboration and partnership efforts of the program and support teams to network and obtain positive results in partnerships with national, regional, and international institutions in research, extension, development, and public, private, and civil society
• Ably represent ILRI in various local and international forums, meetings, and visits, which require liaison, collaborations, and negotiations with current and potential partners, which include institutions, funders, government agencies, science advocacy groups, local and global meetings, other CGIAR centers, etc.
• Lead and oversee resource mobilization efforts to support research and capacity development in line with the program and ILRI strategies. Lead development of proposals to raise resources to support new research addressing the program’s target outcomes.  Coordinate budget preparation and its execution
• Lead and facilitate the wide publication, dissemination, and communication of research findings

Team Leadership

• Lead a group of (senior) scientists, as well as post-docs and graduate students, support staff, and administrators, and create a culture of collaboration and transparent communication
• Responsible for the implementation of all programmatic and platform activities, ensuring that performance schedules are observed and outputs are completed and delivered according to expectations and within budget.
• Provide regular reports to the Institutional Leadership Team (ILT) and ILRI board in line with the business’s Critical Success Factors to facilitate analysis and reporting of programmatic performance against plans and budgets, as well as strategic objectives
• Lead and manage the Program team, maximizing effectiveness and efficiency by ensuring the implementation of work plans and program strategy, ensuring adequate staffing levels. Ensure adequate staff training, development, performance management, and routine supervision to maximize efficient productivity
• Provide technical expertise to the team, motivate and coach the team towards delivery of set goals and objectives
• Foster a performance culture to encourage learning, innovation, and continuous improvement; ensure appropriate training and capacity-building activities for program staff members to support high quality programs implementation
• Perform any other related duties as may be required.

Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Livestock Genetics, Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, Animal Breeding, Veterinary Science, or related fields of science and innovation expertise
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience post PhD; working in public or private sector research management at senior level
• A significant track record in research, grant writing and reviewing and fundraising
• Sound experience in research capacity strengthening
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of science, innovation and program design and planning
• Proven experience in successfully developing, leading, and supervising complex initiatives and high performing teams
• Proven ability to develop and manage program / platform budgets and timelines
• Proven experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, networking, partnership building and relationship management at a  senior level

Desirable:

• A good understanding of current international, national and pan-African issues in research priorities and pan-African agenda and how they can be addressed through best metrics of accountable management
• Sound knowledge of research processes in a similar environment - nationally and internationally

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct soil nutrient and GHG measurements for different land use systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to detect emission hotspots and develop mitigation options;
• Develop management interventions through laboratory and field experiements to reduce GHG emissions and nutrient losses (C, N, P) from livestock manure and improve its fertilizer quality;
• Conduct measurements of nutrient cycling processes in soils and manure to understand the underlying drivers and controls;
• Conduct household surveys to better understand current manure management and crop fertilizing practices as well as barriers and incentives for improvement;
• Operate and manage laboratory and field facilities, specifically manual and automatic soil GHG flux chambers, laser absorption spectrometers included in various setups (e.g., manure incubation chambers, soil flux chambers) to quantify GHG emissions from soil and manure;
• Perform quality control and statistical analysis of the collected data;
• Write scientific papers and prepare conference presentations; contribute to other communication products (research briefs, policy briefs, stakeholder meetings etc.);
• Co-supervise PhD and MSc students and guide research technicians;
• Develop innovative concepts and ideas for further research (including proposal writing) to address environmental aspects of agricultural productions systems that do not compromise food security.
• Perform any other related duties as may be assigned

Requirements

• PhD in biogeochemistry, agronomy, geo-ecology, environmental sciences, soil science, or related fields
• Good understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycling processes and their controls in natural and/or agroecosystems
• Considerable practical knowledge of techniques and experience with equipment used in the measurement of GHG emissions from terrestrial ecosystems
• Ability to effectively manage, visualize and analyze (statistics) large datasets using standard programming languages (i.e., R, python, Matlab, etc.)
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Proven track record of scientific writing as first and/or corresponding author
• Knowledge of agricultural production systems in developing and/or developed countries is an asset
• Knowledge of chemical analysis of environmental samples (soil, manure, water) is an asset
• Experience with NH3 measurements is an asset
• Experience in doing household surveys using the ODK platform is an asset